There are two English Language tests that the NMC will accept from international joiners – the IELTS Test (International English Language Testing System) and the OET (the Occupational English Test). In recent years, despite the fact that the OET is more expensive, we have seen the OET rise in popularity because the language test is in context – nurses are asked to respond to clinical scenarios rather than the IELTS test where they could be asked about anything – jam making included!
Since the threshold for English Language tests was lowered back in 2019 and a 6.5 for Writing in the IELTS (rather than 7.0) and a C+ for Writing in the OET (rather than a B) was permitted in the OET, we have seen a rise in the number of international applicants. More recent changes, following consultation, include more generous rules on “clubbing” English Language test scores together and also permitting Employers to provide evidence of English Language skills in practice, have also marginally improved the pipeline. However, the English Language guidance is always under scrutiny and therefore it would not be surprising if the regulations were updated again in the near future.
Undeniably, the English Language test is one of the greatest factors limiting the supply of international nurses from overseas. Understandably, the NMC only wants to permit individuals onto their register who have a good grasp of English and can operate in a dynamic and fast-paced environment. However, there is a huge number of nursing applicants who repeatedly try to sit the test and fail to get the required score. It is an extremely challenging exam and one that can be very challenging to study for alongside work and family life.
One of the unexpected side effects we are seeing due to this challenge around the English Language Test, is that now that the role of Senior Carer has been added to the Shortage Occupation List, many nurses are applying for these roles (despite the role not requiring a nursing background) as they really want to relocate to the UK as a nurse but simply haven’t had the scores to do it, so instead they enter at a lower grade.
Employers can capitalise on this by offering these Senior Carers the opportunity to progress to Nurse within their organisation if they obtain the requisite grades post arrival, thereby encouraging retention and developing a sustainable pipeline of nursing talent. That being said, it is important that the nurse must have been licensed as a nurse in their home country if this is the progression route of choice because if they were not registered in their home country, they will not be eligible for registration with the NMC in the UK.
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