Every doctor must show the knowledge of English needed for safe practice. The GMC accepts the following; scores and validity can change, so read the current GMC page before booking a test.
| Evidence | Requirement (as reported by the GMC at the time of writing) |
|---|---|
| IELTS Academic | 7.5 overall with at least 7.0 in each of listening, reading, writing and speaking, from the same sitting |
| OET (Medicine) | Grade B in each of listening, reading, writing and speaking (no overall score), from the same sitting |
| Other | A primary medical qualification taught and examined in English, or recent continuous practice in a country on the GMC’s accepted list, may remove the need for a test |
- Test results are normally valid for two years when you apply for registration.
- Only the Academic version of IELTS is accepted (including UKVI sittings).
- The GMC has published research suggesting thresholds could be raised in future; check for any announcement.
Your checklist
- Chosen IELTS or OET
- Booked the test
- Reached the required scores
Fees, English-test scores and dates were last checked against official sources on 24 October 2026.
This page is general education, reviewed 24 October 2026. Rules, fees and dates change: always confirm with the official sources below. It is not medical, legal or immigration advice.