The GMC accepts the academic IELTS or the OET (medicine version) as evidence of English. The score bars are high (check the current requirements on the GMC site), so plan time for practice.
| IELTS Academic | OET (medicine) | |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | General academic English | Healthcare English in realistic clinical settings |
| GMC requirement (at time of writing) | 7.0 in each skill, 7.5 overall | Grade B in each skill |
| Good for | Candidates with strong general English and reading speed | Candidates who work in clinical English every day |
A six-week plan
- Week 1: take a full practice test under timed conditions and find your lowest skill.
- Weeks 2–3: daily focused practice on that skill; keep a log of errors.
- Weeks 4–5: full tests twice a week; read and listen to British English (news, clinical podcasts).
- Week 6: review, rest, and check booking and ID rules.
Skill by skill
- Writing: plan for five minutes, then write; organise paragraphs; avoid memorised templates that look repetitive.
- Speaking: practise with a partner and record yourself; answer in full sentences with examples.
- Reading: skim then scan; practise under time pressure.
- Listening: practise with a range of accents, including British regional accents.
General education, reviewed 24 October 2026. Guidance changes: confirm with the official sources. Not medical, legal or immigration advice.