The Recruitment Process for an Overseas Nurse- Part 1- ENGLISH
You are a registered nurse outside the UK.
The UK has always been the dream BUT where to start?
There are so many forums, pages, things to search on Google however it can be overwhelming.
As recruiters we can sometimes take it for granted that a nurse who wishes to work in the UK has full knowledge of the total recruitment process. So rather than just assume everyone knows what they are doing, here is a brief summary of the recruitment process for an overseas nurse.
First things first – English Language proficiency.
To register with the Nursing and Midwifery Council you must provide evidence of your language capabilities.
Two exams are accepted by the NMC and this IELTS https://www.ielts.org/ or OET https://www.occupationalenglishtest.org/
IELTS (International English Language Testing System)
Academic IELTS
An overall score of 7 is accepted however you must score at least 7 in each module of Speaking, Listening and Reading and a minimum of 6.5 in writing.
If you find you have scored below 7 in one module you must retake the exam, if you scored a minimum 6.5 you may be eligible to combine scores across two exams taken within a 6 month period.
Please note any scores below 6.5 are not eligible to be combined.
Below is an example of what scores will be accepted by the NMC
| Accepted by NMC | Listening | Reading | Writing | Speaking |
| TEST 1 | 7 | 6.5 | 6.5 | 7 |
| TEST 2 | 6.5 | 7 | 7 | 8 |
| Not Accepted | Listening | Reading | Writing | Speaking |
| TEST 1 | 6 | 7.5 | 6.5 | 7 |
| TEST | 6.5 | 7 | 7.5 | 7 |
OET (Occupational English Test)
The OET is scored differently. The pass mark for the NMC is B in Listening, Reading & Speaking and C+ in Writing.
As with the IELTS you can combine scores if you have scored minimum of C+ in module that is not writing. Below is what the NMC will and will not accept
| Accepted By NMC | Listening | Reading | Writing | Speaking |
| TEST 1 | C+ | B | B | B |
| TEST 2 | B | B | C+ | B |
| Not Accepted | Listening | Reading | Writing | Speaking |
| TEST 1 | C+ | B | B | B |
| TEST 2 | C | B | C+ | B |
What is the difference between the two exams?
OET tests your ability to speak English in a healthcare setting.
Academic IELTS tests your overall ability to speak English
Cost
Academic IELTS is £175-£195 GBP depending on location
OET is approx. £329 GBP
Training
We strongly advise everyone to obtain some form of training before sitting either exam.
There are lots of trainers out there, we can also recommend an online IELTS and OET Trainer for Medical Professionals the iTutor. Kalsom Butt https://www.facebook.com/kalsoom.butt.3
Lastly, please we advise EVERYONE to sit the language testing before they sit the CBT. You will not be able to secure a job interview without proof of language proficiency.
For more information on the recruitment process, please contact us at Global Medical Professionals.