How often do you think about relocating to a different country? What is the first thing that comes to your mind when you hear about the United Kingdom? Work-life balance, superior quality of life, better healthcare opportunities for yourself and your family might be some of your first thoughts. The very next thought would be, where do I start? Are there any specific English language exams that I need to gain my GMC registration? Read on to have all your queries answered.
English language requirements to be eligible for GMC Registration
To move to the UK, as a doctor you need to be registered with the General Medical Council also known as the GMC. General Medical Council is the regulatory body responsible for maintaining the official register of all the medical practitioners within the United Kingdom. Therefore, International Medical Graduate (IMG) doctors who are looking forward to relocating to the UK and practicing within the NHS need to first & foremost get themselves registered with the GMC.
To successfully register with the GMC, you will need to first demonstrate your level of English.
GMC English Language Requirements
One option is to take The International English Language Testing System (IELTS).
Depending on your preference, you can either handwrite your answers for your IELTS exam of you can use a computer.
To pass your IELTS exam you need to have a minimum overall score of 7.5 and a minimum score of 7 in each sub-test – listening, reading, writing, and speaking.
The Listening, Reading, and Writing sections will all be completed on the same day.
However, the Speaking section can be completed up to a week before or after the other tests.
Another option is to choose Occupational English Test (OET).
The OET exam covers all four language skills and has an emphasis on communicating in a healthcare environment.
You will need to gain an overall score of grade B and above across all four papers – reading, writing, listening, and speaking.
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Primary Medical Qualification
The GMC will occasionally accept your primary medical qualification (PMQ) as evidence of your English language skills. This will only be accepted if your qualification is less than two years old by the time of registration. The qualification also much have been taught & examined solely in the English language. You will also need to confirm that a minimum of 75% of your course consisted of interactions with the clinicians, healthcare professionals, patients, and relatives in English.
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Reference from an Employer
A reference document of an IMG who has worked in the medical capacity for a minimum of two years (recent) in a country where English is their first or native language might also be accepted. However, you will need to ask your employee for this and be able to confirm whether you have ever taken the OET or IELTS exam.
English speaking countries accepted by the GMC
- Ascension
- Australia
- Bermuda
- British Antarctic Territory (BAT)
- British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT)
- Canada
- Falkland Islands
- Gibraltar
- Guernsey
- Guyana (formerly British Guiana)
- Ireland
- Isle of Man
- Jersey
- New Zealand
- Pitcairn
- Singapore
- South Africa
- Sovereign Base Areas of Akrotiri and Dhekelia on Cyprus (CBA’s)
- South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands
- St Helena
- Tristan da Cunha
- United Kingdom
- United States of America
- US Virgin Islands
Caribbean Islands:
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Anguilla
- Bahamas
- Barbados
- British Virgin Islands
- Cayman Islands
- Dominica
- Grenada
- Grenadines
- Jamaica
- Montserrat
- St Kitts and Nevis
- St Lucia
- St Vincent
- Trinidad and Tobago
- Turks and Caicos Islands
Where can I find more information?
At Remedium, our team have an expert understanding of all the qualifications you will require to find a job as an international doctor in the UK. As well as offering guidance of life support qualifications, we can also support you with questions around postgraduate qualifications, GMC registration, visas and COS and much more. If you have any further questions, register your details and upload your CV with us today to speak with one of our specialist recruitment advisors. Our team will provide you with tailored advice according to your specific background and job preferences and requirements.
