Using other types of evidence

Can you submit any other evidence of your knowledge of English?

If you’re applying to take the PLAB test, you can only use your IELTS certificate, OET certificate or primary medical qualification as evidence of your knowledge of English.

If you are applying for registration with a licence to practise through the sponsorship route , you must demonstrate your knowledge of English using either an acceptable IELTS or Occupational English Test (OET) certificate awarded within the last two years. However this does not apply if you are a national of a country where English is the first and native language and you were awarded your primary medical degree from a country where English is the first and native language. Please check our list of countries where English is the first and native country towards the end of this guidance.

Sometimes, for other routes to registration, you may be able to submit other evidence of your knowledge of English. However, this is at our discretion.

You may submit:

  • a pass in a language test for registration with a medical regulatory authority in a country where English is the first and native language. This must be less than two years old.

You may not submit evidence of secondary or non-medical university education, regardless of where it was completed.

This is because we require all applicants to show they can read, write and speak in English. Applicants must also demonstrate they can use English to interact with patients, their families and colleagues. Non-medical English education does not offer that type of interaction and so we are not able to accept it.

Please note, we can’t assess evidence before you have submitted an application for registration.

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