Choosing Between IELTS or OET for GMC Registration

When it comes to GMC registration, English language proficiency is a key requirement. It’s important to note that if you’re applying for a Health and Care Worker visa, you won’t need to prove your English skills again if you’ve already passed a language assessment accepted by the GMC. This means you have the option to take either the IELTS or OET test — both of which are recognised by the GMC.

But with both options on the table, we often hear the question: Which is the better exam to take — IELTS or OET? The answer depends on a few factors. Let’s break down the key considerations to help you decide which exam is right for you.

Purpose & Content

IELTS is a general-purpose test that measures English proficiency across various contexts, making it suitable for multiple professions and academic purposes. To pass, you’ll need an overall score of 7.5, with at least 7.0 in each section.

OET, on the other hand, is specifically designed for healthcare professionals. The content is tailored to medical and healthcare-related contexts, making it highly relevant to daily medical practice. To pass, you’ll need a grade B in all four sections.

Advantages & Disadvantages

IELTS

Advantages: Recognised by a wide range of institutions and for various purposes. Demonstrates proficiency in English beyond medical contexts.

Disadvantages: No focus on medical terminology or scenarios, which might be less relevant for daily medical practice. Achieving the required scores can be challenging, particularly for those less comfortable with non-medical English.

OET

Advantages: The content is directly relevant to medical professionals, including role-plays and medical writing tasks. More applicable to daily medical practice, which can make preparation feel more relevant and less abstract.

Disadvantages: While highly relevant for medical professions, it is not as widely recognised outside of healthcare settings. Test centres and dates may be less available in some regions compared to IELTS.

Preparation Strategies

No matter which test you choose, preparation is key. Here are some strategies to help you succeed:

For IELTS

Improve your overall English proficiency by reading, listening to English media (TV, podcasts, audiobooks, radio), and practicing speaking and writing on various topics.
Engage in conversations with friends, colleagues, and family in English as much as possible.
Practice writing about your day or past experiences in English to enhance your writing skills.
Visit the link to access IELTS | IELTS Preparation Resources

For OET

Focus on medical scenarios, terminology, and communication skills.
Participate in role-plays and writing tasks relevant to healthcare.
Practice writing clinical scenarios or medical notes in English to sharpen your writing skills.
Visit the link to access OET preparation resources

Personal Considerations

If you’re more comfortable with medical terminology and scenarios, OET might be the better choice.
Consider which test you can prepare for more effectively based on your current level of English and available resources.
If you might need your English test results for purposes beyond GMC registration, IELTS offers more flexibility.
Check the availability of test dates and locations for both IELTS and OET in your area.
Evaluate your personal strengths, professional needs, and logistical factors to make the best decision for your situation

So, Which Should You Choose—IELTS or OET?

Choose IELTS if you’re looking for a test with broader recognition, are comfortable with general English, and may need the test results for non-medical purposes.

Choose OET if you prefer a test tailored to healthcare professionals, find medical English easier to relate to, and plan to use the test specifically for GMC registration or other healthcare-related purposes.

Still undecided or need more personalised advice? Our specialist team is here to help: