United Kingdom · Professional registration
IELTS score for GMC registration (doctors)
The GMC accepts IELTS Academic, including IELTS for UKVI, with an overall score of at least 7.5 and at least 7.0 in each skill, all from the same test.
Set by General Medical Council. Checked against the official source on 23 October 2026.
Scores required
Test: IELTS Academic
- Overall
- 7.5
- listening
- 7.0
- reading
- 7.0
- writing
- 7.0
- speaking
- 7.0
Scores are minimums: the score in each skill must be at least the figure shown, as well as the overall band.
What else to know
- IELTS taken at a test centre, IELTS Online and IELTS One Skill Retake are accepted. The IELTS Indicator test is not.
- One Skill Retake can be used once, within 60 days of a full IELTS on computer test, to replace one section that missed the minimum.
- Scores from different sittings cannot be combined, and the scores must be from your most recent test.
- Certificates are valid for two years: for PLAB 1 on the exam day, and for registration when the GMC approves your application.
- OET is also accepted, as are some other kinds of evidence, such as a primary medical qualification taught and examined in English.
Official sources
- GMC: Using your IELTS certificatewww.gmc-uk.org/registration-and-licensing/join-our-registers/before-you-apply-guide-for-doctors/evidence-of-your-knowledge-of-english/using-your-ielts-certificate
Figures confirmed by hand on 23 October 2026. Requirements change: the official source always decides.
Preparing for this score
This requirement is for IELTS Academic. Writing is usually the hardest score to reach, so practise full Task 1 and Task 2 answers under time and check where you lose marks.
See how close you are to the score you need
Take a timed mock test and get estimated band scores for each skill, with the errors that are costing you marks.
Try a mock testOther requirements in United Kingdom
- NMC (nurses, midwives and nursing associates)Listening 7.0, reading 7.0, writing 6.5, speaking 7.0
- HCPC (allied health professions)Overall 7.0; 6.5 in each skill
- GPhC (pharmacists and pharmacy technicians)Overall 7.0; 7.0 in each skill
- Skilled Worker and Health and Care Worker visas5.5 in each skill; CEFR B2 in reading, writing, speaking and listening
- Student visaCEFR B2 for degree-level study; CEFR B1 below degree level
- Family visa (partner or spouse)CEFR A1 for a first application; A2 to extend after 2.5 years; B1 for settlement after 5 years
This page summarises a published requirement. It is not immigration or legal advice, and we cannot advise on individual cases: for that, use the official body or a regulated adviser. IELTS is a registered trademark. IELTS Prep Studio is not affiliated with or endorsed by the British Council, IDP: IELTS Australia, or Cambridge Assessment English.