GMC Registration: A Guide to deciding on whether the OET or IELTS is right for you
Doctors registering with the General Medical Council (GMC) must demonstrate their English language proficiency. This is typically done by taking one of two recognised tests: the Occupational English Test (OET) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS).
This document compares the structure, preparation, scoring, and costs of these exams to help you decide which test is most suitable for your needs.
What is the OET?
The Occupational English Test (OET) is designed for healthcare professionals and evaluates English proficiency through healthcare-specific contexts.
It features 12 versions tailored to various professions, such as medicine, nursing, and dentistry. While the listening and reading sections are the same for all professions, the speaking and writing sections are customised for each field.
Doctors seeking GMC registration must take the Medicine-specific version of the OET.
What is the IELTS?
The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) assesses English proficiency for individuals planning to study or work in English-speaking environments.
Unlike the OET, the IELTS is not healthcare-specific. It evaluates candidates’ general language skills across a wide range of topics.
Medical professionals registering with the GMC must take the Academic version of the IELTS, not the General Training version.
Exam Structure
OET:
The OET evaluates four skills:
- Listening (45 minutes)
- Reading (60 minutes)
- Writing (45 minutes)
- Speaking (20 minutes)
The writing and speaking tasks are profession-specific, while the listening and reading sections are standard across professions.
IELTS:
The IELTS also tests four skills:
- Listening (40 minutes)
- Reading (60 minutes)
- Writing (60 minutes)
- Speaking (11–14 minutes)
The test content is general and not tailored to any specific profession.
Preparation Differences
Preparation for the OET focuses on healthcare-specific terminology and scenarios, such as writing referral letters or conducting professional discussions.
In contrast, preparing for the IELTS involves mastering a wide range of academic topics, vocabulary, and writing skills applicable to general academic contexts.
Scoring System
OET:
The OET uses a grading scale from E (lowest) to A (highest), corresponding to point ranges. To meet GMC standards, candidates must score at least Grade B (350 points) in all four sections.
IELTS:
The IELTS uses a 0–9 band scale for each section. GMC registration requires an overall band score of 7.5, with no individual component scoring below 7.0.
Costs
The cost of the IELTS ranges from £170 to £195, depending on the test location.
The OET costs approximately $587 AUD (around £330), but this may vary based on location.
Are Both Tests Accepted by the GMC?
Yes, both the OET and IELTS are recognised by the GMC for registration purposes.
Which Test is Easier?
There is no definitive evidence to suggest that one test is easier than the other. Your choice should depend on your strengths and familiarity with the test format.
