Can I combine scores from two sittings?

No. Every minimum score must be achieved in the same test and in the most recent sitting of the test, so scores from two sittings are not combined; the one exception is a single One Skill Retake of the one section a full test missed.

Does the GMC accept the IELTS One Skill Retake?

Yes, once. Where one section of the full test misses the minimum, a One Skill Retake pass in that section at the required score is accepted, only once, if the full test was an IELTS on computer test at a centre that offers the retake and the retake is sat within 60 days of it (not after an online or paper test).

How long is my result valid?

IELTS and OET certificates are valid for two years; for registration the certificate must be valid when the application is approved, with an extension to three years when PLAB 2 was passed less than three months before the application was received.

Do I need a test if my medical degree was taught in English?

Not always. A primary medical qualification less than two years old, taught and examined solely in English with at least 75 per cent of clinical interaction in English, confirmed by the university, may be accepted; if older, employer references for the last two years; not needed for nationals of English-first-language countries whose degree is from such a country; some universities are excluded.

Which nationalities need no English evidence?

Nationals of the countries on the GMC's list whose primary medical qualification is from one of them. India, Pakistan, Nigeria, Egypt and the Philippines are not on it.

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🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Doctors

What IELTS or OET score do doctors need for GMC registration?

The GMC asks for IELTS Academic 7.5 overall with 7.0 in each part, or OET grade B in each of speaking, listening, reading and writing, in the same test and the most recent sitting.

Checked 23 Oct 2026 · GMC ↗

Minimum scores

IELTS Academic	7.5 overall, with 7.0 in each of listening, reading, writing and speaking
OET	Grade B in each of speaking, listening, reading and writing, in the same test and the most recent sitting
OET formats	OET on paper, on computer and OET@Home are accepted

Good to know

Can I combine scores from two sittings?: No. Every minimum score must be achieved in the same test and in the most recent sitting of the test, so scores from two sittings are not combined; the one exception is a single One Skill Retake of the one section a full test missed.
Does the GMC accept the IELTS One Skill Retake?: Yes, once. Where one section of the full test misses the minimum, a One Skill Retake pass in that section at the required score is accepted, only once, if the full test was an IELTS on computer test at a centre that offers the retake and the retake is sat within 60 days of it (not after an online or paper test).
How long is my result valid?: IELTS and OET certificates are valid for two years; for registration the certificate must be valid when the application is approved, with an extension to three years when PLAB 2 was passed less than three months before the application was received.
Do I need a test if my medical degree was taught in English?: Not always. A primary medical qualification less than two years old, taught and examined solely in English with at least 75 per cent of clinical interaction in English, confirmed by the university, may be accepted; if older, employer references for the last two years; not needed for nationals of English-first-language countries whose degree is from such a country; some universities are excluded.
Which nationalities need no English evidence?: Nationals of the countries on the GMC's list whose primary medical qualification is from one of them. India, Pakistan, Nigeria, Egypt and the Philippines are not on it.

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Tell us your scores, your degree and your internship, and we show which GMC route is open to you and what is left, with each fee and how long it takes.

Sources

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