IELTS for UK nursing (NMC registration)
The IELTS scores the Nursing and Midwifery Council needs to register a nurse or midwife: 7.0 in three skills and 6.5 in Writing, and how two sittings combine.
The band you need
| For | Test | Overall | Each skill |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nurses and midwivesIELTS Academic for UKVI also accepted; One Skill Retake, IELTS Online and Indicator are not. | IELTS Academic | Not stated | Listening 7.0, Reading 7.0, Speaking 7.0, Writing 6.5 |
| Combining two sittingsWithin 12 months of each other, all four skills each time. | IELTS Academic | Not stated | Best scores meet the above; none below 6.5 (Writing 6.0) |
Checked 29 October 2026 against the sources below. Requirements change, and your university or employer may ask for more: confirm with them before you book.
A practice plan
- Book IELTS Academic (or Academic for UKVI) at a test centre; the NMC does not accept IELTS Online or a One Skill Retake.
- Writing needs 6.5: check every Task 1 and Task 2 against the criteria with the checker and model answers.
- Aim for 7.5 in Listening and Reading in practice, so a hard paper still gives you 7.0.
- If one sitting falls short, a second within 12 months can combine with it, as long as no score is below the floors.
Start here
Questions
Can I combine two IELTS results for the NMC?
Yes, two sittings within 12 months of each other: your best scores across both must meet the requirement, no score in either may be below 6.5 (6.0 in Writing), and both must be no more than two years old when the NMC assesses your application.
Does the NMC accept a One Skill Retake?
No. Nor IELTS Online or IELTS Indicator.
How much does IELTS cost in Bangladesh?
IDP Bangladesh lists IELTS on Computer (Academic or General Training) at BDT 31,100 and IELTS for UKVI at BDT 34,850, and a One Skill Retake at BDT 18,600. Check the current fee when you book.