English language requirements

To apply for medical registration in Australia, an overseas trained doctor (OTD) must first pass an English language proficiency test, or be granted an exemption. It is your responsibility, as the employer, to ensure that the applicant's communication skills are appropriate for the position.

International Medical Graduates need to submit evidence to the relevant registration authority of competency in speaking and communicating in English, as demonstrated by having completed the IELTS examination (Academic module) to the following standard:

1. The applicant must have achieved a minium score of 7 in each of the four components.
2. Alternative English proficiency tests that will be accepted are:
   
   • Completed and obtained an overall pass in the Occupational English Test (OET) with grades A or B only in each of the four components; or
   • A pass in the Professional Linguistic Assessment Board (PLAB) in the United Kingdom; or
   • A pass inthe New Zealand registration Examination (NZREX) in New Zealand.
     
3. Results must have been obtained within 2 years prior to applying for registration.

In addition to Medical Registration Board requirements regarding English language proficiency, all applicants for the Australian Medical Council (AMC) examination or for specialist assessment (including for Area of Need specialist positions) are required to pass the language test at an acceptable level or be granted an exemption before being allowed to commence AMC examinations.

For information regarding English proficiency requirements, check the AMC's website.

Resources for your OTD to obtain additional English language training to help them to prepare for an examination can be found in the Training section. Resources to specifically help OTDs to familiarise themselves with Australian English and Australian medical terminology can be found in the Cultural awareness section.