English language requirements

When you apply to register with us, we need to be satisfied you have the necessary knowledge of English to communicate clearly and effectively.

This requirement is the same for all applicants to our register. 

Types of evidence we accept

There are three types of evidence that will satisfy us that you have the necessary knowledge of English to practise in the UK. We will accept one of these types without needing further evidence.

If you cannot provide the evidence we request, or we are not satisfied with what you send us, you will need to provide an alternative type of evidence.

We highly recommend you make sure you can meet our language evidence requirements before you apply to us.

Explore our three accepted evidence types below to decide which is best suited to your circumstances.

See our guidance on language requirements for a more detailed overview or have a look at our FAQs below.

Find out more about providing English language evidence

English language tests

You have recently achieved the required scores in one of our accepted English language tests

Find out more

Qualified in English

You have a pre-registration nurse, midwife or nursing associate qualification that was taught and examined in English

Find out more

Recent practice in English

You have one year of recent practice as a nurse, midwife, or nursing associate in a country where English is the majority-spoken language

Find out more

Providing supporting information from your employer

Some people who apply to join our register may be eligible to provide additional information from their current UK employer to support their application. Whether you can use this option will depend on your circumstances and whether you can meet certain requirements.