We announced this week that we would apply amendments to the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) and the Occupational English Test (OET) requirements for nurses and midwives who did not complete their qualifications through English. These amendments, which are the result of a review that began in 2019, better relate to requirements for day to day practice while ensuring that the appropriate standard of English language is still achieved. They bring Ireland in line with other international health regulators who have also recently reviewed language standards.

‘We have reviewed a number of approaches and protocols at NMBI over the last 12 months and I am delighted that the language review which has now been approved by the Board could benefit many nurses and midwives of quality who want to register to support the fight against COVID-19,’ said Sheila McClelland, CEO NMBI. ‘We have decreased the writing score by 0.5 and believe that the application of this will not compromise practice. There is evidence in the UK and further afield that our amendments will provide a positive result.’

Details of the amended IELTS and OET requirements along with the mechanism for their review in 12 months, can be found on the NMBI website.