What IELTS score do nurses need for Ireland (NMBI)?

NMBI accepts only test results less than two years old and verifies scores independently. It does not accept combined results, IELTS One Skill Retake, IELTS Online or OET at home. It lists only IELTS and OET for applicants from outside the EU, so PTE is not among the accepted tests. Other tests equivalent to CEFR C1 are considered only for EU Directive applicants.

NMBI warns that the assessment fee is non-refundable if you apply without meeting the English requirement, so do not apply until you hold the scores.

For applications started online (after 28 September 2020), English evidence is requested at Stage 2, the registration application, and must be valid when you submit it. Stage 1, qualification recognition, does not need it.

You may not need a test if your pre-registration qualification was taught and examined in English in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the USA or the UK, or if you have three years of post-registration practice in the last five years in one of those countries. Regulators change these rules, sometimes at short notice. Confirm the current scores on the NMBI page before you book a test.