Rules, comparisons and data

What IELTS score do you need as an orthoptist in the UK?

Orthoptists are regulated by the HCPC, which needs IELTS 7.0 with no element below 6.5 from applicants whose first qualification is not from one of its listed English-speaking countries. IELTS Academic and General Training both count if taken at a test centre. TOEFL iBT is the only alternative: the HCPC lists OET for six other professions only, and does not accept PTE.
  • Guide updated · 29 October 2026
  • 3 sections
  • IELTS

Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 29 October 2026

HCPC minimum scores for orthoptists

From the HCPC's certificate of English language proficiency page. The OET table on that page covers podiatrists, dietitians, occupational therapists, speech and language therapists, physiotherapists and radiographers, not orthoptists.

TestMinimum for orthoptists
IELTS (Academic or General, UKVI or non-UKVI)7.0 with no element below 6.5
TOEFL iBTBefore 21 January 2026: 100/120. From 21 January 2026: overall 5 with reading 4.5, listening 5, writing 4.5, speaking 5
OETNot listed for orthoptists

Retakes, test rules and validity

IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training are both accepted, in UKVI and non-UKVI versions, but only at an official test centre, not at home. Certificates must be no more than two years old when the HCPC receives your application.

IELTS One Skill Retake is accepted if the retake is done within six months of the original test and the retake result appears on the test report alongside the original results. The retake is valid for the same two-year period as the original test.

TOEFL iBT is not accepted if taken in the UK, and the HCPC does not accept combined scores, superscores or MyBest scores. PTE Academic is not on the HCPC's list.

Need a SELT for a UK visa?

Where the Home Office asks for a Secure English Language Test, IELTS for UKVI and PTE Academic UKVI are approved. Practise the format free.

Free IELTS for UKVI practice →

Practise before you book: free IELTS mock test, IELTS reading practice, IELTS listening practice and IELTS speaking predictions.

Who needs a test

You do not need a test if the qualification that first let you practise was gained in a country on the HCPC's qualifying countries list, which includes Australia, Canada, Ireland, Kenya, Malta, New Zealand, the USA and a number of Caribbean and other territories. Everyone else applying through the international route must send a test certificate.

Regulators change these rules, sometimes at short notice. Confirm the current scores on the HCPC page before you book a test.

Frequently asked questions

What IELTS score do orthoptists need in the UK?+

7.0 overall with no element below 6.5.

Can orthoptists use OET?+

No. The HCPC lists OET only for six other professions.

What TOEFL score do orthoptists need?+

100/120 before 21 January 2026; from that date, overall 5 with reading 4.5, listening 5, writing 4.5 and speaking 5.

Is IELTS One Skill Retake accepted?+

Yes, within six months of the original test and shown on the same test report.

Keep reading

Related

Guide updated on 29 October 2026. Individual prices and policies may have earlier observation dates. Confirm current details on the linked official pages before you book or apply.

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