HCPC minimum scores for paramedics
The Health and Care Professions Council accepts IELTS, TOEFL iBT and OET (HCPC, page updated 13 June 2025). Its OET table covers podiatrists, dietitians, occupational therapists, speech and language therapists, physiotherapists and radiographers; paramedics are not on it.
| Test | Paramedic minimum |
|---|---|
| IELTS (Academic or General, UKVI or not) | 7.0 with no element below 6.5 |
| TOEFL iBT taken before 21 January 2026 | 100/120 |
| TOEFL iBT taken on or after 21 January 2026 | Overall 5; Reading 4.5, Listening 5, Writing 4.5, Speaking 5 |
| OET | Not listed for paramedics |
| PTE Academic | Not accepted |
One Skill Retake, combining and validity
The HCPC accepts an IELTS One Skill Retake taken within 6 months of the original test, if the retake result is on the test report with the original results; it is valid for the same two-year period. Combining two separate IELTS sittings is not stated by the HCPC.
For TOEFL, the HCPC does not accept tests taken in the United Kingdom, or combined scores, superscores or MyBest scores. All certificates must be no more than two years old when the HCPC receives your application.
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If the qualification that first let you practise was gained in a country on the HCPC's list, which includes Australia, Canada, Ireland, Kenya, Malta, New Zealand and the USA, you do not need to provide a test (HCPC list). Visa rules are not stated by the HCPC on this page; see IELTS for the UK.
Regulators change these rules, sometimes at short notice. Confirm the current scores on the HCPC page before you book a test. Practising under timed conditions, for example with a BandLadder mock, helps you check that no single skill dips below 6.5.
Frequently asked questions
What IELTS score do paramedics need in the UK?+
7.0 overall with no element below 6.5, on IELTS Academic or General Training.
Can paramedics use OET for the HCPC?+
OET is not listed for paramedics. The HCPC lists OET only for podiatrists, dietitians, occupational therapists, speech and language therapists, physiotherapists and radiographers.
Is PTE accepted for paramedics?+
No. The HCPC accepts IELTS, TOEFL iBT and OET only.
What TOEFL score do paramedics need?+
100/120 for tests before 21 January 2026. From that date: overall 5, with reading 4.5, listening 5, writing 4.5 and speaking 5.
How old can my IELTS certificate be?+
No more than two years old when the HCPC receives your application.
Keep reading
Related
- IELTS for HCPC registration (all professions)
- TOEFL's new score scale (2026)
- IELTS for the UK
- IELTS band score calculator
- All 711 guides
Verified against the linked official sources on 6 October 2026. Rules change: confirm on the official page before you book or apply.
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