Pharmacy Council minimum scores
These are from the Pharmacy Council's English language requirements page, read in October 2026.
| Test | Minimum | Validity | Combining results |
|---|---|---|---|
| IELTS Academic | 7.0 in each of listening, reading, writing and speaking | Achieved within two years of the date of application | One Skill Retake accepted: one attempt only, for one skill, within 60 days of the original test day |
| OET | A or B in each of listening, reading, writing and speaking | Achieved within two years of the date of application | Results from earlier OET tests within a two-year period accepted if not all scores came at one sitting |
| PTE Academic, TOEFL | Not listed by the Pharmacy Council | Not applicable | Not applicable |
Who has to send test results
Pharmacists registered in Australia, Canada, Ireland, the UK or the USA do not have to provide English language information. The Council can still restrict your eligibility to practise if you are found not to communicate effectively in English.
New Zealand BPharm graduates and Australian pharmacy graduates entering the Intern Scope of Practice sign a statement agreeing to accept the Council's decision if a preceptor, health professional or member of the public finds their English is not at an acceptable standard. Pharmacists registered in any other country need the IELTS or OET scores above.
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An overall IELTS band score is not stated by the Pharmacy Council; the page sets 7.0 in each of the four bands. It names the Academic category, so General Training is not on its list.
Whether two full IELTS tests can be combined is not stated by the Pharmacy Council; only One Skill Retake (for IELTS) and earlier OET results are mentioned. OET results are verified against OET records. Regulators change these rules, sometimes at short notice. Confirm the current scores on the Pharmacy Council page before you book a test.
Frequently asked questions
What IELTS score do pharmacists need for New Zealand?+
IELTS Academic with at least 7.0 in each of listening, reading, writing and speaking, achieved within two years of applying.
Does the Pharmacy Council accept IELTS One Skill Retake?+
Yes, one attempt only, for one skill, within 60 days of the original test day.
I am registered in the UK. Do I need IELTS for New Zealand?+
No. Pharmacists registered in Australia, Canada, Ireland, the UK or the USA do not have to provide English language information.
Is OET accepted?+
Yes. OET with A or B in each of the four bands within two years; earlier OET results within a two-year period can be combined.
Is PTE accepted by the Pharmacy Council of New Zealand?+
PTE is not listed. The page names only IELTS Academic and OET.
Keep reading
Related
- IELTS for pharmacists in Australia
- IELTS One Skill Retake explained
- IELTS for New Zealand
- Free IELTS Academic mock test
- 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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