HCPC minimum scores for physiotherapists
The Health and Care Professions Council accepts certificates from three providers only: IELTS, TOEFL iBT and OET (HCPC, page updated 13 June 2025). For IELTS it accepts Academic and General, in UKVI and non-UKVI versions. Every test must be taken at an official test centre, not at home.
| Test | Physiotherapist minimum |
|---|---|
| IELTS (Academic or General) | 7.0 with no element below 6.5 |
| OET Physiotherapy | 1400 with no element below 300 |
| 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 |
| PTE Academic | Not accepted (not one of the three providers) |
One Skill Retake, combining results and TOEFL limits
The HCPC accepts an IELTS One Skill Retake if it is done within 6 months of the original test and the retake result is shown on the test report alongside the original results. The retake is valid for the same two-year period as the original.
Combining two separate IELTS sittings is not stated by the HCPC. For TOEFL, the HCPC does not accept tests taken in the United Kingdom, and does not accept combined scores, superscores or MyBest scores.
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Take a free scored IELTS mock →Exemption: qualifying in an English-speaking country
You do not need a test 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, the USA and a number of Caribbean and overseas territories (full list). Visa requirements are not stated by the HCPC on this page; see IELTS for the UK for the immigration side.
Regulators change these rules, sometimes at short notice. Confirm the current scores on the HCPC page before you book a test. If you are aiming for 7.0 with no band under 6.5, a full BandLadder mock shows which skill is closest to the floor.
Frequently asked questions
What IELTS score do physiotherapists need for the HCPC?+
7.0 overall with no element below 6.5. Academic and General Training are both accepted.
Is OET accepted for physiotherapists by the HCPC?+
Yes, the Physiotherapy OET, with 1400 overall and no element below 300.
Is PTE accepted by the HCPC?+
No. The HCPC accepts certificates from IELTS, TOEFL iBT and OET only.
Does the HCPC accept IELTS One Skill Retake?+
Yes, if the retake is within 6 months of the original test and appears on the test report with the original results.
How old can my certificate be?+
No more than two years old when the HCPC receives your application.
Keep reading
Related
- IELTS for HCPC registration (all professions)
- IELTS for physiotherapists in Australia
- IELTS One Skill Retake explained
- Free IELTS mock test with AI band score
- 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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