Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 30 October 2026
Board minimum scores
From the Board's application document requirements. IELTS (Academic) is the only English test named in the document list on the overseas-trained registration page.
| IELTS Academic | Board minimum |
|---|---|
| Overall | 7.5 |
| Reading, writing, listening and speaking | At least 7 in each |
| Date | Within two years of the date your application is submitted |
Who does not need IELTS
The document requirements say you do not need IELTS if you completed your psychology training in English in Australia, Canada, Ireland, South Africa, the UK or the USA. If you trained in any other country, you must provide IELTS (Academic) results.
Registered psychologists in Australia apply under the Trans Tasman Mutual Recognition pathway instead.
Registering as a psychologist in New Zealand?
Take a free AI-scored IELTS Academic mock and compare your band per skill with the score in this guide. Free account, no card.
Take a free IELTS Academic mock →Practise before you book: free IELTS mock test, IELTS reading practice, IELTS listening practice and IELTS speaking predictions.
Other registration criteria
The Board looks at whether you completed at least six years of psychology study, graduated from an accredited programme, finished 1,500 hours of supervised practice, passed an internship evaluation or licensing exam, and hold registration in the country where you trained and where you live. You start with the Board's online self-assessment of eligibility.
IELTS results must be certified copies or shared with the Board through the IELTS Results Service.
Regulators change these rules, sometimes at short notice. Confirm the current scores on the Psychologists Board page before you book a test.
Frequently asked questions
What IELTS score do psychologists need in New Zealand?+
IELTS Academic 7.5 overall with at least 7 in each band.
Do UK-trained psychologists need IELTS for New Zealand?+
No, if their psychology training was completed in English in the UK.
How recent must the IELTS be?+
Dated within two years of the date your application is submitted.
Does the Board accept OET or PTE?+
The Board's documents name IELTS (Academic) only.
Keep reading
Related
- IELTS for psychologists in Australia
- IELTS for social workers in New Zealand
- IELTS for New Zealand
- Free IELTS Academic mock test
- All 3112 guides
Guide updated on 30 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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