What IELTS score do you need as a psychotherapist in New Zealand?

IELTS and OET results must be less than three years old from the date you sat the test. They must also be valid when registration is approved, not just when you apply, which matters because registration can take some time.

Multiple IELTS test report forms are not accepted, so you need to pass in one result. The policy refers to retaking one skill only (writing, speaking, reading or listening), and for OET it says you may retake one band only.

You can apply for an exemption from IELTS or OET. Requests are considered case by case and may need an interview with Board-appointed representatives. One condition is two references from registered psychotherapists who have observed your English in reading, writing, speaking and listening in clinical practice, using the Board's referee form.

If your qualification is not Board-prescribed, the overseas-qualified page says it is assessed case by case under the Board's comparable qualifications policy. Regulators change these rules, sometimes at short notice. Confirm the current scores on the PBANZ page before you book a test.