Rules, comparisons and data

What IELTS score do you need as a speech and language therapist in Ireland?

CORU sets a higher English level for speech and language therapists than for most professions: IELTS Academic 8.0 overall with no element below 7.5. The speech pathology OET (400 in three components and 350 in one) and Cambridge C1 Advanced with at least 185 are the alternatives. CORU says the profession needs enhanced knowledge of language structure, syntax and grammar.
  • Guide updated · 29 October 2026
  • 3 sections
  • IELTS

Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 29 October 2026

CORU minimum scores for speech and language therapists

From CORU's language requirements page.

TestSpeech and language therapistsMost other CORU professions
IELTS Academic8.0, no element below 7.57.0, no element below 6.5
OET (Speech Pathology)400 in three components, 350 in oneB in three, C+ in one
Cambridge C1 AdvancedGrade C, minimum score 185Grade C

Validity, repeat tests and verification

All test certificates must be dated within two years of the date you submit your registration application. OET online and at-home versions are accepted, but IELTS results must come from a physical test.

CORU accepts results from a maximum of two sittings. The repeat must be with the same provider and within six months of the first test, and the overall minimum must be met in both sittings. With two IELTS sittings no component can fall below 6.5; with two OET sittings no subtest can fall below grade C.

CORU does not accept IELTS One Skill Retake or individual OET subtests. PTE and TOEFL are not on its list. You must give your IELTS Test Report Form number (or OET candidate number, or Cambridge candidate ID and secret number) so CORU can verify the result online.

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When you do not need a test

CORU does not ask for a test if you completed a CORU-approved qualification, a Commonly Aligned qualification taught and assessed in English, or a professional qualification from an EU country where English is a co-official language; if your university confirms your qualification and placements were in English or Irish and you qualified within the previous two years; or if you have lived and practised through English for at least two of the last five years in a country where English is the sole official language. EU, EEA and Swiss applicants can also show CEFR C1 evidence.

Regulators change these rules, sometimes at short notice. Confirm the current scores on the CORU page before you book a test.

Frequently asked questions

What IELTS score do speech and language therapists need in Ireland?+

IELTS Academic 8.0 overall with no element below 7.5.

Why is the level higher?+

CORU says speech and language therapy needs enhanced knowledge of the structure, syntax and grammar of language.

What OET score is needed?+

The speech pathology OET with 400 in three components and 350 in the fourth.

Can I take IELTS online?+

No. CORU needs IELTS results from a physical test.

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Guide updated on 29 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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