NEB scores before and after 1 January 2027
From the NEB's Language Proficiency Requirement page. Until 1 January 2027 you may submit scores that meet either set of requirements.
| Test | Submitted before 1 January 2027 (Section A) | Submitted from 1 January 2027 (Section B) |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS Academic | Overall 6.5; listening 6.5, writing 6.0, speaking 7.0 | Reading 7, listening 6.5, speaking 7, writing 7 |
| IELTS General Training | Not listed | Reading 7, listening 6.5, speaking 7, writing 7 |
| TOEFL iBT | Reading 23, listening 25, speaking 22, writing 22 (tests from 21 January 2026: 4.5 total; 4.5 reading, listening and speaking, 4.0 writing) | Reading 4.5, listening 4.5, speaking 4, writing 4.5 |
| CAEL | Overall 60; listening 60, writing 50, speaking 60 | 70 in each of reading, listening, speaking and writing |
| CELPIP General | Not listed | Reading 9, listening 8, speaking 8, writing 9 |
| PTE Core | Not listed | Reading 78, listening 71, speaking 76, writing 88 |
IELTS One Skill Retake and online tests
The NEB also accepts IELTS One Skill Retake, IELTS Indicator/Online, TOEFL Home Edition, TOEFL iBT Paper Edition and CAEL Online, at the same minimum scores as the regular tests. French-trained candidates can use the Office québécois de la langue française exam, TEF Canada or TCF Canada.
The NEB will also accept language tests or requirements mandated by a provincial regulator when the province indicates them, so check with the licensing body in the province where you plan to work.
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When you do not need a test
You can meet the requirement with a letter sent directly from your university confirming that your entire professional veterinary degree was taught in English or French; letters passed through the candidate are not accepted. Holders of an ECFVG certificate from the American Veterinary Medical Association are exempt, with written confirmation from the ECFVG.
A validity window for test scores is not stated on the NEB's current page. Regulators change these rules, sometimes at short notice. Confirm the current scores on the NEB page before you book a test.
Frequently asked questions
What IELTS score do vets need in Canada?+
For the NEB before 1 January 2027: IELTS Academic 6.5 overall, 6.5 listening, 6.0 writing and 7.0 speaking. From 1 January 2027: 7 reading, 6.5 listening, 7 speaking and 7 writing.
Does the NEB accept IELTS General Training?+
Yes, from 1 January 2027, at the same scores as Academic. Before that, only Academic is listed.
Does the NEB accept IELTS One Skill Retake?+
Yes, at the same minimum scores as the regular test.
Is IELTS Online accepted by the NEB?+
Yes. The NEB lists IELTS Indicator/Online among the additional tests it accepts.
Do I need IELTS if my vet degree was taught in English?+
No, if your university confirms directly to the NEB that the entire degree was taught in English or French.
Keep reading
Related
- IELTS for vets in Australia
- IELTS for vets in the UK
- IELTS for vets in New Zealand
- Free IELTS Academic mock test
- All 1393 guides
Verified against the linked official sources on 14 October 2026. Rules change: confirm on the official page before you book or apply.
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