Table of Contents
If you are a nurse planning to move to Ireland, you will have to prove your English language proficiency. You need to be aware of the language test to be taken and the level of proficiency required. IELTS is the test that should be taken by nurses to work in Ireland. One has to meet the scores set by Irish Nursing Board’s standards. Let us have a look at IELTS score requirements for nurses.
Master the IELTS Exam with Online Coaching – Enroll Today!
Why is the IELTS Important for Nurses in Ireland?
There are several requirements to be fulfilled by nurses before moving to Ireland. One of them is English language proficiency. Aspirants have to pass the language test to be eligible to work in Ireland.
According to the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI), the IELTS requirements for overseas nurses are as follows:
- Overall Band Score: A minimum of 7.0.
- Individual Sections: IELTS score of 7.0 in each module with a minimum of 6.5 in any one module.
Although OET is also an option, IELTS is more favored by recruiters. This is because IELTS is widely recognized globally. Moreover, it tests a broader range of English skills like reading, writing, listening and speaking. It covers a lot of aspects and is not confined to medical context.
Understanding the IELTS Scoring System
1: Most university students ........................ on campus in their first year.
IELTS is made of four sections: Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking. All the sections have equal weightage and are rated from 0 to 9, with increments of 0.25, 0.5, and 0.75. The overall band score is calculated by taking the mean result for all four parts of the test. Scores ending in .25 are rounded up to the next half band and scores ending in .75 are rounded up to the next whole band.
The table below shows what each band score means in terms of a student’s skill level. It also includes a description or narrative that you can share with the student.
| Band score | Skill level |
| Band 9 | Expert user – The usage of the English language is proper, correct, and fluent, demonstrating full comprehension. |
| Band 8 | Very good user – Capable of handling complex and detailed argumentation. Has complete command of the language, except for a few occasional errors. |
| Band 7 | Good user – Although there maybe occasional errors and incorrect usage, the person can manage sophisticated language |
| Band 6 | Competent user – Has a strong understanding of the language but may make mistakes. |
| Band 5 | Modest user – Can handle basic communication in their own field |
| Band 4 | Limited user – Communication is restricted to situations that the test-taker is familiar with. Unable to speak in complex sentences. |
| Band 3 | Extremely limited user – Can only express and comprehend the generic meaning. Communication breakdowns happen frequently. |
| Band 2 | Intermittent user – Faces great difficulty in understanding spoken and written English. |
| Band 1 | Non-user – Doesn’t have the ability to use the language |
| Band 0 | Did not attempt the test |
What is the IELTS Score for Nurses in Ireland?
The minimum IELTS score required for nurses in Ireland is a band score of 7. The score requirement for each section is as follows:
| Test modules | Minimum IELTS Academic score |
|---|---|
| Listening | 7.0 |
| Reading | 7.0 |
| Writing | 6.5 |
| Speaking | 7.0 |
| Overall | 7.0 |
These scores must be achieved in a single sitting. The validity of IELTS test scores in Ireland is 2 years, so ensure that your score is less than two years. If the test score is not valid, you will have to appear again.
Master the IELTS Exam with Online Coaching – Enroll Today!
| Related Links | |
| All About IELTS Exam | IELTS Reading Practice Test |
| IELTS Listening Practice Test | IELTS Writing Practice Test |
| IELTS Speaking Practice Test | Vocabulary in IELTS |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the IELTS score requirement for nurses in Ireland?
The IELTS score required for nurses to work in Ireland is an overall score of 7.0, with a minimum of 7.0 in any three modules and a minimum of 6.5 in any one module.
Is OET accepted for nurses in Ireland?
Apart from IELTS, OET is also accepted for nurses in Ireland.
