IELTS Academic for GMC registration
For GMC registration, IELTS Academic must show an overall band 7.5 with at least 7.0 in each of listening, reading, writing and speaking, from a sitting in the last two years. The GMC will not accept IELTS General Training.
Who this applies to
- Doctors using IELTS as their English evidence for GMC registration.
- Doctors combining two IELTS sittings to reach the required scores.
Key requirements
| Test version | IELTS Academic (not General Training) |
|---|---|
| Overall score | 7.5 |
| Sub-test minimum | 7.0 in each of L, R, W, S |
| Validity | Two years from the sitting date |
Steps
1. Book IELTS Academic
Book via British Council or IDP. Confirm the sitting is Academic — General Training is not accepted.
2. Sit and score
Meet the overall 7.5 and 7.0 in every sub-test.
3. Submit to the GMC
Upload the certificate or Test Report Form number via GMC Online when you apply.
Common failure points
- Booking IELTS General Training instead of Academic.
- Scoring below 7.0 in one sub-test even with an overall 7.5.
- Letting the two-year validity lapse before the GMC receives the application.
Official sources
Every fact above should be confirmed against the controlling source before you act on it.