English language requirements

How to demonstrate that you have the appropriate level of English to work as a vet in the UK.

On this page:

• Which tests to take
• Required scores
• Submitting your results
• English language test exemption

Which tests to take

To register with the RCVS you must be able to communicate in English at an appropriate level.
To demonstrate this, you can take either:

• the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), or
• the veterinary version of the Occupational English Test (OET).

Required scores

For your English language test to be accepted, you must achieve the following average score:

IELTS

Overall average score:

• 7.0 or higher

Component scores:

• 6.5 or higher in one component
• 7.0 or higher in all other components

OET

Overall average score:

• Grade B or higher

Component scores:

• C+ or higher in one component
• B or higher in all other components

Component scores explained

The IELTS and OET are made up of four components:

• Listening
• Reading
• Speaking
• Writing

We can only accept 6.5 (IELTS) or C+ (OET) in one of these components, no matter how high your average overall score is.

Retaking test components

If you pass some sub-tests of the OET – for example, writing or reading - but fall below the required standard in others, you may re-sit those failed sub-tests.

Similarly, IELTS candidates can re-sit individual sections with the IELTS One Skill Retake. This means that if you fall below the required standard in any component of the IELTS test you will be able to retake it.

Submitting your results

Once you have achieved the required test scores, you should send us either:

• your Test Report Form (IELTS), or
• a Statement of Results (OET).

When you fill in the online registration form, you will be able to upload a good quality scanned copy of your report or statement. We can’t accept photocopies. Alternatively, you can arrange for your test centre to post it directly to us.

We will confirm that we have received the test report, once we have verified your scores through the IELTS/OET verification service.

If you’re taking the OET, please ensure that you add the RCVS to the list of verifier institutions so that we can access your results.

IELTS and OET certificates are valid for two years.

When you’ll get your results

IELTS test results are normally available to collect from the test centre 13 days after taking the test, whilst the OET results are normally available 17 days after the test.

English language test exemption

You do not have to take an English language test if your veterinary degree was taught and assessed entirely in English.

In order to be considered for an exemption, you must provide a letter sent directly to the RCVS from your university. This letter should formally confirm that:

• you got your veterinary degree at an English-speaking University, and
• that the whole course was taught and assessed solely in English.

This letter must be written in English and be sent directly from the University to the RCVS at [email protected]

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