HCPC approve OET for internationally educated Allied Health Professionals wanting to work in the UK
On November 13th, the HCPC (Health and Care Professions Council) announced significant revisions to the English language requirements for international applicants wishing to register and work in the UK as one of the allied health professions covered by the HCPC Register.
The changes, due to come into effect on January 29th 2025, are as follows:
- International applicants can no longer self-declare English as a first language.
- Those who gained their primary qualification in a country on the HCPC ‘qualifying countries list’ can use this to evidence their proficiency in English.
- OET has been added to IELTS and TOEFL as a recognised English language test provider.
OET for AHPs
There are 12 versions of OET. A number of these focus on the language used by AHPs, with versions for dietetics, occupational therapy, physiotherapy, podiatry, radiography, and speech and language therapy.
The scores required have not yet been announced. Currently, those taking IELTS must achieve an overall score of 7.0 with a minimum of 6.5 in any paper. An equivalent OET score would be an overall B grade (350 – 440 points) with a minimum of C+ (300 – 340 points) in any paper. We’ll post again when the required scores have been confirmed.
This is excellent news for those AHPs affected. OET is a healthcare- and profession-specific English test used by healthcare regulators worldwide. Studying for the test involves working with language they may already be familiar in an area they know. The language covered will also help them in their practice once they have successful achieved the scores they need and are working in the UK.
OET Preparation
In 2017, SLC became the first accredited OET Premium Preparation Partner in Europe and has supported thousands of healthcare professionals prepare for the test. We work with healthcare employers, recruitment companies and individuals to provide tailored, targeted preparation for healthcare professionals wishing to register and work in the UK.
Cultural and communication skills for AHPs
In 2023 and 2024 we co-created and published ‘Living and Working in the UK: AHP Edition’ with the Herts and West Essex AHP Faculty. This 15-hour digital course is designed to provide essential support to AHPs relocating to the UK. It can be taken as a standalone self-study course or combined with tutoring.