English language requirements
The ability to communicate effectively with patients is critical to working as an osteopath in the United Kingdom (UK) and is outlined in Theme A of the Osteopathic Practice Standards.
The national language of the UK is English and the General Osteopathic Council (GOsC) requires registrants to be proficient in this language.
As part of the application for registration, the GOsC requires you to provide evidence of your English language ability. There are a number of English language testing systems which will provide that you with the evidence required by the GOsC. Please find below some examples of these tests, together with the minimum grade/level which is considered acceptable. You must be able to demonstrate level C1 of the Common European Framework of References for Languages.
| English language testing system | Minimum Grade/Level Required – Level C1 of Common European Framework of References for Languages |
| Cambridge English Language Assessment (formerly Cambridge ESOL) | Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) Cambridge English Business Higher (BEC Higher) ESOL Skills for Life |
| International English Language Testing System (IELTS) | Academic Test 7.0 with no element below 7.0 |
| Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) | TOEFL iBT test with the following scores: Listening — 22 Reading — 24 Speaking — 25 Writing — 24 |
Whilst any test demonstrating that you meet level C1 of the Common European Framework for Languages will be sufficient, the preferred testing system of the GOsC is the IELTS system.
The test can be taken in 180 centres in 110 countries. For further information, visit www.ielts.org or contact the British Council offices in your own country. Please note that we require you to take the IELTS ‘Academic’ test and not the ‘General’ test.