Given the importance of healthcare in our society it is understandable that nurse’s proficiency in English is a key requirement. The assessment confirms that the applicant demonstrates the required competency in oral and written English by passing the tests. These tests are jointly approved by both the U.S. Department of Education and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Nurses from specific countries where English is the native language and/or the textbook and instruction language do not have to take an English proficiency exam.
US Nurse English Testing
Several English language proficiency examinations are approved to meet the English language requirement of the Certification Program. The passing scores for the English language proficiency examinations are located in the Certification Program Applicant Handbook and the Certification Program Requirements.
Nurses for the USA need the following achievement levels:
International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
ELTS Passing scores for US Nurses:
Overall: 6.5 with spoken band not less than 7
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
TOEFL IBT Total Passing scores for US Nurses:
TOEFL IBT Total: 83 with speaking not less than 26