Report to the Nursing and Midwifery Council on language testing policy

Executive summary
Responding to the NMC’s review of its language testing policy, our project involved:
• A review of the extent to which the approach to language testing currently adopted by
the NMC is proportionate and appropriate, and
• Recommendations for a methodology to investigate whether language tests of interest
should be accepted by the NMC
Our report:
• Focusses on the recognition of language tests but also considers the basis for
registration via periods of training, clinical practice, or through appeal
• Indicates that the NMC’s current language testing policy is broadly in line with
international practice, but should be given firmer theoretical foundations
• Recommends methodology changes, expanding the NMC’s current criteria for
recognising evidence for the English language abilities of applicants for registration
Recommendations:
• NMC policy should be evaluated against established professional standards for language
assessment
• NMC policy should take greater account of the gap between what language tests are
able to assess and the practical use of language in clinical and professional development settings, indicating the need for...
o ongoing support for internationally educated professionals working in the UK o consideration of a wider range of options for evidencing English language
abilities
• Recognition by the NMC of evidence for English language abilities should be based on
the framework we propose
• Assessment providers or sponsors should present their case for recognition based on
requirements set out by the NMC
• Continuing recognition should be made contingent on periodic reviews to ensure that
NMC requirements continue to be met