Examine the Language Testing Policy for the Nursing and Midwifery Council
- Anthony Green(PI),
- Sathena Chan(CoI)
Project: Research
Project status
Finished
Description
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
• 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
Project Information
Project Type
ResearchProject Managed By
Time Period
11/02/2019 – 20/06/2019Status
FinishedKey Findings
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 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
• 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 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