STEP 1 - IELTS ; Post 1:Which type of IELTS to take and when to go for?
Which type of IELTS to take and when is the best time to appear it?
After completing graduation one has to take IELTS to be eligible to sit for PLAB 1
Step 1:Perfect time for giving IELTS.
As soon as the Final Professional Exam {Last exam} of Medical School is completed one should start preparing for IELTS and sit for IELTS at the start or middle of Internship(House Job).
Criteria and score needed for IELTS:
IELTS certificate must show:
- a score of at least 7.0 in each testing area (speaking, listening, reading and writing), and an overall score of 7.5.
- got these scores in the same test
- took the academic version of the test which can be regular(normal) academic IELTS(cost 158 pound/15800 BDT) or UKVI academic IELTS(cost 200 pound/20,600 BDT)
- the original stamp and test report form (TRF) number (It is used to validate all certificates)
- obtained the scores in your most recent sitting of the test.
IELTS certificates are valid for two years.
1.If one is taking the PLAB test, it must be valid on the day one sit PLAB part 1.
Or
2.If one is applying for registration with a licence to practise it must be valid when GMC approve your application.
According to GMC:
Please note that achievement of IELTS for the purpose of applying for registration with the GMC may not be acceptable evidence of your English language skills for the purpose of obtaining a UK Visa. We recommend you visit the UK Visa and Immigration website to check their requirements.
In simple word normal ACADEMIC IELTS with 7.5 score can be used for
1. PLAB 1 2. GMC registration
3. Not for Tier 2 visa
Whereas UKVI ACADEMIC IELTS with 7.5 score can be used for
1. PLAB 1
2. GMC registration
3.Tier 2 visa (though requirement is only 4)
The requirement for Tier 2(working visa) is :
Tier 2 (General) visa - in most cases | B1 | Reading, Writing Speaking and Listening | IELTS for UKVI – 4.0 overall, and in each of the four skills |
The best decision is to give UKVI Academic IELTS in the first try.It cost 200 pound.
It will serve two purposes
1.Will work for PLAB 1 and GMC registration
2.Will work for TIER 2 visa
If one cannot achieve the score of average 7.5 in first try with UKVI academic IELTS still one will have a gain.Because it can be used for (working visa)Tier 2 visa purpose after getting job afterwards.
The next try to achieve 7.5 should be regular(normal) ACADEMIC IELTS which cost 158 pound/15800 BDT.