Circular 03/2007 (Amended).
Changes to An Bord Altranais’ standards in relation to proof of English language competence of non-EU applicants for registration.
Non-European Union applicants for registration in a Division of the Register maintained by An Bord Altranais are required to demonstrate proof of English language competence if English is not their first language or primary language of expression. Following a recent evaluation of the ability of nurses and midwives to demonstrate competence in interpersonal relationships[1] and the standard required by An Bord Altranais in relation to proof of English language competence, An Bord Altranais has determined that applicants whose application form, accompanied by the appropriate fee, is received on or after the 1st April 2007 will be required to demonstrate that they have reached the following standard:
International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic Test.
| Listening | Reading | Writing | Speaking | Overall |
|---|
| 6.5 | 6.5 | 7.0 | 7.0 | 7.0 |
Note: A score in excess of the minimum requirement in some or all of the components of the test will be required to achieve an overall score of 7.0.
OR
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)/Test of Written English (TWE)/Test of Spoken English (TSE).
Applicants may undertake the Paper-based TOEFL Test (plus TWE & TSE) or the Internet-based TOEFL Test (TOEFL iBT).
The Computer-based TOEFL Test was discontinued on the 30th September 2006. Results of tests taken prior to its discontinuation will be accepted provided they are not more than two years old.
| Paper-based | TOEFL score |
|---|
| Total | 570 |
| Listening | 56 |
| Reading | 56 |
| Structure | 56 |
| TWE | 5.5 |
| TSE | |
TOEFL | iBT |
|---|
| Total | 88 |
| Listening | 22 |
| Reading | 21 |
| Speaking | 26 |
| Writing | 19 |
| Computer-based | TOEFL score |
|---|
| Total | 230 |
| Listening | 22 |
| Reading | 22 |
| Structure | 23 |
| TWE score | 5.5 |
| TSE score | 50 |
The Test Report Form must be submitted to An Bord Altranais directly from the Test Centre where the applicant undertook the Test. The Test must have been undertaken no more than two years prior to the date of application or the applicant must provide evidence of having worked full time as a nurse or midwife in an English-speaking environment since having completed the test. This will be assessed on an individual basis.
Further information on the Tests may be obtained on www.ielts.org and www.ets.org/toefl
Eugene Donoghue,
Chief Executive Officer.
9th March 2007.
__________________________
[1] Domain 3. Interpersonal Relationships. Competencies for Entry to the Register. p12-15 in Requirements and Standards for Nurse Registration Education Programmes. 3rd Edition, An Bord Altranais, February 2005.