Big Changes Coming to HCPC English Language Requirements in 2025: What You Need to Know

So What’s Changing?

From 29 January 2025, the following updates will come into effect:

• No More Self-Declaration of English

 Right now, some applicants can just simply state that English is their first language to meet HCPC’s language rules. From January 2025, this won’t be allowed anymore, and an English language test is now MANDATORY.

• Introduction of a Qualifying Countries List

If you earned your primary qualification in a country on the qualifying list, you can use this to prove your English proficiency. This means you won’t need to take a language test if your degree is from one of these countries.

• OET Added to the List of Recognised English Tests 

HCPC is adding the Occupational English Test (OET) as a recognised English language test. Along with OET,  IELTS (International English Language Testing System) and TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) are also approved test providers.

Our Recommendation- Go for the OET; it’s simpler and designed for physiotherapists.

Who Do These Changes Affect?

These changes apply to international applicants registering with HCPC from 00:01 GMT, 29 January 2025.

• If you start your application before this date, the existing requirements will be applicable.
• Applications started on or after this date will need to follow the new rules.

Here Is The List Of Qualifying Countries

Below is the complete list of countries from which, if you have completed your main degree, you do not need to take the mandatory English proficiency tests such as IELTS, OET, or TOEFL.

1. American Samoa (United States)
2. Anguilla (United Kingdom)
3. Antigua and Barbuda
4. Australia (includes dependent island territories)
5. Bahamas
6. Barbados
7. Belize
8. Bermuda (United Kingdom)
9. British overseas territories (general)
10. British Virgin Islands (United Kingdom)
11. Canada
12. Cayman Islands (United Kingdom)
13. Cook Islands (New Zealand)
14. Dominica
15. Falkland Islands (United Kingdom)
16. Gibraltar (United Kingdom)
17. Grenada
18. Guam (United States)
19. Guernsey (United Kingdom)
20. Guyana
21. Ireland
22. Isle of Man (United Kingdom)
23. Jamaica
24. Jersey (United Kingdom)
25. Kenya
26. Malta
27. Marshall Islands
28. Montserrat (United Kingdom)
29. Nauru
30. New Zealand
31. Niue (New Zealand)
32. Northern Mariana Islands (United States)
33. Palau
34. Puerto Rico (United States)
35. St Helena (United Kingdom)
36. St Kitts and Nevis
37. St Lucia
38. St Vincent and the Grenadines
39. Tokelau (New Zealand)
40. Trinidad and Tobago
41. Turks and Caicos Islands (United Kingdom)
42. U.S. Virgin Islands (United States)
43. United Kingdom
44. USA

What if your country is not on the qualifying list?

If your degree isn’t done from any of these countries mentioned above, you will simply have to prove your language proficiency by taking any one of these tests.

IELTS (International English Language Testing System): Overall score of 7.0, with no section (Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking) below 6.5. This is for both Academic and General.

TOEFL (Internet-Based Test): Minimum total score of 100 out of 120. 

OET: At least 350 (grade B) in each subject, listening, reading, writing, and speaking.

Conclusion 

So these are all the updates for international physiotherapists who wish to get registered and practice physiotherapy in the UK. The UK is no doubt an exceptional option for better growth and salaries. These updates are only to make sure that you're skilled enough to practice in the UK and not something to be stressed about. 

We recommend checking our specialised IELTS and OET preparation courses, here. 

Good luck!