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

Co-Author

Dr. Sonal
HCPC English Requirements 2026
Created On : Nov 26, 2024 Updated On : Jul 30, 2026 3 min read

Key Takeaways:

  • Why self-declaration no longer works, and what to do instead • The one country you’d assume is on the exemption list, but isn’t
  • How TOEFL’s 2026 scoring update could catch you off guard
  • The exact OET score physiotherapists need, and where past info got it wrong

Summary:

Since 29 January 2025, HCPC no longer accepts self-declaration of English proficiency from international physiotherapists. Applicants must either hold a primary qualification from a listed qualifying country or pass IELTS, TOEFL, or OET. The qualifying countries list includes 42 countries and territories, and the United Kingdom is not among them. From 21 January 2026, TOEFL introduced new minimum scores under its updated scoring system. Physiotherapists need IELTS 7.0 with no element below 6.5, or OET 1400 with no element below 300. Certificates must be no older than two years, and TOEFL scores from tests taken within the UK are not accepted.

Since 29 January 2025, the HCPC (Health and Care Professions Council) has enforced major updates to its English language requirements for internationally qualified physiotherapists applying via the international route. As of January 2026, there’s an additional change to be aware of: TOEFL’s scoring system and HCPC’s accepted minimum scores were revised from 21 January 2026.

These changes are being made to make sure that all overseas-qualified physiotherapists have the communication skills expected of a healthcare professional working in the UK. 

Now let us have a look at the detailed changes.

So What’s Changing?

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

  • No More Self-Declaration of English

 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.

 [New for 2026] TOEFL Scoring Update 

From 21 January 2026, TOEFL moved to a new scoring system, and HCPC updated its minimum scores to match:

Test DatePhysiotherapists (and Most HCPC Professions)Speech & Language Therapists
Before 21 January 2026Overall score: 100/120Overall score: 118/120
On/After 21 January 2026Reading: 4.5Listening: 5.0Writing: 4.5Speaking: 5.0Overall: 5.0Reading: 5.5Listening: 5.5Writing: 6.0Speaking: 6.0Overall: 6.0

Note: HCPC does not accept TOEFL scores from tests taken within the UK, and does not accept combined/superscore/“MyBest” results.

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.

TestPhysiotherapist Minimum Score
IELTS (Academic or General, UKVI or non-UKVI)7.0 overall, with no element below 6.5
TOEFL iBT — tested before 21 January 2026100/120
TOEFL iBT — tested on or after 21 January 2026Reading 4.5, Listening 5.0, Writing 4.5, Speaking 5.0, Overall 5.0
OET (Physiotherapy version)1,400 total, with no element below 300

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!

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FAQs

What is the minimum OET score for physiotherapists?

For physiotherapists, they should score a 1400 total, with no individual element below 300.

Can I take my TOEFL test in the UK?

No. HCPC does not accept TOEFL scores from tests taken within the UK.

How long is my English test certificate valid?

It must be no more than two years old at the time HCPC receives your application.

What changed in HCPC’s English language requirements?

From 29 January 2025, HCPC stopped accepting self-declaration of English as a first language. International applicants must now prove proficiency through a qualifying-country exemption or an approved test.

Can I still self-declare English as my first language?

No. As of 29 January 2025, self-declaration is no longer accepted under any circumstances.

What is the qualifying countries list?

It’s a list of 42 countries and territories where, if your primary qualification (the one that first let you practise) was gained there, you’re exempt from taking an English test.

Is the United Kingdom on the qualifying countries list?

No. The UK is not included as a standalone entry on HCPC’s official list.

Which tests does HCPC accept for physiotherapists?

IELTS, TOEFL iBT, and OET (Physiotherapy version) are all accepted.

What is the minimum IELTS score for physiotherapists?

7.0 overall, with no individual element below 6.5.

Did TOEFL scores change in 2026?

Yes. From 21 January 2026, TOEFL moved to a new scoring system, and HCPC updated its minimum scores accordingly.

TAGS
HCPC Registration UK
Dr. Indu Kasiviswanathan
Dr. Indu Kasiviswanathan
about the author

Medical Content Writer (Academically), Dentist, BDS, PG in Healthcare Management (Loyola Inst. of Mgmt.). Dr. Indu Kasiviswanathan is a dentist, healthcare content writer, and medical education specialist with expertise in simplifying complex clinical and healthcare concepts for global audiences. She holds a Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) degree and has professional experience in both clinical dentistry and healthcare content development. She has been working as a Medical Content Writer at Academically Global since 3 years, contributing to the website's SEO-optimised blogs, landing pages, and educational resources focused on international healthcare licensing exams like on ADC, gulf dental programmes, AMC and other medical career pathways. With prior clinical experience as a practicing dentist, she brings practical healthcare insights into her writing, helping bridge the gap between medical accuracy and reader accessibility. She also holds academic exposure in healthcare administration and psychology, enabling her to approach medical communication with both analytical depth and patient-centric understanding.

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