Statutory Membership Exam
If you’re an overseas veterinary surgeon with qualifications not recognised by the RCVS, the Statutory Membership Examination is your pathway to practising in the UK.
English language requirements
It’s essential that vets working in the UK can communicate in English at an appropriate level. That’s why we ask applicants to demonstrate their language skills.
On this page
Which tests to take
You can demonstrate your level of English by taking the following tests:
- IELTS (International English Language Testing System) - UKVI Academic or Academic versions, available as paper or online tests
- OET (Occupational English Test) - veterinary version only, available as paper or online tests
Required scores
Both English language tests assess four components: listening, reading, speaking and writing. You must achieve the required scores in all four areas.
Your test results must be less than two years old when you submit your application.
IELTS requirements
You need an overall score of 7.0 or higher, with component scores of:
- 7.0 or higher in three out of four components
- 6.5 minimum in one component
If you score less than 6.5 in one component, we can’t accept your test no matter how high your average overall score is.
Accepted IELTS scores
| Overall | Listening | Reading | Speaking | Writing | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7.0 | 7.0 | 7.0 | 7.0 | 7.0 | Accepted |
| 7.0 | 6.5 | 7.0 | 7.0 | 7.5 | Accepted |
| 7.5 | 7.0 | 8.0 | 7.0 | 6.5 | Accepted |
Unaccepted IELTS scores
| Overall | Listening | Reading | Speaking | Writing | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6.5 | 7.0 | 7.0 | 6.5 | 6.0 | Not accepted |
| 7.0 | 6.5 | 6.0 | 7.0 | 7.5 | Not accepted |
| 7.5 | 6.0 | 7.0 | 8.0 | 8.0 | Not accepted |
OET requirements
You need an overall grade of B, with component scores of:
Grade B or higher in three out of four components
C+ minimum in one component
If you score less than a C+ in one component, we can’t accept your test no matter how high your average overall grade is.
Accepted OET scores
| Overall | Listening | Reading | Speaking | Writing | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| B | B | B | B | B | Accepted |
| B | C+ | B | B | A | Accepted |
| A | B | A | B | C+ | Accepted |
Unaccepted OET scores
| Overall | Listening | Reading | Speaking | Writing | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| C+ | B | B | C+ | C | Not accepted |
| B | C+ | C | B | A | Not accepted |
| A | C | B | A | A | Not accepted |
Retaking components
If you don't meet the required scores, you can retake individual components rather than the full test. You must still achieve the overall score requirement along with the component scores.
Submitting your results
When you fill in the online registration form, you will be able to upload a scanned copy of your report or statement. Please make sure that it’s of good quality – we can’t accept photocopies. Alternatively, you can arrange for your test centre to post your results directly to us.
IELTS results
Send us your official Test Report Form. Results are typically available within 13 days of taking the test.
OET results
Send us your official Statement of Results. Results are typically available within 17 days of taking the test.
Your test results must be less than two years old when you submit them to us.
When you may be exempt from English Language testing
You may be exempt if your veterinary degree was taught and examined entirely in English.
To qualify for exemption, we need official confirmation from your university stating that:
- All teaching was conducted in English
- All examinations were conducted in English
- English was the sole language of instruction throughout your degree
The university must send this confirmation directly to us at [email protected].
Need help?
If you have questions about English language requirements, contact our team at [email protected].