The answer
The NMC currently accepts IELTS Academic, OET (Nursing), or — in some cases — an exemption based on a programme taught and examined in English.
For IELTS Academic the NMC required band is typically 7.0 overall with at least 7.0 in listening, reading, and speaking, and 6.5 in writing. For OET (Nursing) it is grade B (350) in all four sub-tests.
Many African nurses find OET kinder because the writing task is a clinical referral letter — vocabulary you already use. IELTS writing is two essays in academic English.
There is also a "two-sitting combination" rule under specific NMC conditions. Always check the NMC English-evidence page directly before booking — bands and rules have shifted in recent years.
If that was confusing, here it is in plain English
The NMC takes either test. OET feels like nursing English. IELTS feels like university English. Try one full mock test of each, score yourself, then pick.
Open the IELTS guide or the OET guide — both have a 4 / 8 / 12-week study plan you can pick from.
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