English Language Proficiency

Preamble

Proficiency in English is a requirement for registration.  All registrants must have the ability to effectively communicate with patients, other professionals and the College.

The Medical Practitioners Regulations require an applicant to have demonstrated proficiency in the English language as required by the Registrar.

Purpose

This policy sets out the Registrar’s requirements for English language proficiency.

Scope

This policy applies to all applicants for licensure in Nova Scotia.

Policy

All applicants whose first language is not English must demonstrate English Language Proficiency. This requirement is fulfilled if you provide proof that:

1. You currently hold an independent licence in any province or territory in Canada; or
2. You successfully completed one of the following technical examinations in English:
   1. The Medical Council of Canada Qualifying Examination (MCCQE) Part I, or
   2. The College of Family Physicians of Canada certification examinations (written and oral), or
   3. The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada certification examinations (written and oral).

3. You recently (within the last 5 years) completed your postgraduate training which was conducted in English and the primary language for patient care was in English; or
4. You recently ( within the last 5 years) completed your undergraduate education which was conducted in English, and you have been accepted into a postgraduate training program in Nova Scotia; or
5. You have achieved a minimum grade of B in each of the four components of the Occupational English Test – Medicine (OET – Medicine) in the same sitting.
6. Your have achieved one of the following test results:

** The College will only accept the IELTS-Academic and CELPIP-General until January 1, 2027. Any test results dated before January 1, 2027, will be considered when determining an applicant’s ELP.

Temporary Waiver for Clinical Assessment

If you are required to undergo a clinical assessment with Dalhousie University in Nova Scotia prior to being accepted into a postgraduate training program, the requirement for English Language Proficiency is waived for the clinical assessment. 

Once accepted into the postgraduate training program, you are required to meet the English Language Proficiency requirements in this policy before you start your postgraduate training.

Registrar’s Discretion

If you do not meet any of the requirements above, the Registrar may, at their discretion, waive the requirement for ELP where the Registrar can be satisfied that the candidate can safely and effectively practise medicine in English.