English Language Proficiency

Purpose

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

The Medical Practitioners Regulations requires an applicant to “have demonstrated proficiency in the English language as required by the Registrar.” This policy sets out the Registrar’s requirements.

Scope

This policy applies to all applicants whose first and native language is not English.

Policy

English Language Proficiency Requirements

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

1. You currently hold an independent medical licence in any province or territory in Canada; or
2. You received your undergraduate medical education or your postgraduate training in English from one of the countries listed below; or

3. your postgraduate training did not occur in one of the countries listed above, but it was conducted in English and the primary language for patient care was in English; or
4. you have achieved one of the following English Language Proficiency test results:

Temporary Waiver to the Requirement for English Language Proficiency

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. 

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

Registrar’s Discretion for Postgraduate Trainees Who Do Not Meet the English Language Proficiency Requirements

If you are accepted into a postgraduate training program or elective at Dalhousie University in Nova Scotia, and you do not meet any of the requirements above, the Registrar may, at their discretion, accept proof of English Language Proficiency in the form of a letter from the Program Director or Fellowship Sponsor for your program at Dalhousie University.  The letter must attest that your English language proficiency allows for safe and effective communication with patients. 

This discretion will apply in the following circumstances:

1. You have achieved the required results in one of the English Language Proficiency tests listed in the table above but your results are more than 24 months old.
2. You have achieved one of the following English Language Proficiency test results:

3. Your elective will be 3 months or less in duration.
4. You are currently enrolled in a postgraduate training program or fellowship in a Canadian program outside of Nova Scotia.  In this instance, the letter of attestation must be from the Program Director or Fellowship Sponsor in your current program, not the program at Dalhousie University.