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

The English language proficiency requirement is fulfilled if:

1. you are a candidate registering for a postgraduate training program and received your medical education in Canada; or

2. you received your undergraduate or postgraduate medical education in English from one of the countries listed below: or

3. you provide proof your medical education was instructed in English and the primary language for patient care was in English; or
4. you provide proof of having attained a minimum score of 7.0 or higher in each of the components of the academic version of the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). Results of English Language Proficiency Testing must be source-verifiable through IELTS and are valid for a period of 24 months.

The Registrar’s discretion may be exercised if:

1. You are currently practising medicine in a jurisdiction where English is the first language and you were licensed to do so based on IELTS scores equivalent to those set out above; or
2. You are currently enrolled in a postgraduate medical education program and were admitted to the program based on IELTS scores equivalent to those set out above; or
3. You are currently enrolled in a postgraduate training program or fellowship and have:
   • attained an overall average score of 7.0 or higher the academic version of the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), taken within 24 months prior to application; and
   • have a letter from the Program Director or Fellowship Sponsor attesting that, in the opinion of the Program Director or Fellowship Sponsor, your English language proficiency allows for safe and effective communication with patients.
4. You are applying for a Postgraduate Training Licence for an elective of 3 months or less and have demonstrated English language proficiency on the sole basis of a letter of attestation, from the Program Director providing the elective.