TOEFL vs IELTS vs PTE — which English test?

If your nursing program wasn’t taught in English, most boards require an English proficiency test. Several are accepted — the “best” one is whichever you can sit soonest and score well on. Always confirm the exact test and minimum scores with your state board, because they vary.

Two things trip people up: (1) it must be the Academic version (IELTS Academic, not General Training), and (2) boards usually require a minimum speaking sub-score on top of the overall — many applicants meet the overall but miss the speaking floor.

The accepted tests

  • •TOEFL iBT — internet-based, widely available, scored 0–120 overall with section scores. The most common choice in many countries.
  • •IELTS Academic — scored on 9.0 bands. Make sure it’s Academic, not General Training.
  • •PTE Academic — computer-based, fast results, accepted by a growing number of boards (confirm yours accepts it before booking).
  • •OET (Occupational English Test) — healthcare-specific; accepted by many boards and often preferred by nurses because the content is clinical.

How to choose

  • 1.Check which tests your state board accepts and their minimum overall + section scores.
  • 2.Pick the one with the soonest test date near you and the fastest score release.
  • 3.Send official scores directly to the board/evaluator — printouts aren’t accepted. Scores also expire (often ~2 years), so don’t test too early.

Official sources

Last verified June 2026. Always confirm current requirements with your state board.