An Impact Study into the Use of IELTS as an Entry Criterion for Professional Associations - Australia, New Zealand and the USA

Sep 2, 2026

This report presents an impact study examining how IELTS functions as an entry criterion for professional associations across Australia, New Zealand, and the USA. It outlines the study’s objectives, scope, and approach, reviews key language tests considered in national contexts, and synthesizes outcomes from interviews with association stakeholders. The analysis identifies reasons for selecting IELTS, evaluates principal competitors, compares staff understanding of IELTS training modules, and investigates factors shaping knowledge and fit, concluding with recommendations.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages43

Reading Time1 h 48 min

AccessFree to download

Abstract

Author biodata

Outline of study

Introduction

Objectives, scope and approach

National and international tests

Outcomes of interviews with professional associations – Australia, New Zealand and the USA

Australia

New Zealand

United States of America

Outcomes of the study

Reasons for selection of IELTS as an entry criterion

The main competitors to IELTS

Overall degree of understanding of IELTS by professional association staff

Factors affecting the degree of understanding and knowledge of IELTS

Perceptions of the extent to which IELTS fits the purpose

Concluding comments and recommendations

Acknowledgements

References

Appendix 1: Interviews conducted with professional associations

5. An impact study into the use of IELTS as an entry criterion for professional associations – Australia, New Zealandand the USA Author Glenys Merrifield GBM & Associates CONTENTS Abstract.................................................................................................................................................................. 3 Author biodata...................................................................................................................................................... 4 1 Outline of study .............................................................................................................................................. 5 1.1 Introduction ........................................................................................................................ 5 1.2 Objectives, scope and approach ....................................................................................... 6 1.2.1 Objectives ............................................................................................................ 6 1.2.2 Scope................................................................................................................... 7 1.2.3 Approach.............................................................................................................. 7 1.3 National and international tests ......................................................................................... 8 1.3.1 IELTS ................................................................................................................... 8 1.3.2 Occupational English Test (OET) ...................................................................... 10 1.3.3 Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL, iB TOEFL) ............................ 10 1.3.4 Other .................................................................................................................. 11 2 Outcomes of interviews with professional associations – Australia, New Zealandand the USA................................................................................................................................................... 12 2.1 Australia........................................................................................................................... 13 2.1.1 Australian Medical Council (AMC) ..................................................................... 13 2.1.2 Australian Nursing and Midwifery Council (ANMC) ........................................... 14 2.1.3 Australian Pharmacy Examining Council Inc (APEC) ........................................ 15 2.1.4 Migration Agents Registration Authority (MARA)............................................... 16 2.1.5 Engineers Australia ............................................................................................ 17 2.2 New Zealand ................................................................................................................... 17 2.2.1 Nursing Council of New Zealand ....................................................................... 18 2.2.2 Pharmacy Council of New Zealand ................................................................... 18 2.2.3 Veterinary Council of New Zealand ................................................................... 19 2.2.4 New Zealand Teachers Council......................................................................... 20 2.3 United States of America ................................................................................................ . 21 2.3.1 American Association of Veterinary State Boards (AAVSB) / Program for theAssessment of Veterinary Education Equivalence (PAVE program) ................. 21 2.3.2 American Veterinary Medical Association / Educational Commission ForeignVeterinary Graduates (AVMA/ECFVG) .............................................................. 22 2.3.3 Commission on Graduates of For

FAQs

What is the study’s main focus regarding IELTS?

The study investigates the impact of using IELTS as an entry criterion for professional associations in Australia, New Zealand, and the USA.

Which other English-language tests are discussed alongside IELTS?

The report covers Occupational English Test (OET), TOEFL (including iB TOEFL), and other relevant national tests considered by professional associations.

What factors influence professional association staff understanding of IELTS?

The analysis considers how high-stakes the profession is, workplace complaints, and the number of applicants assessed annually, among other considerations.

Sep 2, 2026

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