English language proficiency
Applicants for licensure must demonstrate proficiency in the English language to ensure they are prepared to meet the communication requirements of healthcare environments in British Columbia.
Applicants may demonstrate English language proficiency through one or more of the following pathways:
Education
Completion, within the past 5 years, of professional education delivered in English in a jurisdiction with comparable language standards
Licensure
Current licensure, or licensure within the past 5 years, in another regulated jurisdiction with English language proficiency requirements comparable to those of CHCPBC
Language assessment
Completion, within the past 2 years, of a College-approved English language proficiency test where corresponding minimum scores are met or exceeded in each domain, as outlined below
Applicants demonstrating proficiency through the language assessment pathway may complete any of the following tests and must achieve at least these minimum scores:
Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP) – General
| Domain | Minimum score (Group A) | Minimum score (Group B) |
|---|---|---|
| Listening | 8 | 9 |
| Speaking | 8 | 9 |
| Reading | 9 | 9 |
| Writing | 8 | 9 |
Group A: Applicants to audiology, dietetics, hearing instrument dispensing, occupational therapy, opticianry, optometry, or physical therapy
Group B: Applicants to psychology or speech-language pathology
International English Language Testing System (IELTS) – General and Academic
| Domain | Minimum score (Group A) | Minimum score (Group B) |
|---|---|---|
| Listening | 6.5 | 8 |
| Speaking | 7 | 7 |
| Reading | 7 | 7 |
| Writing | 6.5 | 7 |
Group A: Applicants to audiology, dietetics, hearing instrument dispensing, occupational therapy, opticianry, optometry, or physical therapy
Group B: Applicants to psychology or speech-language pathology
Occupational English Test (OET)
| Domain | Minimum score (Group C) |
|---|---|
| Listening | 450 |
| Speaking | 350 |
| Reading | 350 |
| Writing | 350 |
Group C: Applicants to speech-language pathology
Pearson Test of English (PTE) – Core
| Domain | Minimum score (Group A) | Minimum score (Group B) |
|---|---|---|
| Listening | 71 | 82 |
| Speaking | 76 | 84 |
| Reading | 78 | 78 |
| Writing | 79 | 88 |
Group A: Applicants to audiology, dietetics, hearing instrument dispensing, occupational therapy, opticianry, optometry, or physical therapy
Group B: Applicants to psychology or speech-language pathology
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) – iBT
(for tests taken on or after January 21, 2026)
| Domain | Minimum score (Group A) | Minimum score (Group B) |
|---|---|---|
| Listening | 4.5 | 5.5 |
| Speaking | 4 | 5 |
| Reading | 4 | 4.5 |
| Writing | 4.5 | 4.5 |
Group A: Applicants to audiology, dietetics, hearing instrument dispensing, occupational therapy, opticianry, optometry, or physical therapy
Group B: Applicants to psychology or speech-language pathology
Tips for applicants
Test scores are valid for 2 years from the test date (with limited exceptions)
Ask your testing agency to send your test results directly to CHCPBC
Mixing scores from multiple test sittings is not permitted. IELTS One Skill Retake is accepted.
For more information, review our Language Proficiency policy (PDF)