The United States has expanded the range of healthcare professions for which internationally recognised English language tests can be used as evidence of proficiency, strengthening the connection between English certification and international professional mobility.
The US Health Resources and Services Administration has reaccredited Cambridge English B2 First, C1 Advanced and C2 Proficiency, IELTS, the Michigan English Test (MET) and the Occupational English Test (OET) for healthcare worker certification.
The decision, announced by Cambridge University Press & Assessment on 3 September 2026, also extends the use of IELTS, MET and OET to occupational therapists and physical therapists for the first time.
List of approved Tests
IELTS (International English Language Testing System)
Pearson Test of English (PTE)
Occupational English Test (OET)
Cambridge English Qualifications ( B2 First, C1 Advanced, C2 Proficiency)
For candidates, the expansion provides greater choice in demonstrating the English proficiency required for professional certification. For examination preparation centres, it could create additional demand from adult learners whose primary reason for learning English is employment rather than academic study.
Healthcare has become a particularly interesting market for language assessment. OET was developed specifically around communication in healthcare settings, while examinations such as IELTS and Cambridge English qualifications serve a wider range of academic, professional and migration purposes.
The development also illustrates the growing economic role of English certification. Language examinations are no longer associated primarily with university admission or traditional language qualifications. They increasingly sit at the intersection of education, migration and employment.
For ELT providers working with adults, this could create opportunities for specialised programmes combining professional communication with preparation for internationally recognised certification.
