ALL (and we mean ALL) overseas trained doctors and specialists are required to fulfill English language proficiency requirements or apply for an exemption in order to gain medical board registration in New Zealand and Australia. The requirements differ between the two countries, please see below:

Australia
English Language Proficiency Requirements for International Medical Graduates. These are now required by ALL medical boards in Australia.  There are a few exemptions but Australia is reasonably inflexible on these.  Go to more about IELTS for more information.

New Zealand
Graduates from the United Kingdom, Ireland, the United States and Canada where English is the primary language of instruction are NOT required to pass an approved English test.  Graduates from other countries applying for registration, will be required to have achieved a minimum or 7 in each of the four components of the academic module with an overall band of 7.5 International English Language Testing System IELTS, within the last two years

NZ Exemptions
A doctor may be exempt from passing IELTS if he or she provides:

• Evidence that he or she has worked continuously as a registered doctor in an organisation where English was the first and prime language for at least two years within the five years immediately prior to application; and
• The names and contact details of at least two senior doctors who speak English as a first language, and who can attest to the applicant's ability to comprehend and communicate effectively in English in a clinical setting with both patients and professional colleagues. Referees will be contacted directly by Council.