Language Proficiency

Whereas accurate communication is vital to patient safety, all physicians practising in Prince Edward Island, must be able to communicate clearly with their patients in English. The following has been adopted as the information which must be provided to the Registrar at time of application for registration.

Policy

Proficiency in English is a requirement for registration. All applicants must have the ability to effectively communicate with patients, other professionals and the College. All applicants whose first and native language is not English must demonstrate English Language Proficiency. This requirement is fulfilled if you provide proof that:

1. The applicant currently holds an independent medical licence or registration in any province or territory in Canada; or
2. The applicant received their undergraduate medical education or postgraduate training in English (within the last 5 years) and the primary language for patient care during the training period was in English; or
   
   Anguilla • Antigua and Barbuda • Australia • Bahamas • Barbados • Bermuda • British Virgin Islands • Canada • Dominica • Grenada • Grenadines • Ireland • Jamaica • New Zealand • Singapore • South Africa • St. Kitts and Nevis • St. Lucia • St. Vincent • Trinidad and Tobago • United Kingdom • United States of America • US Virgin Islands
3. The applicant has achieved one of the following English Language Proficiency test results (All tests must be source-verified and are valid for 24 months from the date on the exam results):
   1. The International English Language Testing System Academic (IELTS – Academic) – achieving a minimum score of 7.0 in each of the four components in a single test.
   2. The Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program General (CELPIP – General) – achieving a minimum score of 9 in each of the four components in a single test.
   3. The Occupational English Test Medicine (OET-Medicine) – achieving a minimum grade of B in each of the four components in a single test; or
4. The applicant has successfully achieved a passing score on any of the following:
   1. Medical Council of Canada Qualifying Part I Examination, or
   2. Certification by the College of Family Physicians of Canada (written and oral), or
   3. Certification by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (written and oral); or
5. The applicant has successfully completed a language test set by immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) as part of their immigration process.

If the applicant does not meet any of the requirements above, the Registrar may, at their discretion, waive the requirements for English Language where the Registrar can be satisfied that the applicant can safely and effectively practise medicine in English, by receiving an attestation from the Chief of Staff (or equivalent) of a Canadian healthcare facility which establishes the applicant’s fluency in English language.

Applicable Legislation

Regulated Health Professions Act, Section 12 (2)(b)

Document History

Approval Date: July 7, 2026

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