Registered Nurses: You Can Combine English Test Scores for VisaScreen® Purposes
For many internationally educated Registered Nurses, proving English language proficiency is a key step toward working abroad. What many nurses don’t realize, however, is that you may not need to rely on just one test result.
At Scanscope, we regularly support nurses through credentialing and visa-related processes, and one important update is worth highlighting:
You Can Combine English Test Scores—If They’re Recent
Registered Nurses who take an approved English language test may be eligible to combine scores from two separate tests, as long as:
Both tests were taken within the past 12 months
The tests are approved for VisaScreen® purposes
The combined scores meet the minimum required standards
This option can be especially helpful if you narrowly missed the required score on one section of your first exam. Rather than retaking the entire test and starting from scratch, you may be able to use stronger section scores from a second attempt.
How Score Combining Works
If you’ve taken the same English test twice within a one-year period, certain testing and credentialing authorities allow you to mix and match the highest scores from each test section (such as speaking, listening, reading, and writing).
This means:
You don’t have to achieve all required scores in a single sitting
Your best performance across both tests can be considered
You may save time, money, and stress
Why This Matters for VisaScreen®
VisaScreen® certification is a critical requirement for nurses seeking work visas in countries such as the United States. English proficiency is a core component of this process, and understanding all available options can make a significant difference in your application timeline.
Combining scores—when eligible—can:
Reduce delays in obtaining certification
Increase your chances of meeting English requirements sooner
Help you move forward with employment and visa processing faster
How Scanscope Can Help
Navigating English test requirements and VisaScreen® rules can be confusing, especially when policies change or vary by situation. Scanscope is here to guide you through each step—reviewing your test history, confirming eligibility, and ensuring your documentation is submitted correctly.
If you’ve taken an English test more than once in the past year, it’s worth exploring whether score combining could work in your favor.
