16Knowledge of English language required

16 Knowledge of English language required (1) This rule applies to an overseas applicant whose first language is not English. (2) Subject to subrule (3), the overseas applicant must satisfy the Board that, within 2 years immediately preceding the date of the application for admission, the applicant: (a) completed the IELTS Test; and (b) obtained at least the specified score for each of the following components of the IELTS Test: (i) 8.0 for writing; (ii) 7.5 for speaking; (iii) 7.0 for reading; (iv) 7.0 for listening.

Part 5 Disclosure of matters affecting suitability for admission Legal Profession Admission Rules 2007 10 (3) The Board may exempt the applicant from the requirements of subrule (2) if the applicant satisfies the Board that: (a) the applicant: (i) completed the IELTS Test and obtained the scores required by subrule (2)(b) earlier than 2 years immediately preceding the date of the application for admission; and (ii) since completing the IELTS Test, has continuously held a practising certificate and continuously been engaged in legal practice in a country where English is the native or first language; or (b) the applicant: (i) has, in a country where English is the native or first language, undertaken both of the following: (A) the final 2 years of secondary education; (B) a tertiary academic course, taught in the English language, to obtain the academic qualifications on which the applicant relies for admission; and (ii) was resident in the country for the whole of the period of study undertaken in accordance with subparagraph (i). (4) The applicant must meet the costs of completing an IELTS Test and providing the Board with evidence of compliance with this rule. (5) In this rule: IELTS Test means the International English Language Testing System Academic Module Test.