Latest Update: The Occupational English Test (OET) is now recognized in Singapore for healthcare professionals, expanding the list to 21 countries, including Canada, Australia, and the UK, per the official OET website.
The Occupational English Test (OET) is a globally recognized English language proficiency exam specifically designed for healthcare professionals. Over 15 countries, including the UK, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, and Singapore, officially accept OET scores for medical licensing and visa processing. With the demand for skilled healthcare workers growing worldwide, Indian nurses, doctors, and allied health professionals increasingly opt for OET to secure overseas employment and study opportunities.
The UK alone witnessed a 32% rise in OET-based NHS applications, highlighting its growing relevance. Unlike other English proficiency tests, OET assesses real workplace scenarios in healthcare, making it the preferred choice among professionals.
In this blog, we’ll explore the list of countries accepting OET, the benefits of taking OET, and how it opens doors to international medical careers.
OET is officially recognized in multiple countries for various healthcare professions, including nursing, medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, physiotherapy, and more.
Below is a country-wise breakdown of where OET is accepted, regulatory authorities, and the minimum required scores.
1. Australia
Australia is one of the most popular destinations for healthcare professionals due to its strong demand for skilled workers. The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) and various professional councils accept OET for medical licensing and visa applications.
Regulatory Bodies Accepting OET:
Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA)
Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA)
Medical Board of Australia (MBA)
Pharmacy Board of Australia
Minimum OET Score Requirements:
Profession
Required Score
Doctors
B (350) in all four sections
Nurses
B (350) in all four sections
Dentists
B (350) in all four sections
Pharmacists
B (350) in all four sections
Visa and Work Permits:
OET is accepted for skilled migration visas under healthcare-related occupations.
Nurses, doctors, and allied health professionals must meet AHPRA language requirements to practice in Australia.
2. United Kingdom
The UK is a top destination for healthcare professionals due to high salaries and career growth. OET is accepted by the General Medical Council (GMC) and the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) for licensing.
Regulatory Bodies Accepting OET:
General Medical Council (GMC) – For doctors
Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) – For nurses
Minimum OET Score Requirements:
Profession
Required Score
Doctors
B (350) in all four sections
Nurses
B (350) in Listening, Reading & Speaking; C+ (300) in Writing
OET vs. IELTS for the UK:
OET is preferred as it tests medical communication skills, unlike IELTS, which assesses general English proficiency.
Many NHS trusts and private hospitals in the UK accept OET for recruitment.
3. United States of America
OET is gaining acceptance in the USA for doctors and nurses, primarily for licensing and employment purposes. The Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) now recognizes OET.
Professions That Require OET in the USA:
Doctors (for ECFMG certification)
Nurses (varies by state)
Minimum OET Score Requirements:
Profession
Required Score
Doctors
B (350) in all four sections
Nurses
Varies by state; typically B (350) in all four sections
Visa Considerations:
Some hospitals in the USA sponsor work visas for nurses and doctors who meet the OET language requirements.
4. Canada
Canada has recently started recognizing OET for certain healthcare professions, particularly in provinces like Ontario. However, not all provinces accept OET yet.
Regulatory Bodies Accepting OET:
College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO)
College of Physicians & Surgeons (varies by province)
Minimum OET Score Requirements:
Profession
Required Score
Nurses
B (350) in all four sections
Doctors
B (350) in all four sections
Key Considerations:
OET is not yet accepted nationwide in Canada. Candidates should verify with their specific provincial licensing authority.
5. Ireland
Ireland has growing demand for healthcare professionals, and OET is now accepted for nursing and medical licensing. The Irish government also offers work permits for healthcare workers.
Regulatory Bodies Accepting OET:
Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI) – For nurses
Irish Medical Council (IMC) – For doctors
Minimum OET Score Requirements:
Profession
Required Score
Doctors
B (350) in all four sections
Nurses
B (350) in Listening, Reading & Speaking; C+ (300) in Writing
Visa Considerations:
Ireland allows overseas healthcare professionals to apply for Critical Skills Employment Permits.
6. New Zealand
New Zealand has a high demand for medical professionals, and OET is widely accepted for licensing. The Medical Council of New Zealand (MCNZ) and the Nursing Council of New Zealand (NCNZ) accept OET.
Regulatory Bodies Accepting OET:
Medical Council of New Zealand (MCNZ) – For doctors
Nursing Council of New Zealand (NCNZ) – For nurses
Minimum OET Score Requirements:
Profession
Required Score
Doctors
B (350) in all four sections
Nurses
B (350) in all four sections
Key Considerations:
Nurses and doctors can apply for work visas under New Zealand’s Skill Shortage List.
Other OET-Accepting Countries
Apart from Australia, the UK, the USA, and Canada, several other countries also recognize OET for healthcare licensing and employment.
Country
Professions Accepting OET
Ireland
Doctors, Nurses, Dentists, Pharmacists
New Zealand
Doctors, Nurses, Physiotherapists
Singapore
Doctors, Nurses
United Arab Emirates (UAE)
Doctors, Nurses
Malta
Medical Professionals
Qatar
Doctors, Nurses
Egypt
Doctors, Nurses
Spain
Healthcare Professionals
Ukraine
Medical Graduates
Maldives
Healthcare Workers
Namibia
Doctors, Nurses
Philippines
Overseas Healthcare Employment
OET Score Requirements by Country
Each country has different minimum OET score requirements for healthcare professionals. While most require a B (350) in all four sections (Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking), some countries allow a lower writing score (C+ / 300) for nurses.
Below is a breakdown of OET score requirements for nurses and doctors across major OET-accepting countries.
Country-Wise OET Score Requirements for Nurses
Nurses are required to meet specific OET benchmarks for professional registration. Some countries have slightly lower writing requirements but expect high scores in speaking, listening, and reading.
Country
Listening
Reading
Writing
Speaking
Australia
B (350)
B (350)
B (350)
B (350)
United Kingdom
B (350)
B (350)
C+ (300)
B (350)
United States
B (350)
B (350)
B (350)
B (350)
Canada
B (350)
B (350)
B (350)
B (350)
Ireland
B (350)
B (350)
C+ (300)
B (350)
New Zealand
B (350)
B (350)
B (350)
B (350)
Singapore
B (350)
B (350)
B (350)
B (350)
UAE
B (350)
B (350)
B (350)
B (350)
Key Observations: ✅ UK and Ireland allow a lower writing score (C+ / 300) for nurses. ✅ Australia, New Zealand, and Canada require B (350) in all sections.
Doctors generally face stricter OET score requirements, as medical licensing bodies require a strong command of English across all sections.
Country
OET Requirement for Doctors
Australia
B (350) in all four sections
United Kingdom
B (350) in all four sections
United States
B (350) in all four sections
Canada
B (350) in all four sections
Ireland
B (350) in all four sections
New Zealand
B (350) in all four sections
UAE
B (350) in all four sections
Singapore
B (350) in all four sections
OET Scores/Grades & Band Descriptors
Along with being aware of the OET-accepted countries for nurses and other healthcare professions, you must also know about the interpretation of its results. The statement of results reports your score (on a scale from 0 to 500) along with a letter grade.
The grades and their corresponding score range, along with their band descriptors, are mentioned below:
Grade A:
The highest grade in the OET band descriptor is Grade A, which corresponds to a mark range of 450 to 500. This grade signifies that the candidate has the highest marks and can communicate confidently and fluently with staff members, patients, and others.
Grade B:
The second-highest grade in the OET band descriptor is within the mark range of 350 to 440. This grade indicates that the candidate is proficient in communication and has a friendly approach to patients and staff.
Grade C:
The third-highest grade in the OET band descriptor corresponds to a mark range of 300 to 340. This grade suggests that the candidate can speak English proficiently with occasional errors.
Grade C+:
The fourth-highest grade in the OET band descriptor is equivalent to Grade C+, with a mark range of 200 to 290. This grade indicates that the candidate can communicate in basic English and connect with people despite facing some errors and difficulties.
Grade D:
The fifth-highest grade in the OET band descriptor has a mark range of 100 to 190. This grade indicates that the candidate can collaborate while encountering some disruptions.
Grade E:
The lowest grade in the OET band descriptor has a mark range of 0 to 90. This grade suggests poor performance by the candidate, with little to no proficiency in the English language or their clinical field.
As the demand for skilled healthcare professionals continues to rise globally, the OET serves as a crucial stepping stone, empowering medical practitioners with the linguistic competence needed to excel in diverse healthcare settings.
For those in the medical field looking to expand their horizons and practice in countries like the UK, Australia, and New Zealand, excelling in the OET is a vital part of their professional journey, opening doors to rewarding career opportunities and cross-cultural experiences in the world of healthcare.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is OET accepted in all English-speaking countries?
No, OET is not accepted in all English-speaking countries. While major countries like Australia, the UK, the USA, Canada, Ireland, and New Zealand accept OET, some regions still prefer IELTS or TOEFL for healthcare licensing. Always check the specific requirements of your destination country.
Can I use my OET score for multiple countries?
Yes, if your OET score meets the required benchmark, you can use it for multiple countries. However, different countries may have varying score requirements, especially for writing. Always confirm with the respective healthcare regulatory authority before applying.
How long is an OET score valid for international registration?
OET scores are typically valid for two years from the test date. However, some regulatory bodies may have specific rules regarding score validity, so it’s advisable to check the requirements of the country and profession you’re applying for.
Do all healthcare professions require the same OET score?
No, score requirements vary by profession and country. Nurses and doctors often require B (350) in all sections, but some countries allow a C+ (300) in writing for nurses. Pharmacists, dentists, and other professionals should check the specific regulatory guidelines in their target country.
Can I apply for a healthcare job with an OET score alone?
OET is a language proficiency test, not a qualification. While it meets the English requirement for healthcare registration, you also need to meet professional qualifications, licensing exams, and work experience criteria set by the country’s healthcare authorities.
Does OET help in getting a work visa for healthcare professionals?
Yes, many countries accept OET as proof of English proficiency for healthcare-related work visas. Countries like Australia, the UK, and Ireland recognize OET for visa applications, but you must also fulfill other visa eligibility criteria, such as sponsorship and job offers.
Which countries accept OET for medical residency programs?
Countries like Australia, the UK, and the USA accept OET for medical licensing, but residency program acceptance varies. Some residency programs may still require USMLE, PLAB, or IELTS alongside OET. Always check individual program requirements before applying.
Do I need to take OET if I already have IELTS or TOEFL?
It depends on the country and the healthcare profession. Some regulatory bodies accept both OET and IELTS, while others prefer OET due to its healthcare-specific focus. If your IELTS/TOEFL scores meet the requirements, you may not need to take OET.
Is OET easier than IELTS for healthcare professionals?
Many healthcare professionals find OET easier because it is profession-specific, using real-life medical scenarios. Unlike IELTS, which covers general academic topics, OET focuses on healthcare communication, making it more relevant for doctors, nurses, and allied health professionals.
Can I take the OET test online for immigration purposes?
OET offers both on-site and online testing, but not all immigration and licensing authorities accept the online version. Some countries require in-person test scores for visa and registration processes. It’s important to check the official guidelines before choosing an online OET test.
What should I do if my OET score is below the required level?
If your OET score is below the required level, you can retake the test for specific sections or improve your score through language training programs. Some countries allow clubbed scores from multiple test attempts within a set period, so check if this option is available.
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