What are the OET Accepted Countries? Countries List in 2025

Among different English proficiency tests, OET (Occupational English Test) is also regarded as one of the most important tests, especially for healthcare professionals. The exam tests your general English as well as medical English (used in medical environments). Several countries such as the UK, USA, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland etc officially accept OET scores for medical licensing and visa processing.

The UK alone witnessed a 32% rise in OET-based NHS applications, highlighting its growing relevance. A nurse can expect a sum of £30,000 - £40,000 annually for an NHS Band 5 role with the potential of an increment at higher position and experience.

This guide offers a detailed look into which countries accept OET scores in 2025, along with score requirements, validity periods, licensing bodies, and its use in immigration pathways. We also compare OET with other English tests for Indian medical aspirants and explain how to register for the exam from India.

What is the OET Exam & Why is it Important for Healthcare Professionals?

The Occupational English Test (OET) is an international English language test designed specifically for healthcare professionals. Unlike general tests like IELTS or TOEFL, OET assesses your ability to communicate in a medical environment, making it highly relevant for nurses, doctors, and allied health workers.

Recognized by major healthcare regulatory bodies around the world, OET has become a preferred choice for healthcare migration and professional licensing. In this section, we’ll explore how OET evaluates practical communication skills and why it’s favored by medical councils globally.

How does the OET exam test real-world healthcare communication skills?

The Occupational English Test (OET) is specifically designed for healthcare professionals, unlike other general English proficiency exams. It assesses candidates on practical, real-life scenarios they would encounter in hospitals, clinics, or other medical settings. Test components like speaking role-plays, letter-writing tasks and profession-specific listening and reading help evaluate how well a candidate can communicate with patients, peers, and supervisors.

For example, a nurse may be asked to explain a procedure to a patient or respond to a medical emergency using appropriate language. These simulations mirror day-to-day medical responsibilities, making OET a more reliable predictor of clinical communication skills than standard English exams.

Why do regulatory bodies prefer OET over general English proficiency tests?

Medical councils and licensing authorities around the world put patient safety on first priority. The OET exam ensures that the candidate must possess effective teamwork and clear communication. That is why the exam is designed with the focus on healthcare-specific language, terminology and contexts. It ensures professionals can understand medical charts, give instructions and convey empathy in sensitive situations.

It's not difficult to understand why regulatory bodies like UK’s NMC, Australia’s AHPRA or New Zealand’s NCMZ endorse OET. There is an assurance that the healthcare person has less mis-understanding in patient care. This makes it a more suitable choice than general English tests like IELTS or TOEFL.

Which Countries Officially Accept OET Scores for Registration in 2025?

As of 2025, OET scores have been accepted by many countries. Tier 1 countries like UK, Australia, New Zealand exclusively accept other countries' healthcare professionals. As an example, Australia in 2023-24, accepted a record of 5,431 healthcare experts (according to the Australian Department of Health).

 

Multiple other countries like Spain, Philippines, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Germany, Switzerland etc accept OET qualified medical professionals, although in limited numbers as compared to tier-1 countries.

Also check out: OET Exam for Nurses 2024: Eligibility, Exam Dates & Fees

Why Tier-1 countries differ from others in terms of OET Recognition?

Tier-1 countries are those that have fully integrated OET into their healthcare licensing systems, accepting it across multiple medical professions such as doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and physiotherapists. These countries also tend to accept OET for visa processing and permanent residency, making them a top choice for international applicants.

Here are tier-1 countries with their recognizing details:

Country	Accepting Regulatory Bodies	Professions Covered
United Kingdom	GNC, NMC, GDC, HCPC	Doctors, Nurses, Dentists, Allied Health Professionals
Australia	AHPRA, NMBA	All 12 regulated healthcare professions
New Zealand	MCNZ, NCNZ, Dental Council	Doctors, Nurses, Dentists, Pharmacists
Ireland	NBMI, Medical Council	Nurses and Doctors
Singapore	SNB, MOH	Nurses, Allied Health Professionals
UAE	DHA, MOH, HAAD	Nurses, Lab Techs, Allied Health

These countries offer a more predictable and streamlined process for OET test-takers due to their wide recognition across sectors and institutions.

For a more in-depth look at the exam format, including section-wise details and syllabus, check out our guide on OET Exam Pattern and Syllabus for Aspirants.

What are the key drivers behind the global adoption of OET by licensing bodies?

Many English speaking countries prefer OET as one of the criteria for allowing a foreign professional to work in their country. Here are some key factors, why OET is accepted by majority of countries and their licensing bodies:

• Global shortage of qualified healthcare professionals, urging those nations to hire professionals from outside. But on the other hand, keeping the safety and quality standards on priority, OET ensures they are comfortable in their medical environment.
• The need for a centralized regulatory body. As different countries have their own requirements, hiring and exchanging professionals would become harder. Hence, a single accepted authority made it easy for professionals as well as for nations.

What are the countries with partial or profession-specific OET acceptance in 2025?

There are other countries as well accepting OET scores other than Tier-1 countries. In these countries, OET may be accepted only by certain regulators, hospitals, or on a provisional basis as part of a pilot project.

Country	Acceptance Status	Description
Spain	Partial	Some regional nursing boards and hospitals accept OET for employment, not licensing.
Philippines	Indirect Use	OET used for training and outbound migration; not required for local licensing.
Namibia	Accepted	The Ministry of Health accepts OET for medical roles; recognition is growing.
Ukraine	Pilot Stage	OET being trialed for medical registration under healthcare reforms.
Qatar	Limited Acceptance	Recognized by QCHP for select professions like nurses and lab technicians.
Saudi Arabia	Role-Specific	Accepted for nursing and some technical positions under SCFHS.

Candidates should verify acceptance with the specific council or employer before applying. Unlike Tier 1 countries, the scope here may be limited to certain job roles, hospitals or government-backed projects.

Is the list of OET-accepting countries likely to expand in the near future?

Absolutely. As the international recruitment of healthcare professionals grows and OET has been demonstrated as an effective language test, a number of countries are also considering pilot schemes and temporary recognition. The regulatory trends indicate that countries in eastern Europe as well as the Middle East and Southeast Asia could consider OET legally in the following years.

The increased credibility of OET, as well as the globalization of healthcare, makes it an attractive migration and employment tool. It is suggested that candidates keep themselves informed on official OET and regulator websites because this list is continuously getting expanded every year.

What are the OET Score Requirements in Major OET Accepted Countries

OET is scored on the scale of 0 - 500 for each sub-tests (Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking). These numerical scores are then mapped to corresponding grades, for eg: 450 - 500 is A grade, 440 - 350 corresponds to B.

Most healthcare regulators look for Grade B (440 - 350) in each sub test. Although, you can find variations in job roles, local regulation and policy updates.

Below provided is the breakdown of score requirements in major accepting countries. Some roles allow flexibility or partial retakes are also covered.

What are the Different Scores and their Corresponding Grade Descriptors

As mentioned above, for each section or sub-test, you are awarded scores out of 500. Now these numerical scores 0-500 are sub-divided into different ranges and given a grade. Let’s see what they are:

Grade	Score Range	Description
A	450-500	Can communicate fluently with appropriate registers, tone and lexis
B	350-440	Can communicate effectively with occasional inaccuracies and hesitations
C+	300-340	Maintain interaction in a relevant environment with occasional inaccuracies.
C	200 - 290
D	100-190	Can maintain some interaction with sometimes asking for clarification.
E	0-90	Can interact only on familiar topics. High occurrence of errors and misuse of technical language.

This table indicates where you lie and how much improvement you need.

What is the minimum score needed in the UK or Ireland?

In the UK and Ireland, OET is accepted across multiple healthcare professions, but score requirements differ slightly between nurses and doctors.

For example, doctors in the UK are required to obtain no less than B grade or score not less than 400. Now since doctors have more medical expertise than nurses, they are expected to obtain B grade in three sub-tests and C+ in writing.

The table below shows the details with UK and Ireland:

Country	Profession	OET Score Requirement
United Kingdom	Nurses (NMC)	Grade B (Reading, Listening & Speaking); C+ in Writing
	Doctors (GMC)	Minimum B grade in all four sub-tests
Ireland	Nurses (NMBI)	Grade B in any three and C+ in any one.
	Doctors (Medical Council)	Minimum B grade in all four sub-tests

Note: UK’s NMC allows score merging under specific conditions, where scores from two OET sittings can be combined.

What are the requirements for other professions?

Other medical professions like dentists, pharmacists, physiotherapists and radiographers often fall under different regulatory bodies. While most follow Grade B benchmarks, some offer conditional acceptance and retake flexibility. Some of them are listed  below:

• Dentists in UK, Australia or New Zealand have to score B grade in all sub-tests.
• Pharmacists in Australia, UAR and Ireland have to obtain B in speaking and Listening, C+ in writing and Reading, although this also varies.
• Physiotherapists in Australia and UAE have to score B in all sub-tests.

How strict are OET re-test or re-application rules for borderline scores?

Most countries allow reattempts, but score flexibility varies:

• Score Clubbing (UK only): NMC permits combining two test sittings within 6 months, with no less than C+ in any module and B overall.
• Partial Retake (Global): As of 2023, OET allows "OET on Paper – at a venue" retakes for individual sub-tests.
• Expiry Caution: Most regulators accept OET scores that are no older than 2 years, regardless of retake attempts.

These policies make it easier for candidates to improve specific sections without retaking the full test—saving time and money.

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How long is OET result valid across different countries?

Typically, OET results are valid for 2 years from the test date, but the validity period can vary in different countries and for different regulatory bodies. For example, Doctors and nurses’ scores are valid for two years, however for clubbing scores (in the UK), regulatory bodies require that the two tests be taken within a six-month period.

Some healthcare councils have strict timelines, while others may offer limited flexibility based on visa timelines or work permit processes. Understanding the validity window is crucial, especially if you're planning to apply for jobs, registrations or visas after a gap.

Why does OET Validity vary from country to country?

As different countries have their own set of regulations and requirements, validity in different countries can change for specific professions. Although the factors cannot be generalized for all nations, the mostly observed reason is the difference in immigration requirements and licensing policies. Since, accepting any individual solely depends on visa criteria, other requirements have to adapt to the visa rules. Another can be the assumption that language proficiency may decline over time if not in active use.

Given are some examples of different validity for different professions and bodies:

• The UK’s NMC and GMC accept OET scores up to 2 years old
• AHPRA (Australia) requires a recent OET within the past 2 years
• Some employers may accept slightly older results, but licensing boards usually do not

What if OET score expires during a job application or visa process?

If your OET score expires before or during your licensing or visa process, here’s what typically happens:

• You’ll be asked to retake the exam to submit a valid score
• Previously submitted expired scores are not considered, even if you passed earlier
• Some visa or immigration authorities (like in Australia) may allow older OET scores only if they were valid at the time of submission

To avoid delays:

• Plan your licensing and visa applications within 12–18 months of your test date
• If facing expiration, consider retaking only the modules you need (using OET’s partial retake option)

Which body recognizes the OET Exam?

OET is recognized by a wide range of healthcare regulatory authorities, including medical councils, nursing boards, and professional associations. It is also gaining traction among employers, private hospitals, and international recruiters.

How do medical and nursing councils evaluate OET for registration?

Regulatory bodies use OET to ensure that healthcare professionals can communicate safely and effectively in clinical settings. Most councils require a minimum Grade B (350–440) in each sub-test, although others may offer flexibility for writing.

Regulatory Body	Country	Professions Covered
GMC	UK	Doctors
NMC	UK	Nurses / Mid-Wives
AHPRA	Australia	All 12 regulated health professions
MCNZ / NCNZ	New Zealand	Doctors / Nurses
NMBI	Ireland	Nurses
SCFHS / DHA / NAAD	Saudi Arabia / UAE	Multiple roles incl. nursing and allied health

Each council also requires the test to be taken within the past 2 years and in one or two sittings (UK clubbing rule).

Which private employers and hospitals also accepting OET scores globally?

Many private healthcare employers, staffing agencies, and hospital groups now accept OET as part of their recruitment process, especially for:

• Direct international hires
• Nursing placements
• Allied health worker deployment
• Clinical research and support roles

This is especially common in:

• Gulf countries (UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar)
• Singapore and Malaysia
• European private hospitals

Employers may not always have formal score requirements, but Grade B is typically expected to demonstrate safe communication ability.

Should Indian healthcare professionals choose OET over IELTS or TOEFL?

OET is usually the more intelligent, quick and close relevant option of IELTS and TOEFL amongst doctors, nurses and allied health personnel intending to practice overseas even though they are Indians. It is more engaging and closer to home as it revolves around medical communication.

What makes OET more suitable for Indian Nurses and Doctors?

Here lies the reason as to why OET is more suitable to Indian medical professionals:

• Test questions are replicas of hospital scenarios, discussions and medical text
• There is familiarity with medical terms, which lessens the confusion and enhances work efficiency
• Speaking part involves role-playing, where it is possible to practise in a real situation
• More of a fit with the Indian nursing and MBBS curricula

Compared to general English tests, OET feels more practical and directly applicable to work environments.

Why is OET more easier to prepare than other proficiency exams?

In many cases, OET can be more easier to prepare than other English Proficiency exams like IELTS or TOEFL. Here’s why:

• The questions asked have more predictive and similar patterns.
• The answers are only related to the profession. So, you don’t need to learn vocabulary outside of it.
• Less candidate pool which leads to more focused test design. Also, with less applicants means less competition and level of difficulty is also less.
• Supportive prep material like sample role-plays and writing samples are readily available.

That said, success still depends on practice, especially in writing and speaking, which require strategic preparation.

How can OET open faster migration or placement routes for Indian applicants?

OET tends to result in faster hiring and licensing due to the fact that:

• It is more characteristically specific in regard to healthcare and thus employers put more trust in it.
• Licensing or visa applications (applicable in certain countries) can be with the aid of scores.
• Clubbed marks or invalid backs enable the candidates to retrieve without retesting.
• It assists in the provision of conditional job offers even before leaving the country of origin.

This gives OET as a career-smart (and money saving) option to Indian healthcare professionals.

How can I register for the OET exam from India?

Indian applicants can register for the OET exam through a simple and straightforward online process. Candidates are at liberty to choose an exam centre if they want to attempt it physically or can opt for a home based test. The steps to apply are as follows:

Step 1: Visit the official website “https://oet.com” to register your candidature.

Step 2: Create a MyOET Account. For that, you’ll need to provide your personal details like full name, date of birth, email address (for contacting), upload a digital photograph and a valid identity (specified on the page for the country you belong).

Step 3: Choose your test details. These will be selecting a profession (doctor, nurse, dentist, pharmacist etc), exam mode (on-paper at venue, computer-based at venue or OET at home) and selecting test date and location.

Step 4: Complete your application and pay the fees.

Step 5: Await for confirmation. After successful registration and payment, you will receive a confirmation email with all your test details including the date, time and location.

What is the OET exam fee in India and is it refundable?

As of 2025, the registration fees for the OET exam is 587 AUD (approx. INR 33,345). The INR amount is the conversion from Australian Dollar to INR and is subject to change.

In case you want to cancel the exam due to any reason, partial refunds are available if you cancel more than 2 weeks before the test. For rescheduling, it is also allowed with a fee, up to 7 days before the exam.

What are the best preparation strategies for Indian candidates?

Here’s how Indian healthcare professionals can prepare effectively:

• Use official OET preparation materials (free and paid)
• Join OET coaching classes, especially for writing and speaking
• Practice speaking role-plays with peers or mentors
• Study sample referral/discharge letters to understand writing formats
• Track your time and practice under real exam conditions

Conclusion

Occupational English Test (OET) has remained a certification that is being increasingly acknowledged worldwide as the healthcare professional choice of English language examinations. As it has gained recognition in countries such as the UK, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, and some regions in the Middle East and in Europe, OET presents a professionally relevant, migration definite route to the Indian medical personalities.

Being aware of current requirements of a score, validity regulations, and differences between the policies of licensing versus policies of immigration, the candidates can make informed choices based on their professional needs. Be it a job, a license, or a permanent relocation to a foreign country, OET offers the language base that is necessary to thrive in the real world circumstances of a healthcare setting.

Always update your country wise recognition and start preparing as much as early as possible to have more chances of passing the OET in the healthcare workforce globally.