Latest Update: Some medical councils are introducing fast-track pathways for doctors with recent OET scores, especially for areas with staff shortages. This allows quicker registration in select countries.
The OET accepting countries are those that recognize theOccupational English Test (OET)scores for healthcare professionals, including nurses, doctors, dentists, and pharmacists, for purposes of registration, employment, and immigration. As of 2025, over 30 countries accept OET, with top destinations being Australia, New Zealand, the UK, Ireland, and Singapore. Nurses make up the largest group benefiting from OET, with many councils requiring a minimum C+ grade for registration. Using OET scores not only fulfills language proficiency requirements but also fast-tracks professional licensing and global career opportunities.
In this blog, you’ll learn a complete list of OET accepted countries, including those recognizing OET C+ grades, score requirements by profession, and how OET scores are used for registration, work visas, and further training. Additionally, we’ll cover tips for achieving required scores, common challenges, and help you plan your international healthcare career with confidence.
List of OET Accepted Countries
The OET accepted countries are those that recognize the Occupational English Test (OET) scores for healthcare professionals, including nurses, doctors, dentists, and pharmacists. Currently, over 30 countries accept OET scores, helping professionals meet language requirements for registration, work visas, and education. Some of the most popular destinations are Australia, New Zealand, the UK, Ireland, and Singapore, but many other countries also recognize OET scores for various healthcare professions.
OET Accepted Countries for Nurses
Nurses are the largest group using OET for international registration. Each country’s nursing council sets its minimum score, often requiring a C+ grade in all sub-tests.
Doctors can use OET scores for registration and licensing in several countries:
Country
Medical Council
Minimum OET Requirement
Australia
Australian Medical Council
C+ in all sub-tests
UK
General Medical Council (GMC)
C+ in all sub-tests
New Zealand
Medical Council of New Zealand
C+ in all sub-tests
OET Accepted Countries for Dentists, Pharmacists, and Allied Healthcare Professionals
The table below highlights the countries that accept OET for these professions along with the minimum score requirements.
Profession
Countries Accepting OET
Minimum Requirement
Dentists
UK, Ireland, Australia
C+ in all sub-tests
Pharmacists
Australia, New Zealand, Singapore
C+ in all sub-tests
Allied Health Professionals
Varies by country
C+ in all sub-tests
How to Use OET Scores in Different Countries
OET scores are recognized internationally, and healthcare professionals can use them for professional registration, work visas, and further education. Different countries have their own requirements, so understanding how OET is applied is essential for planning a global career.
1. Registration with Professional Councils
Most countries require healthcare professionals to submit OET scores to their respective regulatory councils before practicing. For example:
Australia: The Nursing and Midwifery Board and the Australian Medical Council accept OET scores for nurses and doctors.
UK: The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) and the General Medical Council (GMC) recognize OET for registration.
New Zealand: The Nursing Council and Medical Council use OET scores for licensing purposes.
Benefits of using OET scores for registration:
Confirms your English proficiency meets professional standards
Reduces the time required to meet language requirements
Helps in smooth verification of credentials
2. Immigration and Work Visa Applications
Many countries allow OET scores to satisfy language requirements for skilled migration or work visas.
Australia and New Zealand: OET scores are accepted for certain visa categories, especially for healthcare professionals.
UK and Ireland: Professional councils often submit your OET verification to immigration authorities, expediting visa approval.
Key points for visa use:
Most countries require C+ grade in all sub-tests
Scores are typically valid for two years, but confirm with each council
Some countries may require additional documentation alongside OET
3. Education and Training Recognition
OET scores are also accepted by universities and training institutions for postgraduate courses, clinical placements, or professional development programs abroad.
This is particularly useful for nurses, doctors, and allied health professionals aiming to pursue specializations or advanced studies internationally.
Some institutions may have minimum OET score requirements depending on the program.
4. Tips for Using OET Scores Effectively
Always check the specific score requirement for your profession in the country of interest.
Keep your OET result certificate handy, as most councils request a copy during registration.
Plan ahead to retake OET if your score does not meet the required standard before submitting registration or visa applications.
Different countries have specific OET score requirements for healthcare professionals, depending on the profession and regulatory body. While many countries set the minimum C+ grade in all sub-tests, some professions or countries may have additional expectations for certain components or supplementary registration criteria.
Country-Wise OET Requirements:
Country
Profession-Specific OET Requirement
Notes
Australia
Nurses, Doctors, Dentists, Pharmacists – C+ in all sub-tests
Required for registration with professional councils; must be valid for 2 years
New Zealand
Nurses & Doctors – C+ in all sub-tests
OET scores accepted for licensing; additional clinical experience may be required
UK
Doctors, Nurses, Dentists – C+ in all sub-tests
Registration with GMC/NMC; Writing and Speaking are crucial for patient interaction
Ireland
Nurses & Doctors – C+ in all sub-tests
Must submit OET scores along with qualification verification
Singapore
Nurses, Allied Health – C+ in all sub-tests
Some allied health roles may require supplementary language assessment
Canada
Nurses (some provinces) – C+ or equivalent
Check provincial guidelines; some provinces accept OET as alternative to IELTS
Key Points to Remember:
OET scores are generally valid for 2 years, but check the country-specific rules.
Professionals may need additional documents, like clinical experience certificates, along with OET results.
For professions like doctors and dentists, Writing and Speaking scores are especially important because they reflect patient communication skills.
If your score is slightly below the requirement, retaking OET is always an option.
How to Prepare for OET for International Recognition
Preparing for the Occupational English Test (OET) is essential for healthcare professionals aiming to work or study abroad. Achieving the required scores ensures eligibility for registration, visas, and global career opportunities. Proper OET preparation focuses on profession-specific English, practical communication, and exam familiarity.
1. Understand the Test Format
The OET has four sub-tests: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. Each component reflects real healthcare scenarios:
Speaking: Role-plays simulating interactions with patients
2. Focus on Profession-Specific English
Unlike general English tests, OET uses healthcare vocabulary. Concentrate on:
Medical terminology relevant to your field
Patient-centered communication
Writing professional documents like referrals and reports
3. Use Structured Study Resources
Several resources can help you prepare efficiently:
Official OET preparation materials from the OET website
Online mock tests and practice exercises
Healthcare-specific vocabulary lists and writing templates
4. Practice and Review
Take timed mock tests for all sub-tests to simulate exam conditions.
Focus on weak areas identified during practice.
Record and review Speaking practice sessions to improve fluency and pronunciation.
5. Set a Study Schedule
Allocate dedicated daily or weekly time for each sub-test.
Mix reading, listening, writing, and speaking practice to maintain balance.
Include revision and mock exams regularly to track progress.
6. Test Day Tips
Read instructions carefully for each sub-test.
Manage your time efficiently; avoid spending too long on one task.
Stay calm and focused confidence plays a big role in performance.
Common Challenges While Using OET Abroad
While the OET is recognized in over 30 countries and opens doors for healthcare professionals, several challenges can arise when using it for international registration, visas, or further studies.
Understanding these challenges beforehand helps you plan better and avoid delays. Below is the table about common challenges and tips to overcome them:
Challenge
What to Watch For
Tip to Overcome
Country-specific requirements
Different scores or additional documents
Check official council guidelines
Score validity
2-year validity; retake if expired
Schedule test strategically
Council submissions
Different portals and rules
Maintain a submission checklist
Visa & immigration
Extra proof may be requested
Prepare documentation early
Test preparation
Limited time or stress
Structured practice and mentorship
Conclusion
The OET accepted countries open doors for healthcare professionals seeking international careers, from nurses and doctors to dentists and allied health workers. With over 30 countries recognizing OET scores, including Australia, New Zealand, the UK, Ireland, and Singapore, meeting the required C+ grade in all sub-tests is key to registration, migration, and professional growth.
Understanding each country’s score requirements, professional council regulations, and visa rules ensures a smoother path to global opportunities. Proper preparation, consistent practice, and using resources like upGrad’s OET guidance can help you achieve the scores needed for registration and employment abroad.
By knowing where OET is accepted and how to use your scores effectively, you can confidently plan your international healthcare career and maximize your professional potential across the world.
For more update, you can book a free counseling session with upGrad and seek professional guidance! We’d be happy to help you figure this out.
FAQs
Is OET easier or IELTS?
OET is often considered easier for healthcare professionals because it is profession specific. It focuses on real-world medical scenarios like patient consultations, referrals, and role-plays, which feel more relevant than IELTS topics. While IELTS tests general English skills, OET prepares you directly for communication in a healthcare setting.
Is OET accepted in Switzerland?
Switzerland does not formally recognize OET for healthcare registration. Most medical and nursing boards in Switzerland require other language proficiency exams, often in German, French, or Italian depending on the canton. OET may still be useful for English-speaking programs or hospital-based roles but is not a standard requirement.
What is the OET score for USA?
In the United States, OET is not widely used for professional licensing. Most boards require IELTS or TOEFL for healthcare registration. Some educational institutions might accept OET scores for coursework, but it does not replace state licensing exams for nurses or doctors.
Is OET accepted in Qatar?
OET is accepted in select healthcare institutions and licensing authorities in Qatar. Requirements can vary depending on the hospital or regulatory body. Professionals planning to work in Qatar should check the official guidelines before applying to ensure their OET scores meet local standards.
How long are OET scores valid internationally?
OET scores are typically valid for two years from the test date. Some councils may have shorter validity periods, and if you miss the application deadline, you may need to retake the test. Planning your test date around registration and visa deadlines is essential.
Can I use OET scores for multiple countries?
Yes, you can submit your OET results to more than one country’s regulatory council. However, each country may have different minimum score requirements, submission rules, and deadlines. It’s important to track which scores are valid where to avoid delays.
Do allied healthcare professionals need the same OET scores as doctors or nurses?
Most allied health professionals, like physiotherapists or radiographers, require a C+ in all sub-tests, similar to nurses and doctors. Some councils may have slightly different expectations depending on the role’s patient interaction and communication requirements.
Are OET results accepted for student visas?
In some countries, OET can be used to meet English language requirements for healthcare courses or postgraduate studies. Universities may set specific sub-test requirements, so it’s important to check each program’s guidelines before applying.
How quickly are OET results recognized by councils?
The processing time depends on the council and country. Some require direct verification from OET, while others accept uploaded certificates. Recognition can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks, so submitting scores early is recommended.
Can OET scores replace professional exams in some countries?
OET scores cannot replace licensing or professional exams. They only prove English proficiency. You still need to complete professional registration, credentials verification, and licensing exams to practice in most countries.
Do all healthcare roles need OET to work abroad?
Not every healthcare role requires OET. Some countries accept IELTS or other recognized English tests, while others may waive language tests for highly experienced professionals. Always check the specific council requirements for your profession and target country before applying.
Bulbul is a self-driven professional and an expert writer & editor. She has been a part of the ed-tech industry for the past 2 years now and is motivated to provide study abroad aspirants with factual...
Refer Your Friend & Earn upto ₹15000
Help your friend upgrade to a Global Career and earn rewards together.
