OET Eligibility Criteria 2025: Who Can Apply?

Healthcare professionals meeting OET eligibility criteria can apply to work in English-speaking countries. The exam covers 12 medical professions, including doctors, nurses, and pharmacists. Annually, 25,000+ candidates take OET to qualify for jobs in the UK, Australia, the US, and Canada.

To apply, candidates need a recognized medical degree and English proficiency. While there’s no strict age limit, applicants must meet their professional board’s standards. Most countries require a minimum grade of B (350–440) in each section.

Planning to work abroad? Keep reading to explore country-wise eligibility, exam format, and registration details.

OET Eligibility Criteria 2025: Key Highlights

Criteria	Details
Who Can Apply?	Healthcare professionals from 12 fields
Education Requirement	Degree, diploma, or certification in healthcare
Accepted Countries	UK, USA, Australia, Canada, New Zealand & more
Minimum Score	350 (B Grade); Some accept C+ (300-340)
Score Validity	2 years (varies by country)
Retake Policy	No limit on attempts

Who is Eligible for OET? Check the Requirements

To meet OET eligibility, candidates must belong to one of the 12 recognized healthcare professions and aim to work in English-speaking countries like the UK, USA, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand. 

The test assesses English proficiency in a medical context, ensuring professionals can communicate effectively in clinical settings.

OET Eligibility Criteria

To apply for OET, candidates must meet specific educational, professional, and language requirements. The test is for healthcare professionals aiming to work in English-speaking countries.

1. Educational Qualification

• Candidates must hold a recognized degree, diploma, or certification in a healthcare profession.
• Students in their final year of medical or healthcare studies may also be eligible, depending on the country’s regulations.

2. Age Limit

• There is no fixed age limit for taking the OET exam.
• However, applicants must meet the licensing and registration requirements set by their country’s healthcare authority.

3. Eligible Healthcare Professions

OET is specifically designed for 12 healthcare professions: Doctors (Medicine), Nurses, Dentists, Pharmacists, Physiotherapists, Optometrists, Radiographers, Veterinarians, Speech Pathologists, Occupational Therapists, Podiatrists, Dietitians. 

Only professionals in these fields can take the OET for registration and practice in English-speaking countries.

4. English Proficiency Requirements

• Different countries have varying OET score requirements for healthcare licensing.
• In most cases, candidates must score a minimum of Grade B (350–440) in each section (Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking).
• Some healthcare boards may accept slightly lower scores in specific sections, but this depends on the regulatory authority of the destination country.

5. Identification Requirements

Candidates must present valid identification on the test day:​

• Valid Passport: A current passport with your full name, photograph, and date of birth.​
• National Government-Issued ID: For non-U.S. test-takers, a valid national ID in English lettering that includes your full name, photograph, and date of birth is acceptable.​

OET Eligibility for Different Countries

OET is accepted in several English-speaking countries for healthcare licensing and registration. However, each country has its own eligibility criteria, including minimum score requirements and recognized healthcare professions.

Countries Accepting OET Scores

Below is a list of OET accepted countries where the exam is recognized, along with their specific eligibility requirements.

Country	Accepted Professions	Minimum Required Score
United Kingdom	Doctors, Nurses	B (350) in Listening, Reading, Speaking; C+ (300) in Writing
United States	Doctors	350 in Listening, Reading, Speaking; 300 in Writing
Australia	Doctors, Nurses	B (350) in all sections
Canada	Nurses (select provinces)	B (350) in all sections
New Zealand	Doctors, Nurses	B (350) in all sections
Ireland	Doctors, Nurses	B (350) in Listening, Reading, Speaking; C+ (300) in Writing
UAE (Dubai, Abu Dhabi)	Doctors, Nurses	B (350) in all sections
Singapore	Doctors, Nurses	B (350) in all sections

OET Exam Format & Passing Score

The OET exam evaluates English proficiency across four skill areas: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. Each section is designed to reflect real-world medical communication scenarios, ensuring that healthcare professionals can effectively interact in an English-speaking environment.

OET Exam Format: Section-Wise Breakdown

Section	Duration	Details
Listening	~40 minutes	Three parts with recorded consultations, lectures, and discussions
Reading	60 minutes	Three parts, including comprehension of healthcare-related texts
Writing	45 minutes	Task: Write a letter (e.g., referral, discharge, or transfer letter) based on case notes
Speaking	~20 minutes	Two role-play scenarios related to healthcare settings

OET Passing Score: How Much Do You Need?

OET uses a grading system from A to E, with Grade B (350-440) or higher typically required for registration in most countries.

Grade	Score Range	Meaning
A	450 – 500	Excellent level of English
B	350 – 440	High level of fluency, suitable for professional registration
C+	300 – 340	Moderate proficiency, accepted for some nursing roles
C	200 – 290	Limited proficiency, may not meet licensing requirements
D – E	Below 200	Needs improvement

How to Register for the OET Exam?

Registering for the OET exam is a simple process, but it’s essential to follow the right steps to ensure a smooth experience. Below is a step-by-step guide to help you complete your OET registration successfully.

Step 1: Check Eligibility

Before applying, ensure you meet the OET eligibility criteria for your profession and target country. Each country has specific score requirements and accepted healthcare professions.

Step 2: Create an OET Account

• Visit the official OET website.
• Click on ‘Apply for OET’ and sign up using your email ID.
• Verify your account and complete your profile details.

Step 3: Select the Test Date and Location

• Log in to your OET account and check the available test dates.
• Choose a test center near you or opt for OET at Home (if available in your country).

Step 4: Pay the OET Exam Fee and Complete Registration

• Proceed to the payment section and pay the exam fee via credit/debit card or other accepted methods.
• After payment, you will receive a confirmation email with your exam details.

OET Exam Dates & Fees 2025

Planning to take the Occupational English Test (OET) in 2025? Here's a comprehensive guide to the upcoming test dates and the associated fees to help you prepare effectively.

Upcoming OET Test Dates for 2025

The OET is conducted multiple times throughout the year, offering candidates flexibility in choosing a suitable date. Below is a list of upcoming test dates for 2025:​

Test Date	Available Professions	Results Release Date
Saturday, 5 April 2025	Nursing, Medicine, Allied Health Professions	Thursday, 24 April 2025
Saturday, 26 April 2025	Nursing, Medicine	Tuesday, 13 May 2025
Saturday, 10 May 2025	Nursing, Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy	Wednesday, 28 May 2025
Saturday, 24 May 2025	Nursing, Medicine	Wednesday, 11 June 2025
Saturday, 14 June 2025	Nursing, Medicine, Allied Health Professions	Tuesday, 1 July 2025
Saturday, 28 June 2025	Nursing, Medicine	Wednesday, 16 July 2025

Staying updated with the latest OET exam dates is crucial for timely registration. Check the OET Exam Dates to plan your test accordingly.

OET Exam Fee Structure: How Much Does It Cost?

Understanding the OET exam fee is crucial for budgeting your test expenses. Below is a breakdown of the costs associated with taking the OET in 2025:

OET Test Type	Exam Fee (AUD)	Exam Fee (INR) (Approx.)
Full OET (All 4 Sub-Tests)	AUD 587	₹31,800
Single Sub-Test	AUD 315	₹17,000
Two Sub-Tests	AUD 415	₹22,400
Three Sub-Tests	AUD 515	₹27,800

In India, the OET exam fee is approximately ₹31,844, which includes all four sub-tests: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking.

Payment Methods:

Payments for the OET exam can be made using:​

• Credit/Debit Cards: Major cards like Visa and MasterCard are accepted.​
• Bank Transfers: Available in certain regions; ensure you check the specifics for your country.

How to Prepare for the OET Exam? Expert Tips

Preparing for the OET exam requires a well-structured approach, focusing on language proficiency, medical terminology, and test strategies. Below are expert-recommended study materials and preparation methods to help you achieve a high score.

Best Study Materials for OET Preparation

Selecting the right study resources can significantly improve your OET performance. Here are some of the most effective options:

• Books:
  • Official OET Preparation Guide – Cambridge Boxhill Language Assessment
  • OET Reading & Listening Skills Builder
  • Writing and Speaking Skills for the OET
• Online Courses & Practice Tests:
  • OET official website – Free sample tests & study materials
  • Mock tests & video lectures from reputable platforms

Pro Tip: Regularly practice with official OET sample tests to improve time management and test-taking skills.

OET Coaching vs. Self-Study: Which One is Better?

Preparation Mode	Best For	Advantages
Self-Study	Candidates with strong English skills	Flexible schedule, budget-friendly, self-paced learning
OET Coaching	Candidates needing structured guidance	Expert feedback, structured syllabus, access to mock tests

Looking to ace the OET exam? Get expert guidance, study materials, and proven strategies with Tips for OET Preparation! 

Conclusion

Meeting the OET eligibility criteria is the first step toward advancing your healthcare career in an English-speaking country. With the right preparation strategy, whether through self-study or coaching, you can achieve the required scores and improve your chances of success.

Start preparing today and take a step closer to your global healthcare career! To explore more resources and guidance for international exams like OET, visit upGrad Study Abroad.