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Mar 12, 2025
Healthcare professionals who wish to work or study in the healthcare sector in Australia, Canada, Ireland, Egypt, the Maldives, Malta, Namibia, New Zealand, the Philippines, Qatar, Singapore, Spain, Ukraine, the United Kingdom, the United Arab Emirates, the United States of America, Egypt, Sri Lanka, Finland and Samoa are required to register for the Occupational English Test (OET).
The Occupational English Test (OET) is now recognized in 20 countries. This exam is crucial for demonstrating English language proficiency, which is vital for delivering high-quality healthcare. The OET assesses medical professionals' listening, reading, writing, and speaking skills within medical contexts.
So, if you want to break into the healthcare sector abroad, here is a complete guide about OET-accepted countries and the grades needed for doctors and nurses in different countries. Read and get ready to unlock the doors to your international medical career.
The OET, owned by Cambridge Boxhill Language Assessment (CBLA), evaluates the linguistic proficiency of medical professionals. The OET exam aims at the 12 healthcare-specific areas comprising Occupational Therapy, Dentistry, Nursing, Radiography, Veterinary Science, Medicine, Speech Pathology, Physiotherapy, Dietetics, Podiatry, Pharmacy, and Optometry. If you want, you may learn about the OET exam in detail here.
OET results are accepted as proof of English language skills in 20 countries. The following are the list of the OET accepted countries;
On January 29, 2025, the Occupational English Test (OET) introduced a new overall score to complement the existing letter and number scores that candidates receive. This overall score is designed for organizations that need a single score to evaluate a candidate's performance.
The overall score is determined by adding up the scores from all four parts of the test: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. To get this overall score, candidates must complete all four parts of the test. For example, if someone scores 350 in Listening, 320 in Reading, 360 in Writing, and 400 in Speaking, their total overall score would be 1430.
It's important to remember that different countries and professions have different score requirements. Currently, candidates applying to the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) in the UK can request this overall score. For applicants to the HCPC, a score higher than 1350 is needed for their results to be accepted.
Check Out: OET Exam Pattern and Dates
OET has been graded on a scale of 0-500 for each of the four sections Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking (LRWS), also known as subtests. The highest score is 500, and the lowest is 0. Most recognising boards and councils require candidates to score at least 350 in each of the four sub-tests.
After taking the OET test, candidates will receive a Statement of Results that shows their score for each part on a scale of 0 to 500. The scores for each of the four parts are reported using ten-point increments (like 350, 360, or 370). Each score is also given a letter grade from A (highest) to E (lowest) to help understand their performance better. See the table below to get a clear idea about the OET Score, the equivalent grade, and your level of English.
| OET SCORE | OET GRADE | YOUR LEVEL OF ENGLISH |
| 450-500 | A | You can communicate well and have fluency in the English language. You can fluently and effectively communicate with patients and healthcare professionals using appropriate registered tones and lexis. The candidate has a deep understanding of written and spoken language. |
| 350-440 | B | You can communicate effectively with patients and health professionals. Of course, there could be occasional inaccuracies and hesitations, but it shows a good understanding of clinical contexts. |
| 300-340 | C+ | Despite occasional errors and lapses, you can maintain the interaction in a relevant healthcare environment |
| 200-290 | C | You can understand standard spoken language typically encountered in your specialisation but may require clarification on higher-level language. |
| 100-190 | D | You can maintain some interaction and understand specific factual information in your field of specialisation but may ask for clarification. However, inaccuracies could be frequent, and overuse of technical language can cause strain in communication. |
| 0-90 | E | You can manage simple interactions on familiar topics and understand the main point in short and simple messages. You can interact only if the other person is ready to clarify details. |
The OET or Occupational English Test is accepted in 20 countries. The OET grades and scores needed to work or study in these OET-accepted countries vary. Check the OET grade requirements for some of the OET-accepted countries
| Countries | Listening | Reading | Writing | Speaking |
| AUSTRALIA | B | B | B | B |
| NEW ZEALAND | B | B | B | B |
| IRELAND | B | B | C+ | B |
| THE UK | B | B | C+ | B |
| THE USA: OREGON | B | B | B | B |
| THE USA: FLORIDA | C+ | C+ | C+ | C+ |
| THE UAE | B | B | B | B |
| THE PHILIPPINES | B | B | C+ | B |
| NAMIBIA | B | B | B | B |
| UKRAINE | B | B | B | B |
| SINGAPORE | B | B | B | B |
| MALTA | C+ | C+ | C+ | B |
| SPAIN | B | B | B | B |
| CANADA | B | B | B | B |
| Maldives | C | C | C | C |
| Qatar | B | B | B | B |
Australia is one of the countries with an advanced healthcare system and where healthcare professionals are awarded a higher pay scale. The OET is recognised by healthcare boards and councils in Australia for registration and employment. The OET score is also recognised for visa categories, including skilled migration and student visas in Australia.
Australian authorities, including the Australian Department of Home Affairs, the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency and the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council, recognise OET for employing professionals in Dentistry, Dietetics, Medicine, Nursing, Occupational Pharmacy and Veterinary Science.
The minimum OET score for nurses in Australia is B. A candidate is required to get an OET score for Australia B for all the subsets.
Nurses in New Zealand are required to register under NCNZ FOR licensed practice. According to the Nursing Council of New Zealand (NCNZ), the minimum New Zealand OET score for nurses is 350 for listening, reading and speaking. Whereas the candidate is required to get a New Zealand OET score of 300 for writing. The New Zealand government, including Immigration NZ, the Medical Council of New Zealand, and the Nursing Council of New Zealand, recognize OET scores for employment in the healthcare sector
The OET Test is accepted across Ireland, helping healthcare professionals start a rewarding career in this growing sector. The Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI), the Irish Medical Board (IMB) and the Dental Council of Ireland are a few key organisations that accept the OET Test.
According to the latest amendments, the candidates should have a minimum Ireland OET score of a B grade (350-450) in 3 out of 4 subsets (Reading, writing, listening and speaking) and a C+ (300-340) for any one subset. Staying updated and joining OET coaching classes are sureshot ways to enhance your Ireland OET score.
The OET, an English language test for healthcare professionals, is recognised by the Ukrainian Medical Council. OET Score for Ukraine is a Grade of "B" for all components (Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking) for the healthcare professional. There is no passing or failing grade for OET, but most boards and councils require a score of at least 350 to consider a candidate for employment. To achieve this, candidates would need to perform well in all five criteria for each subtest.
The Nursing and Midwifery Council now accepts OET Grades in the UK. The required OET score for the UK is at least a Grade B in all four sub-tests of Listening, Reading, and Speaking and at least a C+ grade in writing. OET is widely recognised as proof of English proficiency for registration, study, work in the healthcare sector, and visas in the UK.
The OET Test is preferred by many NHS Trusts and other employers in the UK, as well as leading recruiters. OET is also accepted by the Nursing and Midwifery Council and the General Medical Council and is required to apply for the Health and Care Worker visa in the UK. With OET, you can join the ranks of top healthcare professionals delivering quality care in the UK.
The healthcare regulator requires nurses to score a B in the OET Listening, Reading, and Speaking subtests and a C+ in Writing. OET has been recognised by the NMC since 2017. This OET test in the Philippines includes a computer-based multiple-choice test (CBT) and an observed structured clinical examination (OSCE). The OET Test is widely accepted for healthcare registration and employment in the Philippines and top destinations around the world. The OET Test is the only English language test designed specifically for healthcare.
Following a general rule, the required OET score for Namibia is 350 out of 500. This score is normally accepted for healthcare professionals by the Health Professions Council of Namibia. This 350 score is commonly referred to as the 'B' grade.
To work as a healthcare professional in Singapore, you will need to register with the appropriate healthcare board. For Doctors, the Singapore Medical Council requires the following OET scores: 4 B grades (Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening). The results must be achieved within the last 2 years.
OET provides Spanish medical students with the opportunities to demonstrate their English language ability and be part of the global healthcare community. Spain has recognised the OET test at levels B2, C1, and C2 of the Common European Framework of Reference, which is the international standard of English language ability. The OET score for Spain is B for all the subtests.
The OET Test is accepted as proof of English proficiency in the UAE, ensuring a smoother pathway to employment. The UAE authorities, including the Department of Health - Abu Dhabi, Dubai Health Authority, and Dubai Healthcare City Authority, recognise OET as a requirement for employing healthcare professionals in the UAE.
The Occupational English Test (OET) signed an agreement with the Dubai Government's Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), allowing healthcare professionals to improve their career prospects in the UAE. The OET score for the UAE is a B grade in all four modules (Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening).
The U.S. accepted the OET test as a language proficiency assessment for healthcare professionals. As a result, International Medical Graduates (IMGs) and nurses worldwide can enter the U.S. healthcare system using the English proficiency test OET. The U.S. Educational Commission has formally recognized the OET test for Foreign Medical Graduates, the Foundation for Advancement of International Medical Education and Research (ECFMG®|FAIMER®), the Florida Board of Nursing, and the Oregon State Board of Nursing.
The Healthcare profession is one of the most rewarding and in-demand careers today in the USA. The average salary for a nurse in the US is $82,750 per year. The United States is one of the highest-paying countries for nurses.
The grades required of International Medical Graduates (IMGs) for an Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) Certification are a minimum score of 350 (Grade B) on each of the four measured components of the OET (Medicine): Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking.
Nurses applying to Oregon must achieve a minimum of 4 Grade Bs (minimum score of 350). Those nurses applying for licensure in Florida must complete a minimum of 4 Grade C+s (minimum score of 300)..
OET is recognised by healthcare regulators in Canada, including the Federation of Medical Regulatory Authorities of Canada (FMRAC), the Canadian Resident Matching System (CaRMS), the majority of provincial nursing boards and nearly all key pharmacy regulators, helping you take the next step in your career journey. It was in 2021 that OET was accepted in Canada.
After taking the English language test designed for doctors, you can work in Canada. A doctor's salary in Canada can range from $83,379 to $414,389 per year. Healthcare professionals from worldwide are migrating to Canada for better career prospects. The minimum Canada OET score for nurses and doctors is 350 out of 500 (B). Canada has recently started recognising OET for certain healthcare professions. Regulatory Bodies Accepting OET are the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO) and the College of Physicians & Surgeons (varies by province).
Nurses are in huge demand in Maldives, and it is also one of the countries that accept OET scores. The minimum Maldives OET score for nurses is 200-290, which is equivalent to Grade B. With a good Maldives OET score, you can establish yourself as a senior nurse and earn a good salary in Maldives.
Those who are interested in pursuing their nursing career in Malta are required to get a Malta OET score of B in speaking and C+ in reading, listening and writing. The Malta OET score for nurses is liberal compared to other English-speaking countries.
To work or study in an OET-accepted healthcare facility in Qatar, an aspirant needs to score B (between 350 and 440) in four sub-tests. For immigration purposes, if you are the principal applicant, you need to score B (between 350 and 440) in all four sub-tests. In addition, if you are a partner or child (above 16 years of age), you need to score a C (scores between 200 and 290) in all sub-tests.
Read Also : OET Speaking Tips
The OET for nurses and doctors ensures that healthcare professionals have sufficient English language proficiency to deliver safe and effective care in English-speaking environments. The healthcare regulator requires nurses and doctors to achieve a specific score in OET Listening, Reading and Speaking sub-tests. Given below are the score patterns for doctors and nurses, respectively:
The doctors who wish to work in the countries must have a minimum of 350 grades to be eligible. A doctor can practice in any foreign country under the OET program with this score. You can follow OET preparation tips to successfully ace the OET exam. The grading requirements are unique in every country. OET suggests that the grades required of International Medical Graduates (IMGs) for an Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) Certification are Grade B on each of the four measured components of the OET (Medicine): Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking.
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Nurses applying to Oregon must achieve a minimum of 4 Grade B (minimum score of 350), and those nurses applying for licensure in Florida must achieve a minimum of 4 Grade C+s (minimum score of 300). Generally, International Medical Graduates (IMGs) for Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) Certification must score a minimum of 350 (Grade B) on the test.
It is the International Medical Education and Research or ECFMG Certification that evaluates the international medical graduates' (IMGs) readiness to enter residency or fellowship programs in the US. ECFMG certifications are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education to obtain a license to practice from a Medical Licensing Authority.
As OET is accepted in the US, the number of OET-accepted countries is now 12. Read below to learn more about OET, OET-accepted countries, and the respective scores.
OET Clubbing requires OET results in two sittings. Combining the OET test scores of two different OET tests taken in a gap of six months, you can achieve the required mark. OET clubbing accepted countries are listed below:
IMGs and Nurses who have taken OET Training in Dubai and scored the required OET grades can immediately apply to work in the states of Florida and Oregon. International Medical Graduates who already have an 8-digit ECFMG/USMLE ID number can pre-register now to take the OET (Medicine) as early as August 2020. ECFMG will accept OET (Medicine) scores that meet the minimum passing requirements for tests taken on or after 1 July 2018.
Check Out: Exam Instructions for Your OET at Home
Read Also: Why Healthcare Professionals Prefer OET?
Here is the list of other major locations where Edoxi offers OET Training
OET Training in Dubai | OET Training in Muscat | OET Training in Al Ain | OET Training in Qatar |
