Occupational English Test (OET)
by Cambridge Boxhill Language Assessment (CBLA)
Valid for 2 years
Relocation Pathways
| Country | Purpose | Requirement | Visa / Pathway |
|---|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | Work | Grade B (350+) for NMC/GMC registration; separate SELT required for visa | Health and Care Worker Visa |
| Australia | Work | Grade B (350+) for proficient English; lower for competent | Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482) |
| New Zealand | Work | Grade B (350+), C+ in Writing | Green List Residence |
| Ireland | Work | Grade B (350+) all sub-tests | Critical Skills Permit |
| United States | Work | Grade B (350+) for ECFMG/nursing boards | — |
Levels & Pricing (USD)
- OET (all professions)~$3852h 45m
Dates & Locations
Computer and home tests available 6 days per week. Paper-based tests run monthly.
Why Take OET?
UK Health and Care Worker Visa
OET Grade B satisfies the English requirement for the UK Health and Care Worker visa. Accepted by the NMC, GMC, and HCPC.
Australian Healthcare Migration
Grade B (350+) in all sub-tests for AHPRA registration and skilled migration visas (Subclass 482, 186, 189/190).
New Zealand Green List
Nurses are on New Zealand's Green List for direct residency. OET Grade B satisfies the English requirement for NCNZ registration.
US & Ireland Registration
Accepted by ECFMG for doctors and 40+ state nursing boards in the US. Accepted by NMBI and the Irish Medical Council.
Exam Structure
Listening
Reading
Writing
Speaking
Free Practice Tests
Frequently Asked Questions
Why choose OET over IELTS for healthcare?
OET is the only English test designed specifically for healthcare professionals. The Writing and Speaking sections simulate real clinical scenarios for your profession. Many healthcare workers find it more relevant than IELTS.
What OET grade do I need?
Most regulatory bodies require Grade B (350+) in each sub-test. Some accept C+ (300+) in Writing. The UK NMC allows combining best scores from two sittings within 6 months.
Which healthcare professions does OET cover?
12 professions: Dentistry, Dietetics, Medicine, Nursing, Occupational Therapy, Optometry, Pharmacy, Physiotherapy, Podiatry, Radiography, Speech Pathology, and Veterinary Science.
Find Your OET Coach
Work with a certified OET coach who knows exactly what the examiners are looking for.
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