OET Accepted Countries and scores

The OET exam tests the proficiency of healthcare professionals in four fundamental English communication skills – Reading, Writing, Speaking, and Listening – when providing their services in a setting where English is predominantly used. Since communicating effectively with patients, their families, and colleagues is essential to working in the healthcare setting, it is crucial for healthcare professionals seeking career opportunities abroad to qualify for the OET exam. The grades obtained in the exam are accepted as evidence of English proficiency in fifteen countries. The OET is the best test for healthcare professionals.

The following sections of this article will deal with the countries that accept OET grades and what kind of grades they consider for healthcare service personnel to be eligible for numerous opportunities.

OET grades accepted in the US

The grades that International Medical Graduates (IMGs) are expected to obtain in each of the four components of the OET exam (Medicine) are a minimum of 350 (Grade B). The Educational Commission necessitates this for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG), which assesses whether or not a candidate who is an IMG is eligible to enter residency or fellowship programs which the Accreditation Council has recognised for Graduate Medical Education and later receive their license from a Medical Licensing Authority.

According to the Oregon State Board of Nursing, the grades required for Nursing are 350 or Grade Bs on each of the components. The Florida Nursing Board, however, requires 300 or 4 Grade C+s on the four components.

OET is currently working closely with other medical authorities to determine acceptable grades for other healthcare professionals and nurses in states other than Oregon and Florida.

OET grades accepted in Canada

Canada is also one of the most favoured OET-acceptable countries among healthcare professionals. In order to be eligible to work in the Canadian healthcare sector, individuals must attain a minimum grade of B or 350 on each of the components of the OET exam. OET results are accepted by The College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia.

OET grades accepted in the UK

The Nursing and Midwifery Council determines the acceptability of OET grades in the UK. The grades required in the UK are at least grade B or 350 in the three components of listening, reading, and speaking, and a minimum of C+ or 300 in the writing component. Attaining these grades would enable OET-qualified healthcare professionals to register themselves, study, work, and receive visas in the UK.

OET grades accepted in Australia

One of the significant OET acceptable countries is Australia, where The Australian Health Care Councils/Boards/Agencies have established grades of A or B for all individuals in the healthcare professions, such as nursing personnel, doctors, occupational therapists, pharmacists and others.

OET grades accepted in Ireland

The OET grades deemed acceptable in Ireland have been reduced to a minimum of C+ or 300 on the listening and reading components for nurses and midwives who want to pursue professional opportunities in the country and have received their training abroad. However, the grades for speaking and writing have been kept at a minimum of B or 350.

OET grades accepted in Spain

In Spain, healthcare professionals must obtain a minimum grade of B in all four subtests of the OET exam in order to be eligible to practice within their respective disciplines. Spain considers proficiency on the OET exam to be equivalent to the levels of the Common European Framework of Reference. It is one of the widely recognised standards of linguistic ability.

OET grades accepted in Malta

Minimum OET grades of B (350-440) in speaking and C+ (300 and 340) for reading, writing, and listening are required to be eligible to work as a healthcare professional in Malta.

OET grades accepted in New Zealand

New Zealand is among the most popular OET acceptable countries for healthcare professionals. The Nursing Council of New Zealand has stated that a healthcare professional must achieve a minimum score of 350 or Grade B for each component in order to render their services as healthcare personnel in the country. Immigration to New Zealand permits international healthcare personnel to appear for the OET exam for their visa application and healthcare registration.

OET grades accepted in Singapore

Healthcare professionals need to register themselves with the concerned healthcare board in order to be eligible to work in Singapore. Doctors must achieve a minimum grade of B across the four subtests of the OET exam. Grades must have been obtained in the last two years in order to be considered acceptable in Singapore.

OET grades accepted in the Philippines

Healthcare regulators in the Philippines expect nurses willing to work there to obtain a minimum grade of B in the OET listening, reading, and speaking components and at least a C+ in writing. The National Medical Commission (NMC) has accepted OET as a test of English proficiency since 2017, and it comprises a computerised test with multiple choice questions along with an observed structured clinical examination (OSCE).

OET grades accepted in the UAE

The UAE is also a favoured destination among all the OET acceptable countries. The minimum acceptable grades are B across all the subtests of the OET. The Dubai Government’s Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) entered an agreement with OET and it now recognises the test as an indicator of proficiency in the English language.

OET grades accepted in Qatar

In order to be eligible to seek work or education in the healthcare professions in Qatar, candidates need to achieve grades of at least B (350-440) in all four components of OET. However, if candidates have a partner or child, they need only score a minimum of grade C across all the four components of the OET exam.

OET grades accepted in Namibia

In Namibia, a minimum grade of 350 or B is considered to be acceptable for healthcare personnel wishing to work in the country. It is recognised as an acceptable test of English linguistic prowess.

OET grades accepted in Maldives

OET is accepted in the Maldives as an indicator of English language proficiency. The acceptable grades for staff nurses are a minimum OET score of C or 200-290. There is also an age bar of 25 – 40 years in the Maldives.

Clubbing of OET grades

This requires the combination of OET results obtained across two tempts. Candidates can even achieve the requisite grades by clubbing the grades obtained by them over a period of six months. Some of the countries which accept clubbed OET grades are:

• The UK
• Ireland
• Australia
• Spain