| Total Countries Accepting OET | 12+ countries for nursing registration |
| Primary Destinations | UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, Dubai (UAE) |
| Minimum Score Required | Generally Grade B (350-440) in all subtests |
| OET Validity Period | 2 years from test date (all countries) |
OET Accepted Countries for Nurses in 2026: Complete Guide
The Occupational English Test (OET) is accepted by nursing regulatory bodies in over 12 countries worldwide. For internationally qualified nurses, OET provides a pathway to registration in English-speaking healthcare systems. This comprehensive guide lists all countries accepting OET for nursing registration in 2026, including regulatory bodies, minimum score requirements, and specific considerations for each destination.
Most countries require OET Grade B (350-440) in all four subtests. However, some countries offer flexible pathways or accept combined scores. Before choosing your target country, verify requirements on the official regulatory body website, as policies may change.
United Kingdom (UK) - Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC)
The UK remains the most popular destination for OET-qualified nurses. The NMC accepts OET for registration of international nurses.
- Required Score: Grade B (350+) in Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking
- Score Combination: Allowed within 6 months across two test sittings
- Test Format: OET on Paper or OET on Computer at test venue (OET@Home has restrictions)
- Validity: 2 years
- Additional Requirements: CBT (Computer-Based Test) of nursing knowledge after registration
OET Grade B meets the English requirement for the Health and Care Worker visa. No additional English test required for visa application. The UK NMC also accepts OET scores for registration even if the test was taken outside the UK.
Ireland - Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI)
Ireland has a growing demand for international nurses, particularly in public hospitals.
- Required Score: Grade B (350+) in all four subtests
- Score Combination: Best scores from multiple attempts accepted within 2 years
- Test Format: All OET formats accepted
- Validity: 2 years
- Additional Requirements: Adaptation programme may be required depending on experience
Australia - Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) / NMBA
Australia offers flexible OET requirements for internationally qualified nurses.
- Required Score: Grade B (350+) in all four subtests
- Score Combination: Yes - combine scores from multiple sittings within 6 months
- Flexible Pathway: Grade B in three subtests and Grade C+ (300-340) in one subtest may qualify for supervised practice registration
- Validity: 2 years
- Additional Requirements: Outcome-Based Assessment (OBA) for internationally qualified nurses
Australia is unique in offering a pathway with one C+ subtest. If you achieve B/B/B/C+, you may still be eligible for registration with conditions. This concession does not exist in the UK or Ireland. Check AHPRA website for current details.
New Zealand - Nursing Council of New Zealand (NCNZ)
New Zealand actively recruits international nurses, particularly in aged care and rural areas.
- Required Score: Grade B (350+) in all four subtests
- Score Combination: Scores from multiple sittings accepted if within 12 months
- Validity: 2 years
- Additional Requirements: Competence assessment programme for most IQNs
Dubai & United Arab Emirates (UAE) - DHA, DOH/HAAD, MOH
The UAE has multiple health authorities, each with OET requirements.
- Dubai Health Authority (DHA): Grade B (350+) in all subtests for nurse registration
- Abu Dhabi (DOH/HAAD): Grade B (350+) in all subtests
- Ministry of Health (MOH - other emirates): Grade C+ (300-340) minimum, but Grade B preferred
- Validity: 2 years for DHA and DOH; 1 year for MOH (verify as policies change)
- Additional Requirements: Dataflow verification and licensing exam may be required
| Country | Regulatory Body | Required OET Score | Score Combination |
|---|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | NMC | Grade B (350+) all subtests | Yes - within 6 months |
| Ireland | NMBI | Grade B (350+) all subtests | Yes - best scores within 2 years |
| Australia | AHPRA/NMBA | Grade B (350+) all subtests | Yes - C+ concession available |
| New Zealand | NCNZ | Grade B (350+) all subtests | Yes - within 12 months |
| Dubai (DHA) | Dubai Health Authority | Grade B (350+) all subtests | No - single sitting |
| Abu Dhabi (DOH) | Department of Health | Grade B (350+) all subtests | No - single sitting |
| Other UAE (MOH) | Ministry of Health | Grade C+ (300-340) minimum | Case by case |
Other OET Accepting Countries for Nurses
Countries Accepting OET
- Singapore - Singapore Nursing Board (SNB): Grade B required
- Namibia - Health Professions Council of Namibia (HPCNA): Grade B or equivalent
- Maldives - Maldives Nursing and Midwifery Council: Grade B preferred
- Malta - Nursing and Midwifery Council of Malta: Accepts OET for registration
- Qatar - Qatar Council for Healthcare Practitioners (QCHP): Grade B for government roles
- Bahrain - National Health Regulatory Authority (NHRA): Grade B for nurse registration
- Oman - Ministry of Health: Grade C+ minimum, Grade B preferred
- Saudi Arabia - Saudi Commission for Health Specialties (SCFHS): Accepts OET for certain categories
Countries That Do NOT Accept OET
- Canada - Requires IELTS or CELBAN (Canadian English Language Benchmark Assessment for Nurses)
- United States - NCLEX requires IELTS or TOEFL (OET not accepted for US nursing registration)
- Germany - Requires German language proficiency tests (Goethe, TELC, TestDaF)
Note: Some countries may accept OET for work visas even if not for registration. Always check with the specific regulatory body.
How Prep27 Helps You Achieve Country-Specific Requirements
Prep27 prepares you for OET regardless of your target country. However, the platform includes features specifically for country-bound nurses:
- Country score tracking: Set your target country (UK, Ireland, Australia, NZ, UAE) and track progress toward that specific requirement
- Score predictor: See your estimated OET score (300-500) and Grade (C+ to A) after each practice test
- Flexible pathway training: For Australia-bound nurses, track which subtests are at B and which may be at C+
- Writing evaluation calibrated to Grade B: Get instant feedback on whether your letter would achieve Grade B for NMC, NMBI, or AHPRA standards
- Speaking AI: Practice role-plays and receive Grade prediction for each attempt
Start with Prep27 to assess your current level against your target country's requirements. Most users achieve Grade B within 6-8 weeks of consistent practice.
OET is accepted for nursing registration in the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, and several Middle Eastern countries including the UAE (Dubai, Abu Dhabi), Qatar, Bahrain, and Oman. Most countries require Grade B (350-440) in all four subtests. Australia offers a unique flexible pathway with one C+ subtest. Canada and the USA do not accept OET for nursing registration. Before choosing your target country, verify requirements on the official regulatory body website. Use Prep27 to prepare for OET and track your progress toward your specific country's requirements.