Shajahan Jan 25, 2024
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Entrance Tips

OET Accepted Countries and Grades For Nurses and Doctors

Have you planned to take the OET? Here is all you need to know about OET, OET Accepted Countries and the grades needed for doctors and nurses in different countries. 

If you are not familiar with the term OET and what is it about, let me help you with the details. 

 

What is OET?

OET is the Occupational English Test. OET is aimed at health service professionals, including doctors and nurses of 12 healthcare-specific areas. The OET test evaluates the linguistic proficiency of medical professionals who aspire to render medical services in an English-speaking environment. You can choose OET delivery mode according to your convenience.

  • OET evaluates your Occupational English language proficiency in four core aspects of the English language, including listening, reading, writing, and speaking. 
  • The OET test results come in grades which ensure that an aspirant has due command over the language and can communicate with the patients, colleagues, doctors, etc. 
  • As communication is the core of a successful healthcare system, the aspirants who qualify for OET are considered eligible to take up professional medical jobs in the healthcare facilities of 15 countries as of May 2022. 

OET Pulse, a quick online English language exam that evaluates speaking, listening, and reading abilities. It provides learners a chance to practise and become familiar with OET through OET Pulse.

OET Grades For Nurses and Doctors Get Acceptance in the US 

Grading Requirement for IMGs and Nurses

  • The grades required of International Medical Graduates (IMGs) for 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) and those nurses applying for licensure in Florida must achieve a minimum of 4 Grade C+s (minimum score of 300).

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 that are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education, and to obtain a license to practise from a Medical Licensing Authority.

Which are the OET Accepted Countries? 

OET results are accepted as proof of English language skills in 15 countries, including the latest in the U.S. and Canada. Here you will find the complete list of OET Accepted countries. 

  • Australia
  • Canada
  • Ireland
  • Maldives
  • Malta
  • Namibia
  • New Zealand
  • Philippines
  • Qatar
  • Singapore
  • Spain
  • Ukraine
  • United Kingdom (U.K.)
  • United Arab Emirates (UAE)
  • United States of America (USA)

How is OET Scored?

You will receive a numerical score ranging from 0 to 500 in ten-point increments (e.g. 350, 360,370 etc.). The numeric scores will be mapped to a different letter grade for each sub-test ranging from A (highest) to E (lowest). There is no overall grade. Opt for Exam preparation courses for OET acquire industry-specific knowledge to succeed in OET Test.

Check Out: OET Exam Pattern and Dates

OET Scores and Grades - What does it mean? 

OET has been graded on a scale of 0-500 for each of the four sections such as Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking (also known as subtests). The highest score is 500, and the lowest is 0. See the below table to get clear idea about 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 specialization 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 specialization 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.

OET Grades for Different Countries

OET or Occupational English Test is accepted in 15 countries. The OET grades and the scores needed to work or study in these OET-accepted countries vary. Check the OET grade requirements of all these 15 countries below. 

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

1. OET Grade and Score for Australia  

Australia is one of the countries with an advanced healthcare system and where healthcare professionals are awarded with a higher pay scale. If you are interested in migrating to Australia to establish yourself as a nurse you have to prepare thoroughly for the OET exam. The minimum OET score for nurses in Australia is B. A candidate is required to get an OET score for Australia B  (350-450) for all the subsets. 

OET score required for the Australia

2. OET Grade and Score for New Zealand

The 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.

OET score required for the New Zealand

3. OET Grade and Score for Ireland

Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI) regulates the Occupational English Test (OET) amendments and addresses the requirements for Overseas Nurses and midwives Registration in Ireland. 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. These amendments in the Ireland OET score for nurses are the result of a review that began in 2019 and was implemented during the COVID-19 outbreak. Staying updated and joining coaching classes are sure-shot ways to enhance your Ireland OET score.

OET score required for the Ireland

4. OET Grade and Score for Ukraine

The OET, an English language test for healthcare professionals, is recognised by 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.

OET score required for the Ukraine 

5.OET Grade and Score for the UK

The Nursing and Midwifery Council now accept OET Grades in the UK. The required OET score for the UK is at least 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. 

OET score required for the UK

6. OET Grade and Score for the Philippines

The healthcare regulator requires nurses to score a B in the OET Listening, Reading, and Speaking sub-tests and a C+ in Writing. OET has been recognised by the NMC since 2017.  This OET test in Philippines includes a computer-based multiple-choice test (CBT) and an observed structured clinical examination (OSCE).

OET score required for the Philippines

7. OET Grade and Score for Namibia

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 Councils of Namibia. This 350 score is commonly referred to as the 'B' grade.

OET score required for the Namibia

8. OET Grade and Score for Singapore

To work as a healthcare professional in Singapore, you will need to register with your appropriate healthcare board. For Doctors, the Singapore Medical Council requires the following OET scores: 4 B grades (Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening). And the results must be achieved within the last 2 years.

OET score required for the Singapore

9. OET Grade and Score for Spain

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. OET score for Spain is B for all the subtests. 

OET score required for the Spain

10. OET Grade and Score for the UAE

OET is now accepted as proof of English proficiency in Dubai. In February, the Occupational English Test (OET) signed an agreement with the Dubai Government's Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), giving healthcare professionals the opportunity to improve their career prospects in the UAE. The OET score for the UAE is a B grade in all four modules.

OET score required for the UAE

11.OET Grades and Scores for the USA

The U.S. accepted the OET test as a language proficiency assessment for healthcare professionals. As a result, the 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.

OET Grading Requirement for IMGs and Nurses in the U.S.

  • 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).

The International Medical Education and Research or ECFMG Certification evaluates the international medical graduates (IMGs) readiness to enter residency or fellowship programs in the U.S. The Accreditation Council approves Graduate Medical Education and obtaining a license to practice from a Medical Licensing Authority. 

OET score required for the USA

12. OET Grade and Score for Canada

It was in 2021 that OET was accepted in Canada. After taking the English language test designed for doctors, you can work in Canada. Healthcare professionals from worldwide are migrating to Canada for better career prospects. The minimum Canada OET score for nurses is 350 out of 500. OET score for Canada requires the candidate to get a B  in Reading, listening and speaking and a C+ in the writing section.

OET score required for the Canada

13.OET Grade and Score for Maldives

The nurses are in huge demand in Maldives and Maldives is 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.

OET score required for the Maldives

14. OET Scores & Grade for Malta

Those who are interested in pursuing their nursing career in Malata 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.

OET score required for the Malta

15.OET Grades and Score for Qatar

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 C (scores between 200 and 290) in all sub-tests.

OET score required for the Qatar

Read Also : OET Speaking Tips 

OET Score for Doctors and Nurses

The OET for nurses and doctors ensures 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 pattern for doctors and nurses respectively:

OET Score for Doctors

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. 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.

You May Also Like: OET Preparation Tips

OET Score for Nurses

Nurses applying to Oregon must achieve a minimum of 4 Grade Bs (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) in 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 practise from a Medical Licensing Authority. 

As OET is accepted in the US, the number of OET accepted countries is now 12. Read below to know more about OET, OET accepted countries, and the respective scores. 

OET Clubbing Accepted Countries

OET Clubbing requires OET results in two sittings. Combining 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:

  • Australia, 
  • The UK
  • Spain 
  • Ireland

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

FAQ

1. OET B Grade Accepting Countries

  • AUSTRALIA
  • NEW ZEALAND
  • THE USA: OREGON
  • THE UAE
  • NAMIBIA
  • UKRAINE
  • SINGAPORE
  • QATAR
  • SPAIN
  • CANADA
  • IRELAND 
    B for Writing & Speaking
    C+ for Listening & Reading 
  • THE UK
    B For Listening, Reading & Speaking
    C+ For Writing
  • THE PHILIPPINES
    B for Listening, Reading & Speaking
    C+ for Writing

2. OET C+ Grade Accepting Countries

  • The USA: Florida
  • IRELAND 
    C+ for Listening & Reading 
    B for Writing & Speaking
  • Malta
    C+ for Listening, Reading & Writing
    B for Speaking
  • THE PHILIPPINES
    C+ for Writing
    B for Listening, Reading & Speaking
  • THE UK
    C+ For Writing
    B For Listening, Reading & Speaking

Read Also: Why Healthcare Professionals Prefer OET?

Locations Where Edoxi Offers OET Training

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 | OET Training in Sharjah

English Trainer

Shajahan is a graduate in English language and literature, who is passionate about teaching and making his students successful by efficient teaching methods in all components of language. As a trainer, he is responsible for developing linguistic ability and enhancing English competency level for professionals especially those who are in the healthcare domain who undertake English proficiency tests such as OET and IELTS for working or studying in native English-speaking countries.

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