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The Occupational English Test (OET) evaluates the English skills of healthcare professionals in clinical contexts. Here are answers to frequently asked questions about the exam.
Language requirements for international medical graduates in the UK
Language requirements for international medical graduates in the UK
To work in the United Kingdom (UK), international medical graduates must pass the OET or the Academic IELTS with a specific score. This score shows they can communicate clearly with patients and colleagues in clinical settings.
Doctors must meet the requirements set by the General Medical Council (GMC).
Nurses must meet the requirements set by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC).
◼ Doctors (GMC requirements)
Accepted tests:
▪ OET Medicine: Minimum Grade B (400+) in all sub-tests
▪ IELTS Academic: 7.5 overall (with 7.0+ in all sections)Key rules:
▪ scores valid for 2 years
▪ can combine two test sittings within 6 months (no section decline)
▪ PLAB 2 pass may exempt some candidates
◼ Nurses (NMC requirements)
Accepted tests:
▪ OET Nursing: Minimum Grade B (350+) in all sub-tests
▪ IELTS Academic: 7.0 overall (with 7.0+ in reading/listening/speaking; 6.5+ in writing)Key rules:
▪ scores valid for 2 years
▪ can combine two test sittings within 6 months (no section decline)
▪ OSCE pass does not exempt from language requirements
NB! Please note that this information may change. For the latest updates, refer to: GMC (www.gmc-uk.org) and NMC (www.nmc.org.uk)
The structure of OET
The structure of OET
The OET is a 3-hour exam divided into four sections: listening, reading, writing and speaking.
Each section is graded from highest A (500) to lowest E (100), with results available online within two weeks.
For UK medical registration, scores are valid for two years, and candidates can retake individual subtests if needed.
◧ OET Listening (50 mins)
Part A: consultation extracts (2 audio tracks, note-taking tasks)
Part B: workplace dialogues (multiple-choice questions)
Part C: presentation excerpts (multiple-choice questions)
◧ OET Reading (60 mins)
Part A: fast reading (matching headings, completing summaries)
Part B: careful reading (longer texts, multiple-choice questions)
◧ OET Writing (45 mins)
Task: profession-specific letter (e.g., referral, discharge, advice)
Focus: tone, organisation, clarity and clinical accuracy
◧ OET Speaking (20 mins)
Format: simulated patient consultations (2 role-plays)
Focus: language skills and clinical communication skills
OET Grade B (350) explained
OET Grade B (350) explained
Most healthcare regulatory organisations require candidates to achieve at least a Grade B (350) in all four parts of the OET. To achieve this grade, you need to:
◧ For grade B in OET Reading
understand complex medical texts (medical documentation, research articles and guidelines)
quickly locate specific information
demonstrate strong medical terminology knowledge
◧ For grade B in OET Writing
write clear healthcare letters (referrals, discharges, transfers)
select key information from case notes and organise them professionally
use correct format with only minor grammar errors
◧ For grade B in OET Listening
follow clinical conversations and presentations
understand varied accents and fast speech
accurately record important medical details
◧ For grade B in OET Speaking
communicate clearly with patients
use appropriate tone and medical language
handle difficult discussions confidently
Ready to take the next step? Choose your path to OET success
Ready to take the next step? Choose your path to OET success
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