OET Exam for Nurses: Fees, Registration, Requirements & More

What Is OET Exam for Nurses?

As informed earlier, the OET exam is specially designed for candidates who want to move to English-speaking countries to study, work, or for immigration purposes. There are several professionals, including nursing, which is one of the crucial career paths. The OET exam for nurses can seem ambiguous due to factors like varied country requirements and the specific format of the test.

However, nurses who are looking ahead in their nursing careers are required to score well in all sub-tests of the OET. They have to prepare well for the OET syllabus, complete the registration, with meet the required eligibility criteria.

In healthcare professionals, specifically, OET for nurses plays a crucial role. With the above information, hopefully, you are clear about what the OET test for nurses.

Delivery Modes of OET Exam

Candidates can appear for the OET exam using three different modes. These modes differ primarily in how the speaking sub-test is administered, with the computer-based options offering online delivery for that component. Here is a detailed overview for a better understanding.

OET Test on Paper

• Taken at a designated OET test center.
• The speaking sub-test is conducted face-to-face with the examiner.
• Test results are typically processed within 15 business days.

OET Test on Computer

• Can be taken either at a designated test center or at home.
• Listening, reading, and writing sub-tests are taken on a computer.
• The speaking sub-test is delivered via Zoom.
• Test results are typically processed within 10 business days.

OET@Home

• Candidates take the listening, reading, and writing sub-tests remotely, at home.
• The speaking sub-test is delivered via Zoom.
• This option requires a proctor to oversee the test administration remotely.

The above information is about the types of the OET exam for nurses. Candidates are allowed to choose the delivery mode at their convenience, We hope you understand the overall details.

OET Test Format for Nurses

The OET for nurses or other healthcare professionals lasts for 3 hours, including four sub-tests. Each sub-test has a specific duration and format, designed to assess aspects of English communication relevant to healthcare professionals. Take a detailed breakdown from the table below, along with a description.

The above table is about the format of OET for nurses. Now, let’s take a detailed review of each sub-test from the following sections.

Listening Sub-Test

Using the OET listening mock test can be helpful for you because it covers a total of three parts with different time durations. You will get different types of questions, and these are:

• Part A - Consultations: You will hear two pre-recorded consultations between a health professional and a patient, and you need to complete a set of notes, extracting information from the recording. Time will be allotted 5 minutes for each task.
• Part B - Short Workplace Extracts: The candidate will hear six short audio recordings of one or two people in a workplace setting, such as a team briefing or handover. For each extract, you have to answer one multiple-choice question and 1 minute for each will be given.
• Part C - Presentations/Interviews: You will listen to two recordings of presentations or interviews on health-related topics. For each recording, you have to answer six multiple-choice questions, and you will have 5 minutes for each recording.

Reading Sub-Test

The OET reading sub-test for nurses is a 60-minute-long exam that is divided into three parts, A, B, and C, along with 42 questions. For this sub-test, OET preparation for nurses is required with a proper study plan. Moreover, here is a structure of all parts:

• Part A - Expeditious Reading Task: This section involves reading four short texts and answering 20 questions, primarily focusing on skills like skimming, scanning, and identifying specific details. A total of 15 minutes will be given to complete this part.
• Part B - Short Workplace Extracts: Candidates read six short workplace extracts such as policy documents, hospital guidelines, manuals, or emails, and answer one multiple-choice question for each. It tests their ability to understand and interpret workplace-related information.
• Part C - Longer Articles: This part presents two longer articles and requires answering eight multiple-choice questions for each, assessing their ability to comprehend main ideas and details from more extended text.

Note: 45 minutes will be given for part B and C combined.

Writing Sub-Test

The OET writing sub-test is one of the most challenging exams for students. You can prepare for this by referring OET writing mock test or sample questions. This is a 45-minute part which is structured as given below:

• Reading Time (5 minutes): You will be given case notes, typically two long pages to read and understand the scenario. During this time, you cannot make any notes or underline the text.
• Writing Time (40 minutes): Candidates will have 40 minutes to write a formal letter based on the case notes, with specific instructions and aiming for a word count of 180 to 200 words.

Speaking Sub-Test

This is 20 20-minute long sub-test that involves two profession-specific role plays with an examiner who plays a patient or a patient’s relative. For many candidates, it is quite challenging, which is why you must take at least one OET mock test to experience the real environment. Here is a task overview for the speaking sub-test:

• Introduction and Warm-Up: The examiner will briefly verify your professional background and engage in a short, non-assessed conversation.
• Role-Plays: You will be given two role-play cards and get three minutes for preparation in each and five minutes to play the role. In this, you will be provided details about the medical situation.

Finally, you have taken a detailed overview of the syllabus for the OET exam for nurses. For each sub-test, candidates require well-preparedness. Based on your strengths and weaknesses, you can take the OET reading mock test, as well as other sub-tests.

OET Exam Fees for Nurses in 2025

The OET test is conducted multiple times throughout the year at various exam centers, based on the profession. The OET exam fee is the same for all healthcare professions, whether it is for nurses, dentists, or pharmacists. The charges can be based on each sub-test. For more clarity, go through the following table.

Note: These INR values are approximate and can fluctuate based on the current exchange rate.

Overall, the OET exam fee for 2025 is AUD 587 covering all four sections: reading, listening, speaking, and writing. Besides, in INR, the cost is 32,256.

OET Exam Eligibility Criteria for Nurses

The OET meaning, the Occupational English Test, if you want to work or study in English-speaking countries in the medical field, you must take this exam. Moreover, there are some exam eligibility criteria that you should meet the requirements. Let’s move forward and know the criteria.

• Healthcare Professional Status - OET is designed for individuals who are qualified to register and practice in one of the healthcare professions recognized by the test.
• Valid Identification -A current passport is typically required for registration and on the test day for verification.
• Specific Country Requirements -A few countries have specific OET score requirements or other criteria for recognition. For example, OET scores for nurses may need a B in listening, reading, and speaking, and a C+ in writing is necessary.
• Age Limit - There is no age limit for taking the OET exam; you must meet the licensing and registration requirements set by the native healthcare regulations.
• Educational Qualifications - OET does not have any specific educational requirements; candidates must have a relevant healthcare degree, diploma, or certification.
• Registration - Candidates must register for the OET exam online and pay the required fee.

To opt for the OET exam, there are a few eligibility requirements that candidates can easily fulfill. Hopefully, with the above information, you are clear about them.

How to Register for the OET Exam?

For OET registration, candidates have to follow a step-by-step process. Many candidates fail to understand the procedure and complete the registration. Therefore, we have provided you all the details below so that you can make your registration done, as much as possible.

Step 1: Check Eligibility

Before applying, candidates must ensure they meet the OET eligibility for nurses in their target country.

Step 2: Create a MyOET Account

In this step, you need to visit the OET official website and create your MyOET account.

Step 3: Choose Your Test Details

If you are looking for OET exam dates in 2025 for nurses, then in this step, you have to select your location first and then choose the types of test such as computer-based or paper-based, along with the date and time.

Step 4: Fill in Personal and Professional Details

You have to fill in details regarding your personal and professional information. Make sure you provide all the information correctly required to fill out the application form.

Step 5: Complete the Payment & Confirm Booking

This is the last step to complete the OET registration. After filling in your all details, you have to review them again and complete the payment. To make the payment, you can use credit and debit cards.

After completing the payment, your registration will be completed. Remember that before registering, checking the OET eligibility is essential to avoid any further issues.

Assessment Criteria for All Sub-Tests in OET Exam

Understanding the assessment criteria is necessary if you want to know how your OET result is declared. In this exam, your score ranges from 0 to 500. From the following table, you can understand how OET scores are calculated and grades provided.

The above table contains score details for the OET exam with a grading system from A to E. To understand the result, you must know the scoring pattern.

Preparation Tips and Study Materials for OET Exam

To pass the OET exam, a structured approach focusing on practice, test-taking strategies, and language skill improvement is crucial. Especially, OET preparation for nurses requires a strong familiarity with the exam structure and format. You can take more tips from the following details.

• Understanding the exam format plays a significant role in the OET exam. Therefore, be prepared for all sub-tests: listening, reading, writing, and speaking, along with their task allotments.
• Build a strong medical vocabulary with terms relevant to nursing, including diagnoses, treatments, and procedures. You can use flashcards, online tools, or apps to learn new words and phrases.
• Use practice tests to familiarize yourself with the exam pattern and timing by completing tests under timed conditions. Several OET speaking mock tests, along with writing, reading, and listening, are also available online, which will help you rehearse within the actual exam environment.
• You may enroll for preparation courses with experienced instructors to receive personalized feedback and guidance. The OET course duration can range from a week to or month and includes several mock tests, question papers, and pre-recorded sessions.
• Create your study schedule for a specific time and sub-test based, and practice regularly to develop good time management skills. This will help you identify and answer the most important questions, especially in the listening and reading sections.

Conclusion

To conclude, we have discussed the eligibility criteria, fee, format, registration process, assessment, and grading system of the OET exam for nurses in this blog. This exam is beneficial for candidates who want to shape their healthcare professional career in English-speaking countries. Hopefully, you have got all the essential details regarding the OET exam. We have also shared important preparation tips to prepare for the test. So it is time to complete the registration and start practicing to increase your chances of success!

FAQs

1. Who Is Eligible for the OET Exam?

Healthcare professionals from 12 medical fields, including medicine, nursing, dietetics, optometry, pharmacy, podiatry, veterinary science, and more, are eligible for OET. The OET is designed for healthcare professionals to demonstrate their English language skills in a clinical setting to work or study in English-speaking countries.

2. What Is the OET Test for Nurses?

The OET exam for nurses is specially designed to assess a candidate’s proficiency in the nursing context. It contains four sub-tests for listening, reading, writing, and speaking skills, and each evaluates a critical aspect of the language competency in nursing.

3. What Is the Required OET Score for Nurses?

For nurses, a good OET score generally includes a ‘B’ grade in the listening, reading, and speaking sections, and a ‘C+’ in writing. A minimum score of 350 out of 500 is often required for accreditation in countries that accept OET for nurses. Moreover, special requirements can vary depending on the country and the healthcare board.

4. Which Country Has an OET Exam for Nurses?

Countries such as Australia, Canada, Ireland, the Maldives, New Zealand, Qatar, Spain, the United Kingdom, the United States of America, the United Arab Emirates, Singapore, Ukraine, Philippines, Malta, and Namibia have the OET exam for nurses.

5. Is OET Harder Than IELTS?

While some believe that OET is easier, the reality is that both OET and IELTS assess English proficiency at similar levels, and the difficulty can depend on individual strengths and weaknesses.