OET for Australian visas: the scores health professionals need

Why OET is scored in numbers now

Home Affairs says the OET scoring format "was previously alphabetical and changed to numerical on 7 August 2025". LIN 25/016 sets OET scores in numbers for tests from that date, and grades (A to E) only for older tests.

Home Affairs also notes that "OET does not currently provide overall test results on test score reports". Most uses look at the four skills, but functional English, the 485 and the 500 use an overall score; Home Affairs says to contact OET to get it.

OET for the English levels

• Competent English: 290 listening, 310 reading, 290 writing, 330 speaking. The floor for the 189, 190, 491, 186 and 494.
• Proficient English: 350, 360, 380, 360. 10 points on the skilled points test.
• Superior English: 390, 400, 420, 400. 20 points.
• Vocational English: 220, 240, 200, 270.
• Functional English: 1020 overall.

Each skill has to reach its own line; there's no averaging.

OET for the 482, 485 and 500

• 482 Core Skills and Specialist Skills (LIN 25/082, tests from 13 September 2025): 220 listening, 240 reading, 200 writing, 270 speaking. Older 482 tests needed grade B in each skill.
• 485 Temporary Graduate (LIN 25/089): 1310 overall with at least 260 listening, 280 reading, 260 writing and 310 speaking, within 1 year before applying. Hong Kong and BNO passport holders: 1210 overall with 220/240/200/270.
• 500 Student (LIN 25/090): 1210 overall; 1090 with at least 10 weeks of ELICOS or a foundation or listed pathway program; 1020 with at least 20 weeks of ELICOS.

OET for AHPRA registration

AHPRA's National Boards changed their minimum scores on 23 April 2026. For OET:

• Tests taken on or after 23 April 2026: 350 listening, 360 reading, 350 writing and 360 speaking. No overall score applies.
• Tests taken on or before 22 April 2026: grade B in listening, reading and speaking, and C+ in writing.

AHPRA accepts results from one sitting, or from two sittings no more than 12 months apart if both meet set floors (for OET from 23 April 2026: no component below 320 listening, 340 reading, 350 writing or 350 speaking). It accepts any profession-specific OET test, and says OET hasn't yet developed a specific test for some professions, in which case an OET test for another registered profession is accepted. AHPRA says English test results are generally valid for two years before you apply for registration, with exceptions.

One OET result for both visa and registration?

Counting the numbers side by side:

• An OET result that meets AHPRA's current standard (350/360/350/360) also clears competent English for the visa (290/310/290/330) in every skill.
• It clears proficient English (350/360/380/360) in listening, reading and speaking, but proficient writing is 380, above AHPRA's 350. A writing score between 350 and 379 meets registration and competent English, but not proficient.
• Superior English (390/400/420/400) is above AHPRA's line in every skill.

Older OET results

Tests taken before 7 August 2025 are read against the old table if taken within the 36 months before you lodge (LIN 25/016, section 10): grade B in each skill was vocational, competent and proficient English, and grade A in each skill was superior. Home Affairs says such results can be used until 6 August 2028 at the latest, depending on the visa.

Test centre only

Home Affairs doesn't accept OET@Home. OET taken at a test centre, on paper or computer, is accepted. AHPRA likewise accepts OET on paper or computer-based at a test centre, and says the computer-based test at a centre has one remote-proctored element it has assessed as acceptable.

What does OET grade B mean for Australian visas?

Grade B in each skill was competent (and proficient) English for tests taken before 7 August 2025, usable within 36 months of lodging and no later than 6 August 2028. For tests from 7 August 2025, competent English is 290 listening, 310 reading, 290 writing and 330 speaking.

Can I use one OET result for my visa and AHPRA registration?

Often, but check both tables. AHPRA's current standard is 350/360/350/360. That clears competent English for the visa, and proficient English except in writing, where proficient needs 380.

What OET score do I need for 10 points?

Proficient English: 350 listening, 360 reading, 380 writing and 360 speaking, from a test taken within 3 years before your invitation.

What OET score do I need for 20 points?

Superior English: 390 listening, 400 reading, 420 writing and 400 speaking.

Where do I find my overall OET score?

Home Affairs says OET doesn't currently print an overall score on result reports and that you can get it by contacting OET. You need it for functional English, the 485 and the 500.

How long are OET results valid?

For visas: 3 years for competent, proficient and superior English, 1 year for the 485 and 2 years for the 500. For AHPRA registration: generally 2 years before you apply, with exceptions.