OET for Australian Visas: Healthcare Professionals' English Test

Who takes the OET

The OET is designed for healthcare professionals, including:

- Registered nurses (RN)
- Doctors (physicians, specialists)
- Dentists and dental therapists
- Pharmacists
- Allied health professionals (physiotherapists, occupational therapists, speech pathologists, etc.)
- Veterinarians

If you are a healthcare professional relocating to Australia for work, OET may be a better fit than a general English test because it reflects the language and scenarios you will encounter in your profession.

OET grades and competence levels

OET uses letter grades (A to E) rather than bands:

- Grade A: Pass — highest proficiency
- Grade B: Pass — meets the standard for professional practice
- Grade C: Pass — borderline proficiency
- Grade D: Fail — did not meet the required standard
- Grade E: Fail — did not meet the required standard

Grade B is equivalent to Competent English (IELTS 6.0 in each component) for Australian skilled migration. Grade A is higher and typically earns additional points.

OET vs IELTS vs PTE

The key differences:

- OET: Healthcare-specific vocabulary and scenarios; one test version; used for professional registration and migration
- IELTS: General English; two versions (Academic and General Training); widely used across occupations and education
- PTE Academic: General English; computer-delivered; fast results

If you are a nurse, doctor, or other healthcare professional, OET may require less study time because the content is relevant to your field. However, if you are not certain which test suits you best, check Home Affairs' accepted tests list — all three are valid for visa purposes.

OET for migration and professional registration

OET results are accepted for:

1. Australian skilled migration visas (189, 190, 491, and others) as evidence of English language proficiency
2. AHPRA registration (for nurses, doctors, allied health) — most registration boards accept OET Grade B

This dual acceptance is a major advantage: a single OET result can count toward both your visa application and your professional registration, saving time and money.

Test format and validity

OET is delivered at approved test centres as a secure, in-person test only. Online versions are not accepted for visa purposes (as of 7 August 2025).

OET results are valid for up to 3 years from the test date for visa purposes. Specific professions (e.g. nursing via AHPRA) may have their own validity periods — check with your regulatory board.

Cost and availability

OET is available in Australia and internationally. Test costs and centre availability vary by location — check the OET website for your nearest centre and fees.

What does OET Grade B mean for Australian visas?

Grade B is equivalent to Competent English under Home Affairs requirements. It meets the baseline English requirement for most skilled visas but does not earn points. Grade A is higher and may earn points depending on your visa subclass.

Can I use OET results for both my visa application and AHPRA registration?

Yes. OET is accepted for both skilled migration and AHPRA professional registration. A single OET Grade B or A result satisfies the English language requirement for both purposes.

Is OET easier than IELTS for healthcare professionals?

OET uses healthcare-specific vocabulary and scenarios, so professionals in the field often find it more familiar and relevant. However, difficulty varies by individual — some find IELTS or PTE easier. Consider taking a practice test to see which format suits you.

What if I score Grade C on OET?

Grade C is a pass but is borderline for professional practice. It meets Competent English for visa purposes but may not be accepted by some AHPRA registration boards or employers. Retaking to achieve Grade B is recommended.

Do all Australian states accept OET for visa purposes?

Yes. OET is a nationally accepted English test for Australian skilled migration and is approved by Home Affairs. All skilled visa subclasses that recognise English tests accept OET.

How long are OET results valid?

OET results are valid for up to 3 years from the test date for visa purposes. Some AHPRA registration boards may have shorter validity periods — check with your profession's regulator.