Countries and regulators that accept OET
Where OET is accepted: recognising organisations across the UK, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, Singapore, and more — by country and profession.
OET is accepted by healthcare regulators in more than 40 countries. The exact list grows year on year. This guide is the current snapshot of major recognising organisations by country and profession.
Always confirm with your specific regulator before booking. Recognising organisations occasionally adjust their minimum thresholds, accepted formats (paper vs OET@Home), or which professions they cover. The lists below are accurate as of mid-2026.
United Kingdom
The UK is the single biggest destination for migrating healthcare professionals using OET.
- Nursing & Midwifery Council (NMC) — nurses, midwives, nursing associates
- General Medical Council (GMC) — doctors (specialists and general practice)
- General Dental Council (GDC) — dentists, dental hygienists, dental therapists
- Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) — physiotherapists, occupational therapists, dietitians, podiatrists, radiographers, speech & language therapists
- General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) — pharmacists, pharmacy technicians
- Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) — veterinary surgeons
Typical requirement: OET Band B (350+) across all four sub-tests in a single sitting, with some regulators allowing aggregation across two sittings within 12 months. The OET band scores explained guide covers the score mapping in detail.
Australia
- AHPRA / Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia — all healthcare professions registered with AHPRA
- Medical Board of Australia — doctors
- Dental Board of Australia — dentists
- Pharmacy Board of Australia — pharmacists
- Physiotherapy Board of Australia — physiotherapists
- Department of Home Affairs — visa applicants in healthcare professions
Typical requirement: Band B in each sub-test.
New Zealand
- Nursing Council of New Zealand (NCNZ) — nurses
- Medical Council of New Zealand (MCNZ) — doctors
- Dental Council of New Zealand — dentists
- Pharmacy Council of New Zealand — pharmacists
- Physiotherapy Board of New Zealand — physiotherapists
- Immigration New Zealand — visa applicants
Typical requirement: Band B in each sub-test.
Ireland
- Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI) — nurses and midwives
- Medical Council of Ireland — doctors
- Dental Council of Ireland — dentists
- Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland (PSI) — pharmacists
- CORU — physiotherapists, occupational therapists, dietitians, podiatrists, radiographers, speech & language therapists
Singapore
- Singapore Nursing Board — nurses
- Singapore Medical Council — doctors
- Singapore Dental Council — dentists
- Singapore Pharmacy Council — pharmacists
Other major recognising regions
- United Arab Emirates — Dubai Health Authority (DHA), Department of Health Abu Dhabi (DOH-AD), Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP)
- Malta — Council for Nurses and Midwives, Medical Council
- Namibia — Health Professions Councils of Namibia
- Qatar — Qatar Council for Healthcare Practitioners
- Spain — General Council of Nursing of Spain (for non-EU candidates)
- Ukraine — Ministry of Health (selected professions)
- Hungary — Hungarian Chamber of Health Professionals
United States
OET is increasingly accepted in the US for selected immigration and licensing pathways:
- VisaScreen / CGFNS — for some nursing certifications
- ECFMG — accepted for the medical credential evaluation process for IMGs
The exact list of US accepting bodies is evolving. Confirm with the specific board.
Canada
Acceptance varies by province. Several Canadian nursing regulators accept OET, including:
- British Columbia College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM)
- Manitoba College of Registered Nurses
Check the official OET recognising organisations list for the most current breakdown.
Confirming your requirements
For every regulator on the list:
- Go to the regulator's official website (not an immigration consultant's)
- Find the page on English language requirements or registration evidence
- Confirm:
- Minimum score per sub-test (almost always B, but some have specific overrides)
- Whether two-sitting aggregation is allowed
- Whether OET@Home is accepted (most accept it; a few only accept test-centre)
- Validity window (almost always 2 years)
- Take a screenshot of the requirement on the day you book the test. Requirements occasionally change; having a dated screenshot protects you.
Next steps
- New to OET? Read What is OET?
- Trying to decide between OET and IELTS? Read OET vs IELTS
- Understand the scoring: OET band scores explained
- Plan your study: How to prepare for OET
When you're ready to practice Speaking with feedback that targets the band most regulators require, join the OET Live waitlist.