Optometrists need OET Grade B in all four sub-tests for New Zealand
Every board that registers optometrists in New Zealand asks for Grade B (350–440) in Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking — Optometrists and Dispensing Opticians Board of New Zealand. There is no sub-test where a lower grade is accepted.
Every gating body OET lists for optometry in New Zealand, with the grade each publishes per sub-test. Grade B is 350–440; C+ is 300–340.
| Board | Listening | Reading | Writing | Speaking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Optometrists and Dispensing Opticians Board of New Zealand | B | B | B | B |
Visa and government routes
These decide whether you may enter or work, not whether you may register. They publish their own thresholds and they are not always the same, which is why they are listed apart rather than averaged into the answer above.
| Board | Listening | Reading | Writing | Speaking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) | B | B | B | B |
- Compiled from OET's own list of recognising organisations, captured 2026-10-12. Confirm with the regulator before booking — a board can change its requirement between our weekly refresh and your application.
- Some boards accept scores combined across two sittings and some do not. Where that rule matters it is stated on the full regulator list.
The same question, answered for every country that registers optometrists.
Or read the full guide: OET for Optometry.
Know the grade. Now go and get it.
Practise the Speaking sub-test against an AI patient on optometry cases, and get every one of the nine OET criteria scored about a minute after you finish.
On Android, Windows or a Mac? OET Live now runs in your browser — the same role-plays and scoring as the iPhone app, nothing to install.
iPhone app: iOS 16 or later. On anything else, use it in your browser at oetlive.com/app.
Want more? Try Essential monthly free for 3 days — up to 30 practice minutes (about 6 role-plays). A card is required; cancel before the trial ends and you are not charged, otherwise it renews at US$39.99/month.