The major countries that accept OET scores for healthcare registration include:

United Kingdom (NMC, GMC)

Australia (AHPRA)

New Zealand (MCNZ)

Ireland (NMBI)

USA (EICS, ECFMG for doctors)

Canada (Nursing regulatory bodies in select provinces)

IELTS scores are widely accepted in:

• UK
• Australia
• Canada
• USA
• New Zealand
• Europe (Germany, Ireland, and more)

The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) in the UK requires:

Minimum B grade (350) in Listening, Reading, and Speaking

Minimum C+ grade (300) in Writing

The NMC requires:

Minimum 7.0 in Listening, Reading, and Speaking

Minimum 6.5 in Writing

Overall 7.0 band score

IELTS scores are widely accepted for visa applications in the UK, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand.

OET scores are mainly used for healthcare registration, but Australia and New Zealand accept OET for some visa applications.

OET is often preferred by nurses because:

It uses healthcare-related scenarios.

The vocabulary and tasks are more relevant to the healthcare profession.

However, some institutions still require IELTS for visa applications or academic purposes.

OET scores are usually valid for 2 years.

IELTS scores are valid for 2 years.

Canada accepts OET for nursing regulatory bodies like BC College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM).

USA accepts OET for doctors through ECFMG and nurses through certain regulatory bodies.

For OET, a minimum B grade in all four sections is recommended.

For IELTS, a score of 7.0 or above is ideal for most healthcare jobs.