Countries Accepting OET Score and Score for Each Countries
The Occupational English Test is a specialized English language test for healthcare professionals who want to pursue their careers in other countries.
Through the OET test, you can demonstrate your proficiency in listening, reading, writing, and speaking, along with your knowledge of key healthcare terminology. The maximum score for each section is 500, which is also graded on a scale of A to E.
If you are a healthcare professional and want to move abroad, you would need to appear for OET. English-speaking countries like Australia, the US, the UK, New Zealand, and Switzerland are some of the best places to start your career in the healthcare sector.
The opportunities and pay structure for healthcare professionals in these countries are outstanding. However, to avail of such amazing opportunities, a healthcare professional needs to pass an Occupational English Test. In this guide, let’s find out more about OET scores required by different countries!
Countries that Accept the OET Score
The OET test is designed to meet the needs of the global healthcare industry. So, about the applicability of which countries accept OET – here is the list of OET accepted countries:
- Australia
- New Zealand
- UK
- Ireland
- USA
- Canada
- Malta
- Singapore
- UAE
The test is also accepted as an eligibility criterion in Egypt, India, Maldives, Sri Lanka, Namibia, the Philippines, and Qatar.
Healthcare System: A Brief Overview
According to a report, healthcare jobs have witnessed the highest growth rate in 2023 since 1991. Another report by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics states that healthcare jobs grew by 70,0000 in January of 2024, in comparison to an average of 58,000 jobs per month in 2023.
Similar trends are rising in various OECD countries, wherein demand for skilled labor remains at an all-time high. This is a perfect blend of opportunity for millions of individuals in the developed world who wish to earn a higher income abroad and also avail themselves the best of healthcare facilities for their loved ones.
Importance of OET for Registration
Various healthcare regulatory bodies globally recognize the OET exam. The nursing and medical boards in various countries accept the OET scores and help professionals grab lucrative job opportunities. Here are some reasons why the OET exam is significant for registration:
- It assesses your language proficiency and helps you find the best jobs in foreign countries.
- The OET focuses on healthcare terminology, which means it stands as proof that you understand medical texts.
- The test also highlights your communication skills and professional confidence.
- It is a benchmark for healthcare employers and helps you in improving your healthcare career opportunities.
Minimum Score and Grade Requirements for Healthcare Professionals
OET exams test healthcare professionals’ communication skills and use of medical terms. Communication embeds both concrete language learning and essentially abstract human qualities such as kindness and connection with patients, so the OET exam results are interpreted differently by different parties.
As a result, most countries around the world accept a minimum B on all four subtests for doctors and nurses alike. However, some countries also accept candidates with C scores across the board.
OET exam grades candidates on a score between 0-500. OET eligibility criteria vary depending on the country and even region. For example, nurses who wish to register in the state of Oregon must achieve a minimum of 4 Bs or a score of 350. On the other hand, nurses who wish to practice in the state of Florida must achieve a minimum of 300, or 4 Cs.
The following table lists the required OET score for different countries:
| United States of America | Minimum 350 for listening, reading, and speaking sub-tests. 300 is the minimum for the writing sub-test. |
|---|---|
| Canada | Canada OET score – A minimum B or 350 out of 500 on all four sections. |
| UK | Minimum B Grade in all four sections. This means 350 or above for reading, listening, and speaking and 300 or above for writing |
| Australia | Minimum B grade in all 4 sections, which means 350-450 in all four sections |
| Ireland | Minimum B or a score of 350 for reading, listening, and speaking. Minimum C+ for writing. |
| New Zealand | Minimum 350 or B Grade for reading, speaking, and listening. 300 or C+ Grade for the writing section |
| Singapore | Minimum Grade B or 350+ score in all four segments |
| UAE | Minimum B or 350+ score in all sections |
| Qatar | Minimum 350 or Grade B in all sections |
| Malta | Malta’s score for OET is a minimum B or 350+ score in all four sub-tests. |
| Philippines | Minimum C+ in listening, reading, and speaking, which means a score of 300+ |
| Spain | B or a score of 350+ in reading, speaking, and listening. Minimum C or 30+ score in writing |
| Switzerland | Switzerland’s OET score for nurses is a minimum B or 350+ score for 3 subtests excluding writing. For the writing subtest, a C or 300+ score is acceptable in Switzerland. |
It is important to note that a few countries accept C or C+ scores or 300+ marks in writing. The list of OET C+ score accepted countries includes UAE and the Philippines, among others. However, if you want to go to European countries or the USA, a B or 350+ score is often required for at least 3 subtests, often excluding the writing subtest.
Also Read:OET Exam Booking-A complete Guide
Conclusion:
The OET exam is a significant exam for professionals who wish to pursue their healthcare career abroad. This is a critical test that demonstrates your communication skills and ability to understand healthcare terminology.
The OET exam can help you land your dream job in healthcare. There are many healthcare professionals in India today who require extensive training to appear for OET. One institute that offers expert training, facilities, and a wide range of test preparation material is Neethu’s Academy.
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