OET is the English test that reads like nursing practice, because the reading passages, listening extracts and writing tasks are set in healthcare contexts. This piece explains why it often works better than IELTS for Nepali nursing candidates.
The four sub-tests
- Listening: 45 minutes. Two consultation extracts and healthcare-related presentations.
- Reading: 60 minutes. Healthcare-relevant reading passages and comprehension.
- Writing: 45 minutes. A profession-specific letter (referral or discharge letter) based on case notes.
- Speaking: about 20 minutes. Two role plays with a healthcare-context interlocutor.
Grading
OET grades on a letter scale A to E. Nursing registration boards typically require grade B in all four sub-tests, taken in one sitting (some boards accept combined scores from two sittings; confirm current policy).
Score requirements by registration board
- NMBA (Australia): OET grade B in each sub-test; taken in one sitting.
- NMC (UK): OET grade B in all four sub-tests. Note: some combinations across two sittings are accepted.
- CNO (Ontario) and other Canadian provincial regulators: OET accepted in most provinces; grade requirements vary.
- Nursing Council of New Zealand: OET grade B in each sub-test.
OET vs IELTS Academic for nurses
Approximate parity: OET grade B roughly corresponds to IELTS Academic 7.0. For candidates who plateau at IELTS 6.5 across three skills and struggle to lift the fourth, OET often reaches grade B faster because the content is familiar clinical material.
Preparation timeline
- 8 weeks: candidates already at IELTS 6.5 to 7.0 baseline with clinical exposure.
- 12 weeks: standard case.
- 16 weeks: rebuilding academic English and healthcare vocabulary together.
What to practise
- Writing: master the referral / discharge letter format. Practise selecting relevant case-note details, sequencing them, and using appropriate healthcare English.
- Reading: build medical terminology and read healthcare news and guidelines.
- Listening: practise on OET official materials; the accents and pace are calibrated to clinical settings.
- Speaking: practise role plays with a partner using OET official prompts.
Registration
Book at oetdotcom (the official OET website). Test centres are available in Kathmandu; OET at Home is also available for candidates who meet the equipment requirements.
Key takeaways
- OET is designed for healthcare professionals.
- Grade B in all four sub-tests is the standard requirement for nursing registration.
- Approximate parity: OET grade B ≈ IELTS Academic 7.0.
- Often easier than IELTS for candidates with clinical exposure.
- Registration boards set the definitive requirement; confirm current position.
Related resources
See our Study Nursing Abroad guide, English tests for study abroad, and IELTS preparation.