OET Acceptable Countries in 2024: Know Required OET Scores & Grades

Are you considering taking the OET exam but are unsure if it is accepted in your country? Well, many countries and organizations worldwide have recognized OET (Occupational English Test) as proof of English language proficiency. From Australia to the United Kingdom and even Saudi Arabia, OET has gained popularity as a trusted language assessment for healthcare professionals. So, if you are wondering about the OET-acceptable countries, read on to find out more!

Read More About :OET Exam Syllabus | OET Exam Preparation |OET Exam For Nurses

OET Exam Pattern: A Brief Breakdown 

The OET is divided into four sub-tests – reading, listening,  speaking, and writing. Moreover, as per the conducting body, the OET exam eligibility is not limited to any minimum age or academic qualification. It can be taken by anyone who wishes to work in the healthcare industry globally.

Listed below is the OET exam pattern. 

Listening

The Listening sub-test in the OET lasts for around 40 minutes and comprises three parts with 42 questions. During each section, recordings related to generic healthcare are played (each recording is played only once), and candidates must answer the questions as they listen.

Reading

The Reading sub-test in the OET comprises three sub-sections. One of these is expeditious reading which requires candidates to read four short essays related to healthcare and answer questions based on the information provided. The other two sub-sections require careful reading, where candidates must answer multiple-choice questions related to the essays provided to them. A time of 60 minutes is allotted for this section.

Writing

In the Writing sub-test of the OET, candidates are given 45 minutes to complete a profession-specific writing task. The task usually requires candidates to write a referral letter, although other types of letters, such as transfer or discharge, may also be given. 

Speaking 

During the Speaking sub-test of the OET exam, candidates undergo an individual assessment that lasts approximately 20 minutes. This part of the exam assesses the candidate’s verbal communication abilities required in an English-speaking environment. Materials specifically tailored to the candidate's profession are used for the assessment. 

Countries Accepting OET Worldwide

Listed below are the OET- acceptable countries: 

1. Australia
2. Canada
3. United Kingdom
4. United States of America.
5. India
6. Ireland
7. Maldives
8. Malta
9. New Zealand
10. Philippines
11. Qatar
12. Singapore
13. Spain
14. Ukraine
15. United Arab Emirates
16. Namibia
17. Egypt

Institutional Bodies & Universities Accepting OET 

Here is a brief look at the top universities, healthcare councils, and boards that recognize OET.  

Acceptable OET Grades in Different Countries 

Listed below is the OET score for different countries:

OET Scores/Grades & Band Descriptors

Along with being aware of the OET-accepted countries for nurses and other healthcare professions, you must also know about the interpretation of its results. The statement of results reports your score (on a scale from 0 to 500) along with a letter grade. The grades and their corresponding score range, along with their band descriptors, are mentioned below:

Grade A: 

The highest grade in the OET band descriptor is Grade A, which corresponds to a mark range of 450 to 500. This grade signifies that the candidate has the highest marks and can communicate confidently & fluently with staff members, patients, and others.

Grade B: 

The second-highest grade in the OET band descriptor is within the mark range of 350 to 440. This grade indicates that the candidate is proficient in communication and has a friendly approach to patients and staff. 

Grade C: 

The third-highest grade in the OET band descriptor corresponds to a mark range of 300 to 340. This grade suggests that the candidate can speak  English proficiently with occasional errors. 

Grade C+: 

The fourth-highest grade in the OET band descriptor is equivalent to Grade C+, with a mark range of 200 to 290. This grade indicates that the candidate can communicate in basic English and connect with people despite facing some errors and difficulties.

Grade D: 

The fifth-highest grade in the OET band descriptor has a mark range of 100 to 190. This grade indicates that the candidate can collaborate while encountering some disruptions. 

Grade E: 

The lowest grade in the OET band descriptor has a mark range of 0 to 90. This grade suggests poor performance by the candidate, with little to no proficiency in the English language or their clinical field, and facing multiple disruptions.

Conclusion

The OET is recognized and accepted in various countries worldwide. It focuses on healthcare communication and language proficiency to ensure that healthcare professionals have the right language skills to provide effective patient care. 

In conclusion, the Occupational English Test (OET) stands as a specialized and highly effective tool for healthcare professionals aiming to bridge the language barrier in English-speaking healthcare environments. Tailored specifically to the nuanced communication needs of medical fields, the OET not only assesses English language proficiency but also ensures that practitioners can provide safe and effective patient care in English-speaking contexts. As the demand for skilled healthcare professionals continues to rise globally, the OET serves as a crucial stepping stone, empowering medical practitioners with the linguistic competence needed to excel in diverse healthcare settings. For those in the medical field looking to expand their horizons and practice in countries like the UK, Australia, and New Zealand, excelling in the OET is a vital part of their professional journey, opening doors to rewarding career opportunities and cross-cultural experiences in the world of healthcare.