The two tests at a glance
Both tests assess the same four skills - listening, reading, writing and speaking - but their content differs sharply.
- IELTS Academic - a general academic English test used worldwide for study, work and migration. Topics are non-medical: lectures, articles and everyday scenarios.
- OET - designed specifically for healthcare professionals. The reading and listening cover health topics, and the writing and speaking are profession-specific (for example, writing a referral letter or role-playing a patient consultation).
Only IELTS Academic is accepted - the General Training version is not. OET offers versions for different professions, so nurses sit the nursing version and doctors sit the medicine version.
Scores you need: doctors (GMC)
For registration with the General Medical Council, the current standard is:
- IELTS Academic - a minimum overall score of 7.5, with at least 7.0 in each of the four sections.
- OET - at least grade B in each of the four sub-tests.
The GMC generally lets you combine two test sittings taken within a set window (typically six months) if you meet the required score in each skill across the two attempts, provided no score fell below a minimum. Check the exact combining rules before relying on them.
Scores you need: nurses (NMC)
For the Nursing and Midwifery Council, the current standard is:
- IELTS Academic - a minimum overall score of 7.0, with at least 7.0 in reading, listening and speaking, and at least 6.5 in writing.
- OET - at least grade B in reading, listening and speaking, and at least C+ in writing.
The NMC also accepts evidence of English through other routes in some cases, such as a qualification taught and examined in English or recent practice in a majority English-speaking country. The council also allows combining two sittings under conditions, so a near miss in one skill need not mean starting again.
How the formats differ
The day-to-day experience of each test is distinct.
- Reading and listening - IELTS uses general academic material; OET uses healthcare texts and workplace audio, which many clinicians find more relatable.
- Writing - IELTS asks for an essay and a report or letter on general topics. OET asks you to write a professional letter (such as a referral or discharge letter) from case notes.
- Speaking - IELTS is a general interview with an examiner. OET uses role-plays where you act as the health professional and the interlocutor plays a patient or carer.
- Scoring - IELTS reports band scores from 0 to 9; OET reports grades A to E (with numeric scores), where B broadly aligns with IELTS 7.5 and C+ with roughly IELTS 6.5 to 7.0.
Cost, availability and delivery
Both tests are widely available and can be taken on paper or computer at test centres in most countries, with some at-home or online options.
- Fees - both cost broadly similar amounts, often in the region of 200 to 400 pounds or the local equivalent; prices vary by country and change over time.
- Results - typically available within a couple of weeks, sometimes faster for computer-delivered tests.
- Frequency - both run regularly throughout the year, with OET usually offering multiple dates each month.
Always check current fees and available dates directly with the test provider when you plan your timeline.
Which should you choose?
There is no universally better test - it depends on you.
- Choose OET if you are a clinician who is comfortable with medical vocabulary and prefers realistic, work-based tasks. Many healthcare professionals find the familiar context helps them perform, especially in writing and speaking.
- Choose IELTS if you have strong general academic English, may also need the score for other purposes (some visa or study routes recognise it more widely), or find a general format easier to prepare for.
- Consider preparation - abundant materials exist for both. OET preparation is clinically focused; IELTS resources are broader and often cheaper.
Whichever you pick, sit a timed practice test first to see which format suits your style before you pay for the real thing.
Frequently asked questions
Is OET easier than IELTS for healthcare workers?
Not necessarily easier, but many clinicians find OET more comfortable because the content is healthcare-based and the tasks mirror real work, such as writing referral letters and role-playing patient conversations. Your general English still needs to be strong.
Can I combine two test sittings to reach the required score?
Both the GMC and NMC allow combining two sittings taken within a set window, subject to conditions and minimum scores in each skill. This can help if you narrowly miss one section. Always confirm the current combining rules first.
Does the NMC accept IELTS General Training?
No. Only IELTS Academic is accepted for nurse and doctor registration. Make sure you book the Academic version, as General Training will not be recognised by the NMC or GMC.
How long are my results valid?
Test results are generally valid for two years from the test date for registration purposes. Plan your application so your scores do not expire before the regulator processes your registration.
Do I always need an English test?
Not always. The regulators accept other evidence in some cases, such as a primary qualification taught and examined in English or recent practice in a majority English-speaking country. Check whether you qualify before booking a test.
Which test is cheaper?
The two are broadly similar in price, often somewhere between 200 and 400 pounds depending on your country. Fees change and vary by location, so compare current prices at your nearest test centres before deciding.
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