Understanding OET scores is essential before you register for the exam. Different countries and regulators require different grades, some allow score combining from multiple sittings, and a major scoring update took effect in April 2026. This guide explains everything you need to know about OET scoring in plain language.
How OET Scoring Works
Each of the four sub-tests — Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking — is scored on a scale of 0 to 500, in 10-point increments. These numeric scores are mapped to letter grades:
- Grade A: 450–500 (expert level)
- Grade B: 350–440 (high proficiency — the standard registration benchmark)
- Grade C+: 300–340 (good proficiency)
- Grade C: 200–290 (moderate proficiency)
- Grade D: 100–190 (limited proficiency)
- Grade E: 0–90 (minimal proficiency)
Grade B (350+) is the minimum required by most healthcare regulators worldwide. Some regulators accept Grade C+ (300+) in one sub-test, typically Writing, while requiring Grade B in the remaining three.
Important: April 2026 Scoring Update
Starting from tests taken on or after 23 April 2026, OET reports numeric scores rather than letter grades for AHPRA registration purposes. The new AHPRA-specific thresholds are: Listening 350, Reading 360, Writing 350, and Speaking 360. This is a subtle but important change — Reading and Speaking now require 360 rather than the previous 350 that Grade B represented. If you are targeting Australia, check whether your test date falls before or after this cutoff.
🎯 Don't go in blind — 5,000+ candidates have used our AI-graded mocks
Most users discover at least one section they were under-prepared for before they paid for the real exam.
✅ Try a free 5-min demo → — No card, no signup hassle.
💪 See full-length mock packs → — AI scores in 30 seconds.
Score Requirements by Country
*AHPRA scores apply to tests taken from 23 April 2026 onwards.
What Grade B Actually Means
A Grade B score indicates that you can communicate effectively in English within a healthcare setting. You can understand detailed clinical discussions, write professional correspondence, read healthcare literature accurately, and hold patient consultations with clarity. It does not require perfection — you can make occasional minor errors and still score Grade B, provided your overall communication is safe and effective.
For context, Grade B in OET is roughly equivalent to IELTS band 7.0 to 7.5. Grade C+ is roughly equivalent to IELTS 6.5 to 7.0.
Score Combining: Can You Use Results from Multiple Sittings?
Some regulators allow you to combine your best sub-test scores from two separate OET sittings, rather than requiring all four scores to come from a single test:
- UK NMC: Allows combining from two sittings taken within six months. Each individual sitting must have no sub-test below Grade C (200).
- UK GMC: Does not allow score combining. All four sub-tests must meet Grade B in a single sitting.
- AHPRA Australia: Allows combining from two sittings taken within twelve months.
- USA ECFMG: Does not allow combining. All scores must come from one test administration.
Score combining can be a lifeline if you consistently score well on three sub-tests but struggle with one. However, it doubles your exam costs, so weigh this against additional preparation for your weaker area.
How Long Are OET Scores Valid?
Most regulators require OET results to be less than two years old at the time of application. The NMC requires results within two years, AHPRA requires results within two years (or within the timeframe specified by the relevant National Board), and the ECFMG requires results within two years.
If your scores expire before you complete the registration process, you will need to retake the test. Plan your exam date accordingly — do not take OET too early if your registration timeline is likely to be lengthy.
How Many Times Can You Retake OET?
There is no limit on the number of times you can sit the OET. However, you must wait at least two weeks between attempts for each sub-test. If you only failed one sub-test, you can retake just that sub-test rather than the entire exam — this costs less and saves time. Individual sub-test retakes are charged at approximately USD 215 to 250, compared to the full USD 587 for all four.
⚡ Ready to find out if you're at exam-pass level?
Our 100% AI-graded mocks match the real exam format — same timing, same question types, same scoring scale. Over 5,000 nurses and doctors have used them to pass on their first attempt.
👉 Free demo · 💎 Buy a mock pack — start with one, upgrade if you like it.
Trusted by candidates in 30+ countries · 4.6★ user rating · Same-day score reports.
Tips for Hitting Your Target Score
- Know your target before you start studying. If you need Grade B in all four for the GMC, your preparation must be balanced. If you need C+ in Writing for the NMC, you can allocate less time to writing and focus on your weaker areas.
- Take a diagnostic test first. Identify which sub-test is furthest from your target score and prioritise it.
- Understand the assessment criteria. For Writing, you are graded on purpose, content, conciseness, genre, organisation, and language — not just grammar. For Speaking, rapport and empathy matter as much as fluency.
- Use official OET materials. Third-party resources vary in quality, but the free practice tests on oet.com are the closest to the real exam.