Australia's AHPRA accepts both OET and IELTS for healthcare registration, but the requirements changed in 2026. IELTS became slightly easier for some professions, while OET shifted to numeric scoring. This guide compares both exams specifically for the AHPRA pathway — updated with the latest 2026 changes — so you can choose the right test for your situation.
AHPRA Score Requirements: 2026 Update
*AHPRA's 2026 update allows 6.5 in individual bands if overall is 7.0, for some profession boards. Check your specific National Board requirements.
What Changed in 2026
Two significant changes affect your decision. First, OET now uses numeric scores instead of letter grades for AHPRA purposes. Reading and Speaking now require 360 (previously 350 under the old Grade B threshold). This is a 10-point increase that may affect borderline candidates. Second, AHPRA has relaxed IELTS requirements for some professions — accepting 6.5 in individual bands provided the overall score is 7.0. This makes IELTS considerably more accessible than before, when a strict 7.0 in every band was required.
Score Combining Rules
- OET: You can combine your best sub-test results from two sittings taken within twelve months. This gives you a generous window and two chances to hit each threshold.
- IELTS: AHPRA also allows combining from two sittings. The twelve-month window and the relaxed individual band score (6.5 minimum) make IELTS score combining more forgiving than it used to be.
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Both exams now offer comparable score combining flexibility for the AHPRA pathway. This is a significant equaliser that was not the case in previous years.
Cost Comparison
- OET: Approximately AUD 587 (USD) per full sitting. Individual sub-test retakes cost approximately USD 215 to 250.
- IELTS: Approximately AUD 395 per sitting. No individual sub-test retake option — you must retake the entire exam.
OET is more expensive per sitting, but the ability to retake individual sub-tests can save money if you need to improve only one score. IELTS is cheaper per attempt but requires a full retake even if you missed the threshold in just one band.
Which Is Easier for Healthcare Professionals?
Content Advantage: OET
OET's healthcare-specific content gives nurses and doctors a natural advantage. Reading passages about clinical guidelines feel more intuitive than IELTS passages about prehistoric art or urban infrastructure. The writing task (a referral letter) is a professional skill, not an academic exercise. Speaking role-plays simulate real patient interactions.
New IELTS Flexibility: Closing the Gap
The 2026 IELTS change is significant. Previously, scoring 7.0 in every single IELTS band was a rigid requirement that tripped up many healthcare professionals — particularly in Writing, where even strong English speakers struggle with the essay format. Now, scoring 6.5 in one or two bands (as long as the overall hits 7.0) makes IELTS much more achievable.
Pass Rates
OET historically reports higher pass rates among healthcare professionals compared to IELTS for equivalent registration thresholds. This is partly content advantage and partly because IELTS Writing has a notoriously harsh marking curve at the 7.0 level. However, the relaxed IELTS requirement may narrow this gap going forward.
Decision Guide
Choose OET if: you want the clinical content advantage, you are comfortable with the higher cost, and you prefer a test where everything — reading, writing, listening, speaking — uses healthcare language. The ability to retake individual sub-tests is also valuable if you consistently struggle with one area.
Choose IELTS if: you are on a tighter budget, the relaxed 6.5 individual band requirement makes your target more achievable, you need the score for both AHPRA registration and immigration (IELTS is universally accepted for visa purposes), or you live far from an OET centre.
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Consider PTE Academic: AHPRA also accepts PTE Academic with a score of 65 in each communicative skill. Some candidates who struggle with both OET and IELTS find PTE's computer-based, AI-scored format more predictable. If you have taken OET or IELTS twice without success, PTE is worth exploring as a third option.
Practical Approach
Take a free diagnostic test for both OET (on oet.com) and IELTS (practice tests are widely available). Compare your baseline scores against the AHPRA thresholds. Whichever test puts you closer to the target with less preparation is the smarter choice. Do not choose based on reputation alone — choose based on your personal scores and the specific 2026 requirements.
The 2026 changes have made this decision less clear-cut than it was in previous years. Both tests are now viable pathways, and the right choice depends on your individual English profile, budget, and timeline.