In 2025, the Occupational English Test (OET) remains one of the most important requirements for nurses who want to work in English-speaking countries such as Australia, the UK, New Zealand, Ireland, and several others.

Unlike general English tests, OET is designed specifically for healthcare professionals, making it more relevant, practical, and aligned with real clinical communication.

For nurses, simply passing the OET is not enough—they must show they can deliver safe, high-quality patient care, communicate clearly with colleagues, and follow clinical protocols accurately.

This updated guide (latest information as of September 2025) explains the OET structure, eligibility, score requirements, preparation strategies, common mistakes, and the role of practice tests. It also highlights how platforms like oetpro.com can support nursing candidates.

Why OET Matters for Nurses in 2025

OET is designed for 12 healthcare professions, including nursing. It evaluates the four essential skills:

• Listening

• Reading

• Writing

• Speaking

Unlike IELTS or TOEFL, OET uses real-life medical situations such as:

• Patient assessments

• Discharge advice

• Nursing documentation

• Communication with multidisciplinary teams

In 2025, the exam became even more flexible with the expansion of:

• OET@Home (online exam)

• Computer-based OET

• Paper-based tests

OET now provides both:

• The traditional A–E grades, and

• An overall numerical score (0–500 per sub-test)

This gives regulators a more detailed picture of English proficiency.

With global nursing shortages continuing, OET-certified nurses are in high demand and can earn competitive salaries—for example, around $82,750 per year in the U.S. and similar opportunities elsewhere.

Structure of the OET Exam for Nurses (2025 Format)

OET has four sub-tests. Listening and Reading are common for all professions, while Writing and Speaking are nursing-specific.

1. Listening (40–45 minutes)

Total Questions: 42 | 3 Parts

Tests understanding of spoken healthcare communication.

Part A – Consultation Extracts

• Nurse–patient conversations

• Topics include post-surgical self-care, chronic illness advice, etc.

• Note completion tasks

Part B – Workplace Extracts

• Short audios such as nursing handovers and briefings

• Multiple-choice questions

Part C – Presentations / Interviews

• Long talks, e.g., wound care updates or infection control guidelines

• Tests inference and understanding of opinions

2025 Update:
More realistic clinical background sounds have been added for authenticity.

2. Reading (60 minutes)

Total Questions: 42 | 3 Parts

Tests comprehension of healthcare texts.

Part A (15 minutes) – Rapid Reading

• Four short texts

• Extract patient charts, medication guidelines, or protocols

• Matching and gap-fill questions

Parts B & C (45 minutes)

• Part B: Six workplace texts (policies, guidelines)

• Part C: Two long articles (research, clinical reviews)

2025 Update:
Texts now resemble electronic health record (EHR) formats.

3. Writing (45 minutes)

Task: One Letter (180–200 words)

Nurses must write a professional letter based on case notes such as:

• Referral

• Discharge summary

• Transfer or urgent care advice

Key skills tested:

• Organising clinical information

• Using appropriate tone and clarity

• Understanding purpose and audience

2025 Update:
New scenarios include telehealth follow-up letters.

4. Speaking (20 minutes)

Two Role-Plays

Nurses interact with an interlocutor acting as a patient or caregiver.

Common scenarios:

• Diabetes management education

• Explaining medications

• Discussing care plans

• Addressing patient concerns

Focus areas:

• Empathy

• Clinical explanation

• Professional tone

2025 Update:
More emphasis on culturally sensitive communication.

OET Grading System in 2025

Each sub-test is scored:

Most nursing regulators require:

• B in Listening, Reading, and Speaking

• C+ in Writing

Eligibility and Score Requirements for Nurses

To take OET, nurses must have:

• A recognized nursing qualification (degree/diploma)

• Eligibility to practice in their home country

No age or experience requirement exists, but candidates must meet the standards of their target regulator.

Country-wise score requirements (2025):

United Kingdom (NMC)

• B in Listening, Reading, Speaking

• C+ in Writing

• One sitting only

• Valid for 2 years

Australia (AHPRA)

• B in all sub-tests

• Score combination allowed within 6 months

New Zealand & Ireland

• B preferred

• C+ accepted for Writing

United States (state-specific)

• Accepted in several states such as Florida & Oregon

• Some accept C+ in Writing

2025 Update:
Some regulators consider overall numerical scores, e.g., 1400/2000.

How Nurses Should Prepare for OET in 2025

1. Understand the Format

Use official samples to know question patterns.

2. Take a Diagnostic Test

Identify weak areas early—writing and speaking often need more focus.

3. Use Updated 2025 Materials

Look for tasks related to digital health and telemedicine.

4. Build Nursing Vocabulary

Examples:

• Analgesia

• Mobility assessment

• Postpartum care

Flashcards and nursing journals help.

5. Practice Daily (1–2 Hours)

Mix tasks:

• One letter

• One role-play

• 30 minutes of reading or listening

6. Attempt Timed Mock Tests

Improves speed and confidence.

7. Get Professional Feedback

Especially for Writing and Speaking tasks.

Typical Preparation Time

• 2–3 months for intermediate learners

• Longer for beginners

Tip: Platforms like oetpro.com offer nurse-specific modules and feedback.

OET for Nurses in the UK (2025 Update)

The UK continues to face a major nursing shortage, making it a prime destination.

NMC Requirements:

• B in Listening, Reading, Speaking

• C+ in Writing

Benefits for Nurses:

• Annual salary: £35,000–£45,000

• NHS visa-friendly process

• Opportunities in pediatrics, oncology, ICU, mental health, and more

OET’s patient-centered tasks prepare nurses for real NHS scenarios.

Common Mistakes Nurses Make (And How to Avoid Them)

Writing Mistakes

• Misreading case notes ? Underline important data first

• Poor structure ? Use intro + body + conclusion

• Grammar errors ? Proofread last 5 minutes

Speaking Mistakes

• Giving short answers

• Not leading the conversation

• Overusing filler words

Fix: Practice structured role-plays with summaries.

Reading & Listening Mistakes

• Poor time management

• Assuming answers based on nursing knowledge

• Getting overwhelmed by dense texts

Fix: Practice in smaller chunks, then full mocks.

How to Stop Second-Guessing Your Answers

• Trust your first instinct

• Understand questions fully

• Practice decision-making with timed tests

• Keep calm with breathing techniques

• Review answer changes only if you have clear evidence

Benefits of OET Mock Tests for Nurses

• Identify weaknesses

• Understand exam style

• Build stamina

• Improve timing

• Get detailed feedback

• Boost confidence

• Practice nurse-specific cases

Platforms like oetpro.com provide realistic 2025-style mock tests with automatic scoring.

Conclusion

The OET remains a crucial gateway for nurses aiming to work in English-speaking healthcare systems in 2025. By understanding the exam structure, preparing smartly, avoiding common mistakes, and using nurse-focused mock tests, candidates can achieve the required scores usually within 2–3 months of consistent study.

With dedication and the right resources, OET success opens doors to rewarding global nursing careers.

FAQs

1. What OET scores do nurses need for the UK?
B in Listening, Reading, Speaking; C+ in Writing (all in one sitting).

2. Can scores be combined?
Australia allows it within 6 months; UK allows limited combination.

3. How long is OET valid?
Generally 2 years.

4. Which sub-test is hardest?
Writing is often the most challenging.

5. How much preparation time is needed?
Around 2–3 months for intermediate learners.

6. Are there nurse-specific OET materials?
Yes, available on oetpro.com.

7. How does OET help a nursing career?
Enables registration and better job opportunities.

8. Can OET be taken online?
Yes, OET@Home is available in many locations.

9. What if I fail one part?
You can re-take just that sub-test (check regulator rules).

10. How to avoid mistakes in Writing?
Use feedback, practice structure, and review case notes properly.