In today’s fast-paced healthcare system, clear English communication is not just a requirement it’s essential for safe and effective nursing practice. For internationally trained nurses who want to register in Australia (AHPRA) or the UK (NMC), proving English proficiency is a mandatory step.

Two major tests stand out:

• OET (Occupational English Test) – Healthcare-specific

• PTE Academic (Pearson Test of English) – General academic English

Choosing the right test can significantly speed up your registration process. This guide compares OET and PTE in detail so you can decide which one fits your career goals.

What is the OET?

The healthcare-focused English test

The Occupational English Test (OET) is designed specifically for 12 healthcare professions, including nursing. It reflects real clinical communication making it ideal for nurses who routinely write referral letters, document patient notes, understand clinical guidelines, and interact with patients.

Who should take OET?

• Nurses migrating to Australia, NZ, UK, Ireland, UAE

• Nurses who prefer real clinical scenarios

• Candidates who want a profession-specific exam

Structure & Scoring

OET has 4 sub-tests:

• Reading

• Writing (Nursing-specific)

• Listening

• Speaking (role-plays)

Score range: 0–500
Grades: A–E
Common benchmark:

• B (350+) for Listening, Reading, Speaking

• C+ (300+) for Writing

? Test Duration: ~3 hours

???? Format: Paper-based or computer-based

Breakdown of OET Sections

OET Reading (60 minutes, 42 questions)

Three parts:

Part A – Quick Reading (15 minutes)

• 20 questions

• Skimming multiple healthcare documents

• Sub-types:

  • Matching

  • Short answer

  • Fill-in-the-gaps

Part B – Workplace Texts

• Memos, guidelines, policies

• 6 short texts

• 6 MCQs

Part C – Long Text Analysis

• 2 reading passages from journals

• 8 MCQs each

• Tests opinion, purpose, attitude

OET Writing (45 minutes)

Task: Write a professional nursing letter (180–200 words) using provided case notes.

Possible sub-types:

• Referral letter

• Discharge summary

• Advice letter

Focus on:

• Accuracy

• Tone

• Clinical relevance

• Logical flow

OET Listening (40 minutes + 10 min reading time)

Three parts, 42 questions:

• Part A: Consultation audio (note-completion)

• Part B: Workplace extracts (MCQs)

• Part C: Professional talks (MCQs)

OET Speaking (20 minutes)

• Warm-up discussion

• 2 nursing role-plays

• Scored on fluency, clinical communication, empathy

Examples include:

• Explaining procedures

• Reassuring an anxious patient

• Giving follow-up advice

What is PTE Academic?

A fast, computer-adaptive English test

PTE Academic tests general English proficiency using AI-based scoring. It is accepted by AHPRA for nursing registration but not by the UK NMC.

Who should take PTE?

• Nurses registering in Australia

• Candidates who prefer fully computer-based exams

• Those needing fast results (within 48 hours)

• Nurses comfortable with integrated tasks

Structure

Sections:

1. Speaking & Writing (54–67 min)

2. Reading (29–30 min)

3. Listening (30–43 min)

Score range: 10–90
Benchmark for AHPRA:

• 66 overall

• 66 in each skill

Breakdown of PTE Sections

Speaking & Writing

Tasks include:

• Read Aloud

• Repeat Sentence

• Describe Image

• Retell Lecture

• Short Answer Questions

• Summarize Written Text (50–70 words)

• Essay Writing (200–300 words)

Focuses on fluency, grammar, vocabulary, and coherence.

Reading (29–30 minutes)

Question types:

• MCQ (single & multiple answers)

• Reorder Paragraphs

• Fill in the Blanks

• Reading & Writing Fill-in-the-Blanks

Listening (30–43 minutes)

Tasks include:

• Summarize Spoken Text

• MCQs

• Fill in the Blanks

• Highlight Incorrect Words

• Select Missing Word

• Correct Summary

OET vs PTE: A Direct Comparison Table

---

Score Requirements for Nursing Registration

Australia – AHPRA (2025 Update)

Both OET and PTE are accepted.

---

United Kingdom – NMC

---

Pros and Cons

OET Advantages

• Healthcare-specific

• Reduces exam anxiety (familiar clinical scenarios)

• Preferred in UK and healthcare visas

• Real role-plays for speaking

OET Disadvantages

• More expensive

• Fewer test dates

• Slower results

PTE Advantages

• Fast results (48 hours)

• Lower cost

• Highly available test slots

• AI scoring ensures consistency

PTE Disadvantages

• No medical context

• Speaking is computer-recorded (no human interaction)

• Not accepted by UK NMC

Which Test Should You Choose?

Choose OET if you want:

• Healthcare-specific content

• Recognition in both Australia & UK

• Real clinical communication practice

• Higher success for nurses with bedside experience

Choose PTE if you want:

• Fast results

• Cheaper test fees

• Comfortable computer-only testing

• Australia-only pathway

How OETPro Helps You Prepare

OETPro provides:

For OET

• Nursing-specific mock tests

• Real role-play videos

• Writing corrections with expert feedback

• Speaking practice partners

• Vocabulary lists & case-notes practice

For PTE

• AI-powered mock tests

• Automated speaking & writing feedback

• Integrated task practice

• Score prediction tools

Recommended study plan:

• 4–6 weeks

• Daily vocabulary practice

• Weekly full-length mock tests

• Review incorrect answers with OETPro AI tools

Final Recommendation

Both OET and PTE can open doors to international nursing opportunities. Your choice depends on:

• Destination country

• Budget

• Familiarity with clinical vs general English

• Your strengths (role-plays vs computer tasks)

For the UK ? Choose OET
For Australia ? Either OET or PTE (based on your comfort)

With the right preparation and support from OETPro, you can confidently begin your global nursing journey.