In the dynamic world of healthcare, effective communication is not just a skill—it's a lifeline. For internationally trained nurses seeking registration in countries such as Australia and the UK, demonstrating English language proficiency is a mandatory gateway requirement. 

Two prominent tests often stand at the crossroads of this journey: the Occupational English Test (OET) and the Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic. Tailored specifically for healthcare professionals, OET immerses candidates in real-world medical scenarios, while PTE offers a broader, computer-adaptive assessment of general English skills. 

As nursing shortages persist globally, choosing the proper test can accelerate your path to registration with bodies like the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) or the UK's Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC).

This article delves deep into OET and PTE, comparing their structures, subtypes, and suitability for nursing registration. Whether you're a registered nurse from the Philippines eyeing Australian shores or a midwife from India aiming for the NHS, understanding these tests is crucial. 

At OETPro, we specialize in guiding healthcare professionals through this process, offering tailored resources to boost your confidence and scores. By the end, you'll have the insights to decide which test aligns with your strengths and goals. Let's break it down.

Understanding OET: The Healthcare-Specific English Test

The Occupational English Test (OET) is a profession-specific English proficiency exam designed exclusively for 12 healthcare disciplines, including nursing. Developed by the University of Queensland and Cambridge Assessment English, the OET simulates the linguistic demands of clinical environments, making it ideal for nurses who need to communicate patient histories, discharge instructions, or participate in team handovers. For nursing registration, candidates take the OET Nursing variant, which features workplace-based scenarios like ward consultations or community health visits.

OET comprises four sub-tests: Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking. Each is scored on a scale from 0 to 500, graded A (450–500) to E (0–199), with B (350–440) and C+ (300–340) being standard benchmarks for registration. The test lasts about 3 hours and can be taken on paper or computer at authorized centers worldwide.

OET Reading Sub-Test

This 60-minute section assesses comprehension through three parts, totalling 42 questions. It's divided into subtypes for escalating difficulty:

• Part A: Quick-Scan Comprehension (15 minutes, 20 questions): A rapid skim of healthcare texts, like patient case notes or handover reports. Subtypes include matching headings to paragraphs, sentence completion, and short-answer questions. This mirrors a nurse scanning charts for urgent info.

• Part B: Short-Text Comprehension (45 minutes, six questions each for six texts): Multiple-choice questions on workplace memos, guidelines, or emails (e.g., infection control policies). Each subtype focuses on inference and detail.

• Part C: Detailed Long-Text Comprehension (45 minutes, eight questions each for two texts): Deeper analysis of articles from journals like Nursing Times, with subtypes testing opinions, attitudes, and purpose. This honours critical reading for evidence-based practice.

Reading evaluates vocabulary in context, vital for interpreting medical literature.

OET Writing Sub-Test

A 45-minute task requiring a 180–200-word professional letter. For nurses, it's typically a referral, discharge, or advice letter based on case notes (e.g., referring a diabetic patient to a specialist). Subtypes vary by prompt:

• Referral Letters: Urgent transfers, emphasizing clinical justification.

• Discharge Summaries: Patient education on post-op care.

• Advice Letters: To colleagues or patients on lifestyle changes.

Assessed on purpose, content, grammar, and cohesion, writing tests concise, empathetic communication—key for nursing documentation.

OET Listening Sub-Test

This 40-minute audio-based test (with 10 minutes of reading time) has three parts, 42 questions total:

• Part A: Consultation (15 minutes, 24 questions): Note-taking from doctor-patient interactions (e.g., a nurse observing a triage). Subtypes: gap-fill and short-answer.

• Part B: Short Workplace Extracts (15 minutes, 12 questions): MCQs on team briefings or training sessions (e.g., shift handovers).

• Part C: Radio Broadcasts (10 minutes, six questions each for two extracts): MCQs on health talks, testing gist and detail.

Listening sharpens auditory skills for multidisciplinary teams.

OET Speaking Sub-Test

A 20-minute face-to-face role-play with an interlocutor, featuring two 5-minute warmers and two role-plays. For nurses, scenarios include comforting a distressed patient or explaining procedures. Subtypes:

• Warm-Up Discussions: Informal chats on nursing topics.

• Role-Plays: Simulated interactions, assessed on fluency, pronunciation, and interaction.

Speaking fosters patient-centred dialogue.

OET's healthcare focus alleviates anxiety for nurses familiar with medical terminology.

Understanding PTE Academic: The Versatile Computer-Based Test

The Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic is a fully automated, computer-delivered exam assessing general English for academic and professional purposes. Owned by Pearson, it's accepted by over 3,000 institutions, including AHPRA for nursing. 

Unlike OET, PTE isn't profession-specific but excels in speed—resulting in 48-hour turnaround—and availability (with up to 24/7 bookings). The 2-hour test scores 10–90 overall, with no human grading; AI evaluates for impartiality.

PTE integrates skills into three sections: Speaking & Writing (54–67 minutes), Reading (29–30 minutes), and Listening (30–43 minutes). Questions are task-based and offer partial credit.

PTE Speaking & Writing Section

This 54–67-minute module tests oral fluency and written accuracy through integrated tasks. Subtypes include:

• Read Aloud (6–7 tasks, 30–40 seconds each): Reading a text (e.g., medical abstract) aloud; assesses pronunciation and intonation.

• Repeat Sentence (10–12 tasks, 3–9 seconds each): Repeating spoken sentences; builds memory for patient instructions.

• Describe Image (3–4 tasks, 40 seconds): Describing graphs or charts (e.g., vital signs trends); subtypes vary by visual type (bar, line).

• Re-tell Lecture (1–2 tasks, 90 seconds): Summarizing audio lectures (e.g., health policy); tests synthesis.

• Answer Short Question (5–6 tasks, 10 seconds): Quick responses to queries (e.g., "What causes hypertension?").

• Summarize Written Text (2–3 tasks, 10 minutes): 50–70-word summary of passages; focuses on grammar.

• Essay (1–2 tasks, 20 minutes): 200–300-word argumentative essay on topics like "Nurse shortages in aging populations."

This section mirrors nursing reports and presentations.

PTE Reading Section

29–30 minutes, 15–20 questions, emphasizing inference:

• Multiple-Choice, Single Answer (2–3 tasks): Choosing one correct option from a text (e.g., policy excerpt).

• Multiple-Choice, Multiple Answers (2–3 tasks): Selecting several; penalizes wrong picks.

• Re-order Paragraphs (2–3 tasks): Sequencing jumbled paragraphs (e.g., care plan steps).

• Fill in the Blanks (4–5 tasks, reading & writing each): Drag-drop words into healthcare articles; subtypes test collocations and synonyms.

Reading aids literature reviews.

PTE Listening Section

30–43 minutes, 17–28 questions:

• Summarize Spoken Text (2–3 tasks, 10 minutes): 50–70-word summary of lectures (e.g., epidemiology talks).

• Multiple-Choice, Single Answer (2–3 tasks): One option from audio.

• Multiple-Choice, Multiple Answers (2–3 tasks): Several options; audio on clinical trials.

• Fill in the Blanks (2–3 tasks): Typing missing words from transcripts (e.g., drug interactions).

• Highlight Correct Summary (2–3 tasks): Choosing the best summary of monologues.

• Select Missing Word (2–3 tasks): Predicting endings of sentences.

• Highlight Incorrect Words (2–3 tasks): Spotting mismatches in audio-text (e.g., procedure descriptions).

Listening supports telehealth consultations.

PTE's tech-savvy format suits digital-native nurses.

OET vs PTE: A Side-by-Side Comparison

To simplify decision-making, here's a table comparing key aspects:

This table highlights OET's depth in clinical language versus PTE's efficiency.

Acceptance and Score Requirements for Nursing Registration

Acceptance varies by country. In Australia, AHPRA's 2025 standard (effective March 18) accepts OET, PTE, IELTS, and TOEFL for all nurses/midwives. Scores must be from one sitting or combined within 12 months (updated from 6).

In the UK, NMC accepts only OET and IELTS for registration; PTE is viable for visas but not core proficiency.

Score table:

PTE's lower cost and speed make it popular in Australia, while OET dominates UK pathways.

Pros and Cons: Choosing Between OET and PTE

OET Pros: Authentic nursing contexts build confidence; speaking role-plays mimic fundamental interactions; widely preferred for healthcare visas. 

Cons: Higher cost, longer results, and less frequent tests.

PTE Pros: Quick, unbiased AI scoring; integrated skills reduce siloed preparation; more affordable and flexible. 

Cons: Generic content may not be prepared for medical nuances; no speaking partner for practice.

For Australia, PTE suits tech-comfortable nurses; OET fits those excelling in clinical English. In the UK, OET is non-negotiable.

Preparation Strategies with OETPro

Mastering either test requires targeted practice. At OETPro, our platform delivers OET-specific mocks, PTE simulators, and live coaching—used by thousands of nurses. Enroll in OETPro's nursing bundles for role-play videos or PTE AI feedback tools. 

OETPro also offers score predictors, ensuring you're registration-ready. Dedicate 4–6 weeks: daily vocab, weekly complete tests. OETPro's community forums connect you with peers for tips.

Your Path to Global Nursing Starts Here

OET and PTE both unlock nursing registration doors, but your choice hinges on context—OET for immersive healthcare prep, PTE for swift general proficiency. In Australia, leverage updated flexibilities; in the UK, prioritize OET.

Whichever you pick, resources like OETPro can transform preparation into success. Invest in your skills today, and step confidently into your nursing career abroad. For personalized advice, visit oetpro.com.