Rules, comparisons and data

Can you take OET at home?

Only in some cases. OET's test regulations say OET@Home is for candidates where no venue offers OET on Paper or on Computer, or who are approved for exceptional circumstances such as a disability or medical condition. You must book it in the country where you will sit it, may need proof of residency, and should check your regulator accepts it first.
  • Guide updated · 30 October 2026
  • 3 sections
  • IELTS

Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 30 October 2026

Who is eligible

OET is delivered on paper, on computer at a venue, and as OET@Home (OET). Under section 6.2 of the test regulations, to book OET@Home you must meet the system requirements and either be sitting where there is no venue for OET on Paper or on Computer, or be approved under exceptional circumstances. A senior OET staff member decides those case by case; the example given is a disability, impairment or medical condition that would significantly affect you at a venue.

Rules for the at-home test

Book OET@Home in the country where you will physically sit it; if the location does not match, OET can cancel the test or withhold results. You may be asked for proof of residency showing you are in that country on test day (OET regulations).

You need a video-enabled camera, speakers and a microphone, the Prometric ProProctor application installed before the test, and headphones connected for Listening; audio heard outside the headphones ends the test. Log on at least 15 minutes early so the proctor can check your ID (OET regulations). Bookings close 7 days before the test date (OET).

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Who accepts OET@Home

Acceptance depends on the organisation, and several major ones refuse it. OET's own regulations tell you to check that your recognising organisation accepts the delivery mode you choose.

OrganisationOET@HomeDetails
Australian visas (Home Affairs)Not acceptedHome Affairs
Ahpra (Australia)Not acceptedOET for Ahpra
NMC (UK nurses)AcceptedOET for NMC
GMC (UK doctors)AcceptedOET for GMC
NMBI (Ireland)Not acceptedOET for NMBI

Frequently asked questions

Can anyone book OET@Home?+

No. You need no OET venue where you are, or approval for exceptional circumstances such as a disability or medical condition.

Is OET@Home accepted for Australian visas?+

No. Home Affairs names OET@Home among the online tests it does not accept.

Can I book OET@Home in a different country from where I live?+

You must book it in the country where you will physically sit the test, and may have to prove you are there.

Do I need headphones for OET@Home?+

Yes, for Listening. If the audio can be heard outside the headphones, the test is terminated.

How early should I log on for OET@Home?+

At least 15 minutes before the start time, so the proctor can validate your ID.

Keep reading

Related

Guide updated on 30 October 2026. Individual prices and policies may have earlier observation dates. Confirm current details on the linked official pages before you book or apply.

© 2026 BandLadder. Written and checked by the BandLadder team. You may quote or cite this page with credit to BandLadder and a link to it; republishing it in full needs our written permission. Content use policy

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