HCPC minimum scores for occupational therapists
The Health and Care Professions Council accepts certificates from IELTS, TOEFL iBT and OET only (HCPC, page updated 13 June 2025). IELTS can be Academic or General, UKVI or non-UKVI. Tests taken at home are not accepted.
| Test | Occupational therapist minimum |
|---|---|
| IELTS (Academic or General) | 7.0 with no element below 6.5 |
| OET Occupational Therapy | 1400 with no element below 300 |
| TOEFL iBT taken before 21 January 2026 | 100/120 |
| TOEFL iBT taken on or after 21 January 2026 | Overall 5; Reading 4.5, Listening 5, Writing 4.5, Speaking 5 |
One Skill Retake and combining results
An IELTS One Skill Retake counts if it is taken within 6 months of the original test and the retake result appears on the test report with the original results. It stays valid for the same two years as the original.
Combining two separate IELTS sittings is not stated by the HCPC. For TOEFL it rejects combined scores, superscores and MyBest scores, and tests taken in the United Kingdom.
Know your target? Check where you stand
Take a free AI-scored IELTS mock and see your score per skill before you book the real test. Free account, no card.
Take a free scored IELTS mock →Exemption and next steps
No test is needed if the qualification that first let you practise came from a country on the HCPC's list, such as Australia, Canada, Ireland, Kenya, Malta, New Zealand or the USA (HCPC list). Visa requirements are not stated by the HCPC on this page.
Regulators change these rules, sometimes at short notice. Confirm the current scores on the HCPC page before you book a test. If you are deciding between OET and IELTS, a BandLadder IELTS mock gives you a band estimate for all four skills in one sitting.
Frequently asked questions
What IELTS score do occupational therapists need in the UK?+
7.0 overall with no element below 6.5, on IELTS Academic or General Training.
Can occupational therapists use OET for the HCPC?+
Yes, the Occupational Therapy OET with 1400 overall and no element below 300.
Is PTE accepted for HCPC registration?+
No. The HCPC accepts IELTS, TOEFL iBT and OET only.
Can I combine two IELTS sittings for the HCPC?+
Not stated by the HCPC. It does accept an IELTS One Skill Retake taken within 6 months of the original test.
How old can my certificate be?+
No more than two years old when the HCPC receives your application.
Keep reading
Related
- IELTS for HCPC registration (all professions)
- IELTS for occupational therapists in Australia
- OET to IELTS score conversion
- Free IELTS mock test with AI band score
- All 711 guides
Verified against the linked official sources on 6 October 2026. Rules change: confirm on the official page 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