College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO)
CNO accepts CELBAN, IELTS (General Training and Academic, plus One Skill Retake), OET, PTE Academic, TEF and TCF (CNO). Its OET benchmarks are below; there is no total score requirement. You must reach every benchmark in one complete attempt, and you can retake tests in full. Results must be sent directly to CNO and the test must be written within two years of registering.
If your language evidence expires before you register, CNO grants a one-time one-year extension without you needing to ask.
| Component | Minimum letter score | Minimum scaled score |
|---|---|---|
| Writing | C+ | 320 |
| Speaking | B | 350 |
| Listening | B | 350 |
| Reading | C+ | 330 |
| Total | Not applicable | Not applicable |
BC College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM)
BCCNM lists OET as an approved test with an in-person-only testing method (BCCNM). Evidence must be no more than two years old and test scores must come directly from the exam provider. Internationally educated nurses who applied after January 31, 2023 have their English assessed by Inspire Global Assessments and send their evidence there.
| Component | BCCNM minimum (OET) |
|---|---|
| Reading | C+ |
| Listening | B |
| Writing | C+ |
| Speaking | B |
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Registration scores are not immigration scores
CNO notes that if you take an approved test for immigration, you must still meet CNO's own benchmark for that test, which may differ from the immigration requirement (CNO).
Doctors and other professions
OET says it is recognised by every Canadian College of Physicians and Surgeons with an English proficiency requirement, most provincial nursing boards and nearly all key pharmacy regulators (OET Canada). We have not checked each college's page, so confirm the score with the college in your province before booking.
Both CNO and BCCNM also accept PTE Academic (CNO: writing 68, speaking 75, listening 73, reading 66) (CNO). See IELTS for nurses in Canada and IELTS for doctors in Canada, or try a free PTE mock test.
Frequently asked questions
What OET score does CNO require?+
Writing C+ (320), speaking B (350), listening B (350) and reading C+ (330), all in one complete attempt.
Can I combine OET results for CNO?+
No. CNO requires all benchmarks in one complete attempt, though you can retake the full test.
Does BCCNM accept OET@Home?+
No. BCCNM lists OET as in-person only.
How old can my OET be in Canada?+
CNO accepts tests written within two years of registering (with a one-time one-year extension); BCCNM accepts evidence no more than two years old.
Keep reading
Related
- IELTS for nurses in Canada
- IELTS for doctors in Canada
- OET vs IELTS for nurses
- OET score chart
- All 1712 guides
Verified against the linked official sources on 14 October 2026. Rules change: confirm on the official page before you book or apply.
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