OET grades and scores
The bands below are from the OET Test Handbook 2026; the descriptions are summarised from OET's band descriptors. Your Statement of Results shows a score from 0 to 500 and a letter grade for each sub-test (OET).
| Grade | Score | What it means (OET summary) |
|---|---|---|
| A | 450-500 | Very fluent, effective communication; full understanding of written and spoken language |
| B | 350-440 | Effective communication with occasional inaccuracies; good understanding in clinical contexts |
| C+ | 300-340 | Keeps the interaction going despite occasional errors |
| C | 200-290 | Keeps the interaction going despite occasional errors |
| D | 100-190 | Some interaction; frequent errors can strain communication |
| E | 0-90 | Simple interaction on familiar topics; errors cause breakdowns |
How raw marks become a score
Listening and Reading each have 42 questions worth one mark, converted to the 500 scale. OET says test takers awarded grade B (350) typically achieve at least 30 marks (OET).
Writing is marked on six criteria: Purpose, Content, Conciseness & Clarity, Genre & Style, Organisation & Layout, and Language. Speaking uses four linguistic criteria marked out of 6 and five clinical communication criteria marked out of 3. In both, criterion scores are combined and converted to the 500 scale.
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What regulators ask for
Each body below was read on its own page: NMC, GMC, Ahpra, Nursing Council of New Zealand, NMBI, CNO and ECFMG. Scores are copied as each publishes them.
| Body | Listening | Reading | Writing | Speaking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NMC (UK nurses) | B (350 or above) | B (350 or above) | C+ (300 or above) | B (350 or above) |
| GMC (UK doctors) | B | B | B | B |
| Ahpra (tests from 23 April 2026) | 350 | 360 | 350 | 360 |
| Nursing Council of New Zealand | 350 | 350 | 300 | 350 |
| NMBI (Ireland nurses) | B (350 - 450) | B (350 - 450) | C+ (300 - 340) | B (350 - 450) |
| CNO (Ontario nurses) | B, 350 | C+, 330 | C+, 320 | B, 350 |
| ECFMG (OET Medicine) | 350 | 350 | 300 | 350 |
Is there an overall OET score?
No overall grade appears on the Statement of Results; each sub-test is reported separately (OET Handbook). Australia's Department of Home Affairs notes that OET does not provide overall results on score reports, but you can get your overall result by contacting OET, which matters only for functional English (Home Affairs).
For IELTS equivalents, see OET to IELTS. If you are still choosing a test, OET vs IELTS for nurses compares the regulators side by side.
Frequently asked questions
What is a B grade in OET?+
A score from 350 to 440 on OET's 0-500 scale.
What score is C+ in OET?+
300 to 340. Several nursing regulators, such as the NMC and NMBI, accept C+ in writing.
How many marks do I need for a B in OET Listening or Reading?+
OET says candidates awarded grade B (350) typically achieve at least 30 of the 42 marks.
Does OET give an overall score?+
No overall grade is printed. Each sub-test gets its own 0-500 score and letter grade.
Is OET scored in steps of 10?+
Yes. Scores are reported from 0 to 500 in ten-point increments, such as 350, 360 and 370.
Keep reading
Related
- OET to IELTS score conversion
- OET exam pattern 2026
- OET results time and validity
- OET vs IELTS for nurses
- 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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