What OET score do nurses need for the NMC in the UK?

The NMC accepts all three OET delivery modes: OET on Paper, OET on Computer and OET@Home (NMC OET). If you combine two sittings, an OET@Home result can be combined with an OET on Paper or OET on Computer result, because the NMC says the modes share the same tasks, difficulty, format, timings and marking.

The NMC's criteria for any accepted test include that speaking is tested by a person and not by a computer, and that the test is set in a healthcare or academic context (NMC). It is not looking to add other tests, so PTE is not an option for NMC registration.

If you miss one score, you can combine results from two OET sittings (NMC). Both sittings must test all four domains at once (no single-domain retakes), the test dates must be within 12 months of each other, and both must be no more than two years old when the NMC assesses your complete application. You cannot combine an IELTS result with an OET result.

Across the two sittings you need one score of at least B (350-440) in reading, listening and speaking and one of at least C+ (300-340) in writing. Every score in both sittings must also be at or above the floors below (NMC OET). The NMC has a test combining calculator on its site.

NMC test scores are valid for two years: your test dates (not certificate dates) must be within the two years before the NMC assesses your complete application (NMC). You provide your OET certificate and candidate number, and you must give the NMC permission to verify your results in your OET account before you apply, for both tests if you are combining (NMC OET).

If, after using the combining options, you narrowly miss the score in only one domain, the NMC says you may be able to use supporting information from your current UK employer, depending on your circumstances (NMC).

For the Health and Care Worker visa, doctors, dentists, nurses and midwives do not need to prove their English again if they have already passed an English language assessment accepted by their regulator (gov.uk). OET also lists the NMC, the GMC and the Health and Care Worker visa among its UK recognitions (OET UK).

If you are deciding between the two tests the NMC accepts, compare them in OET vs IELTS for nurses and see the IELTS route in IELTS for nurses in the UK. A free IELTS mock test shows where you stand before you book either.