OET vs IELTS for nurses: which do regulators accept?

This is where the two tests differ most in practice. The NMC accepts OET@Home but not IELTS Online. The NMBA, NMBI and TruMerit (VisaScreen) accept neither at-home version. New Zealand accepts no online computer-based test, but does accept OET on computer at an approved venue with its online speaking sub-test. CNO's page says CELBAN may be taken online and does not state a rule for IELTS Online or OET@Home.

OET is designed for 12 healthcare professions, including nursing. The writing task is specific to your profession, such as a referral or discharge letter, and speaking is a profession-specific role-play. Listening lasts about 40 minutes. You can take it on paper, on computer or as OET@Home, and results are typically available within 6 days for computer and home tests and 12 days on paper (OET).

IELTS Academic has four sections (Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking) and takes 2 hours 45 minutes. IELTS says to choose Academic if you are seeking professional registration, for example as a doctor or nurse. It can be taken at a test centre or online (IELTS), although most nursing regulators above refuse the online version.

We have not compared fees because we did not verify them for this page; check the current fee when you book.

If your regulator needs every score in one sitting (CNO, NMBI), pick the test you are most confident of passing in one go. If it allows two sittings (NMC, NMBA, New Zealand), either test gives you a second chance, but you cannot mix an IELTS with an OET. OET content is clinical; IELTS Academic content is general academic. Taking a timed mock of each before you book is the cheapest way to decide.

Rules change: confirm the scores on your regulator's own page before you book a test.