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Career Advice15 min readNovember 9, 2026
By Medoceo LMS ·
No nursing regulator says that IELTS or OET is the easier test. Many regulators accept both, but each one sets its own scores, its own list of accepted test versions and its own rules for retaking [1,6,7,9]. The easier test is the one whose style suits you. OET uses healthcare situations and a letter, while IELTS Academic uses an essay.
This guide shows which countries accept each test, what scores they ask for, how to combine results and how to choose. It covers the UK, Ireland, Australia and Canada, the four most common destinations.
The table lists four common destinations for nurses who trained in Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa and other countries. Open the regulator's own page before you book, because rules change.
Country and regulator | IELTS | OET | Notes |
UK: Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) | IELTS Academic, including IELTS Academic UKVI | OET on paper, on computer or OET@Home (choose the Nursing version) | IELTS General Training, IELTS Online, IELTS Indicator and the IELTS One Skill Retake are not accepted [1,2,3] |
Ireland: Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI) | IELTS Academic, including IELTS Academic UKVI | OET (Nursing) | IELTS Online, the IELTS One Skill Retake and OET@Home are not accepted [6] |
Australia: Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA), with AHPRA | IELTS Academic at a test centre | OET on paper or computer at a test centre | Only tests taken at a test centre count, so at-home IELTS and OET@Home are not accepted. Cambridge, PTE Academic and TOEFL iBT are also accepted [7,8] |
Canada: provincial regulators, for example the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO), the BC College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM) and the College of Registered Nurses of Alberta (CRNA) | Ontario: Academic or General Training. BC and Alberta: Academic only | Ontario and BC accept OET. Alberta does not | Rules differ by province. BC accepts in-person tests only, and nurses trained outside Canada who applied after 31 January 2023 send their English evidence to Inspire Global Assessments [24]. The national service NNAS no longer collects language scores [9,10,11,12] |
You must reach the required score in every part. A high score in one part cannot make up for a low score in another. The scores below are for registered nurses. Check the page for your own profession and route.
Regulator | IELTS Academic (listening, reading, writing, speaking) | OET (listening, reading, writing, speaking) |
UK: NMC | 7, 7, 6.5, 7 [1] | B (350+), B (350+), C+ (300+), B (350+) [1] |
Ireland: NMBI | Overall 7.0, with 7.0 in any three parts and no part below 6.5 (listed as 7, 7, 6.5, 7) [6] | Grade B in three parts and C+ in one (listed as B, B, C+, B) [6] |
Australia: NMBA | Overall 7, with 7, 7, 6.5, 7 [7] | 350, 360, 350, 360 for tests taken from 23 April 2026. Before that date: B, B, C+, B [7] |
Canada: CNO (Ontario) | Overall 7, with 7, 6.5, 6.5, 7 [9] | B (350), C+ (330), C+ (320), B (350) [9] |
Canada: BCCNM (British Columbia) | Overall 7, with 7, 6.5, 6.5, 7. In person only [10] | B, C+, C+, B. In person only [10]. Nurses trained abroad send results to Inspire Global Assessments, which asks for the same scores [24] |
Canada: CRNA (Alberta) | Overall 7, with 7, 6.5, 6.5, 7 [11] | Not accepted [11] |
Source: the regulator pages in the reference list.
Many regulators accept a test only if you take it at a test centre. Check the version before you book.
IELTS Academic is the safe choice. Among the regulators checked, only Ontario also accepts IELTS General Training [1,9,10,11].
IELTS Online and at-home IELTS are not accepted by the NMC, the NMBI or Australia, and British Columbia accepts in-person tests only [2,6,7,10].
OET@Home is accepted by the NMC but not by the NMBI or Australia [3,6,7].
Choose the Nursing version of OET. The NMC says all applicants should choose it. This applies to midwives too [3].
The biggest difference is the content: OET is built around healthcare work [13]. Both test the same four skills, but the writing and speaking tasks feel very different [13,14].
Feature | IELTS Academic | OET (Nursing) |
Listening | About 30 minutes | About 40 minutes |
Reading | 60 minutes | 60 minutes |
Writing | 60 minutes: describe a graph or chart (150+ words) and write an essay (250+ words) | 45 minutes: one letter, such as a letter of referral, advice, transfer or discharge |
Speaking | 11 to 14 minutes: interview with an examiner in three parts | About 20 minutes: two role-plays where you play the nurse |
Scoring | A band score for each part | 0 to 500 for each part, shown as grades A to E |
Results | On computer, often 1 to 2 days at the British Council in Nigeria [25]; check your test centre | Computer and OET@Home: can be within 48 hours. Paper: about 12 days. |
Sources: IELTS and OET official test information [13,14,15,16,17,18,26], and the British Council Nigeria results page [25].
Writing can be the hardest part. In IELTS you write an academic essay. In OET you write a professional letter from case notes, which some nurses may find closer to daily work. In the UK, the OET writing grade (C+) is also lower than the grade needed in the other parts (B) [1].
Speaking is a role-play in OET. You talk to a "patient" about a health problem [17]. If you are confident on the ward, this can feel natural. IELTS speaking is an interview with an examiner [18].
Reading and listening use medical language in OET. This can help if you know clinical terms.
The easier test is the one that matches your strengths. Use this simple guide, then try an official practice test of each before you pay.
If this describes you | Consider |
You have worked as a nurse or midwife for a year or more and write handover notes and referrals often | OET |
You find essays on general topics hard, but can explain care to a patient clearly | OET |
You already have an IELTS score near the required level from an earlier test | IELTS (some regulators let you combine two sittings of the same test) |
You need a test date soon and OET dates near you are limited | IELTS, or OET@Home if your regulator accepts it |
You may apply to Alberta | IELTS Academic, because Alberta does not accept OET [11] |
You are still a student or recent graduate with little ward experience | Either; take both practice tests first |
You may apply to more than one country | Compare each regulator's accepted versions and scores first |
Open the regulator's page for the country you want. Write down the accepted test versions and the score for each part.
Take one official practice test of each. Time yourself and mark your weakest part.
Look at your weakest part, not your strongest. You must reach the score in every part, so choose the test where your weakest skill scores best.
Check dates and costs near you before you commit, because you may need more than one sitting.
The rules are different in each country. Never mix IELTS and OET results.
Regulator | Combining and validity |
UK: NMC | Two sittings of the same test within 12 months. Both must be no more than 2 years old when the NMC assesses your application. Each sitting must include all four parts. The lowest scores allowed in a sitting are 6.5 in IELTS listening, reading and speaking and 6 in writing, or C+ in OET listening, reading and speaking and C (250) in writing [1,2,3] |
Ireland: NMBI | No combining. One test result, less than 2 years old [6] |
Australia: NMBA | Up to two sittings within 12 months. For IELTS, each sitting needs overall 7 and no part below 6.5. An IELTS One Skill Retake within 60 days is allowed. For OET from 23 April 2026, no part may be below 320 in listening, 340 in reading, 350 in writing and 350 in speaking. Results are valid if taken within 2 years before you apply [7] |
Canada: CNO (Ontario) | All parts in one attempt. An IELTS One Skill Retake within 60 days can replace one part. Results are valid for 2 years [9] |
Canada: BC (through Inspire) | Up to two test reports of the same test. IELTS, OET and PTE results are valid for 2 years [24] |
Canada: CRNA (Alberta) | Results are valid for 2 years [11]. The page does not state a combining rule |
Example (UK): Ama takes IELTS and scores listening 7.5, reading 7, speaking 7 and writing 6. She takes it again four months later and scores listening 7, reading 6.5, speaking 7 and writing 6.5. Across the two sittings she has a 7 in listening, reading and speaking and a 6.5 in writing. No score is below the minimums, so she can combine them. The NMC offers a test-combining calculator to check your own results [1].
Remember that every sitting must include all four parts at the same time. This is why the IELTS One Skill Retake is not accepted by the NMC [2].
Some regulators accept English-taught training or practice instead of a test. The lists of countries are short, and they change. Check whether the country where you trained is on the list.
UK. A pre-registration qualification taught and examined in English, or one year of recent practice as a nurse, midwife or nursing associate in a country where English is the majority language, may replace a test [5]. Supporting information from employers (SIFE) is extra evidence, not a replacement. You may be able to use it if you trained in English in a country where English is not the majority language, or if you missed one score by no more than 0.5 in IELTS, or half a grade in OET, in two attempts. You also need 12 months in a non-registered UK health or care role with the same employer, and a line manager who is an NMC registrant at NHS Band 6 or above. The employer may decline [4].
Ireland. A qualification taught and examined in English in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United States or the UK, or three years of registered practice in the last five years in one of those countries. Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya and South Africa are not on this list [6].
Australia. The Nursing and Midwifery Board has English pathways other than a test. Read its pathways diagram for the country where you trained [8].
Canada. Alberta accepts a nursing programme of at least two years taught in English outside Canada, or 250 hours of nursing practice in English, if completed in the last five years [11]. British Columbia lists several alternatives, such as nursing education in English or an employer letter confirming practice in an English-speaking setting [10].
Plan your budget for at least two sittings, in case you need to combine results. Prices change often and depend on the provider, so always check the official booking page on the day you book.
IELTS in Ghana. IDP, an IELTS test provider, lists IELTS Academic in Accra on computer at 3,720 Ghanaian cedis (GHS) and with writing on paper at GHS 4,090 [19]. The British Council offers IELTS in Accra, Tema, Kumasi, Tamale and Takoradi [20].
IELTS in Nigeria. The British Council lists IELTS in 21 locations, including Lagos, Abuja, Ibadan, Port Harcourt, Kano, Enugu, Benin, Ilorin and Warri. It listed IELTS Academic on computer in Abuja at 299,000 naira (NGN) [21]. Fees can differ by test type and city, so check the booking page.
IELTS in Kenya. The British Council has nine official IELTS test centre locations: Nairobi, Eldoret, Mombasa, Kisumu, Nyeri, Nakuru, Meru, Kisii and Kakamega. It listed IELTS Academic on computer in Nairobi at 41,580 Kenyan shillings (KES) [22]. Check the booking page for your city.
IELTS in South Africa. The British Council has five official test centre locations: Cape Town, Durban, Johannesburg, Pretoria and Gqeberha. It listed IELTS Academic on computer in Johannesburg at 6,200 South African rand (ZAR) [23]. It also offers IELTS Online, but the NMC, the NMBI and Australia do not accept it [2,6,7,23].
OET. Check the OET price when you book. You can take OET at a test venue, or as OET@Home where your regulator accepts it [3]. Check the OET technical requirements first.
Money-saving tips:
Use the official practice materials from IELTS and OET before paying for a course.
Do not book your test until your practice scores are at or above the required level in every part.
If your employer or recruiter offers to pay for your test, read the contract carefully, as some ask you to repay costs if you leave early.
Neither test is the "easy" option. Many regulators accept both IELTS Academic and OET, but the scores, the accepted versions and the retake rules are different in each country, and Alberta accepts IELTS only. OET may suit working nurses because it tests clinical English, a letter and patient role-plays. IELTS may suit people who are comfortable with academic essays or who need more test dates nearby. Start with the regulator's page for your country, take an official practice test of each, and choose the one where your weakest part scores best.
No regulator says that either test is easier. Many accept both and set a required score for each part [1,6,7,9]. Some nurses may find OET more familiar because it uses healthcare situations, but the best choice depends on your own strengths.
The UK, Ireland, Australia and the Canadian provinces of Ontario and British Columbia accept OET. Alberta does not [1,6,7,9,10,11].
It depends on the country. Most regulators ask for 7 in listening and speaking and between 6.5 and 7 in reading and writing. Use the score table above for your regulator.
Most ask for grade B (350) in listening and speaking and C+ in writing. Australia asks for higher OET scores for tests taken from 23 April 2026 [7].
No. The College of Registered Nurses of Alberta accepts IELTS Academic and CELBAN, a Canadian English test for nurses [11].
The NMC accepts OET@Home but not IELTS Online. The NMBI and Australia accept neither [2,3,6,7].
No. The NMC and Australia allow two sittings of the same test, not a mix of IELTS and OET [1,7].
Two years for the UK, Ireland, Australia and Ontario [1,6,7,9].
The NMC says all applicants should choose the Nursing version of OET [3].
Possibly. Supporting information from employers (SIFE) can support your evidence if you missed one score by a small margin in two attempts. You must also have worked for the same UK health or care employer for at least 12 months [4].
Some regulators accept English-taught training instead of a test, but only for the countries on their lists [5,6,10,11].
Nursing and Midwifery Council. Accepted English language tests [Internet]. London: NMC; 2024 [cited 2026 Oct 21]. Available from: https://www.nmc.org.uk/registration/joining-the-register/english-language-requirements/accepted-english-language-tests/
Nursing and Midwifery Council. IELTS Academic [Internet]. London: NMC; 2024 [cited 2026 Oct 21]. Available from: https://www.nmc.org.uk/registration/joining-the-register/english-language-requirements/accepted-english-language-tests/ielts-academic/
Nursing and Midwifery Council. OET [Internet]. London: NMC; 2024 [cited 2026 Oct 21]. Available from: https://www.nmc.org.uk/registration/joining-the-register/english-language-requirements/accepted-english-language-tests/oet/
Nursing and Midwifery Council. SIFE for applicants [Internet]. London: NMC; 2026 [cited 2026 Oct 21]. Available from: https://www.nmc.org.uk/registration/joining-the-register/sife/sife-for-applicants/
Nursing and Midwifery Council. English language requirements [Internet]. London: NMC; [cited 2026 Oct 21]. Available from: https://www.nmc.org.uk/registration/joining-the-register/english-language-requirements/
Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland. English language requirements for applicants qualified outside the EU [Internet]. Dublin: NMBI; [cited 2026 Oct 21]. Available from: https://www.nmbi.ie/Registration/Qualified-outside-the-EU/Application-Process/English-Language-Requirements
Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency. Accepted English language tests [Internet]. Melbourne: AHPRA; 2026 [cited 2026 Oct 21]. Available from: https://www.ahpra.gov.au/Registration/Registration-Standards/English-language-skills/Accepted-English-language-tests
Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia. English language skills registration standard (2025) [Internet]. Melbourne: NMBA; [cited 2026 Oct 21]. Available from: https://www.nursingmidwiferyboard.gov.au/Registration-Standards/English-language-skills.aspx
College of Nurses of Ontario. Proficiency in English or French [Internet]. Toronto: CNO; [cited 2026 Oct 21]. Available from: https://www.cno.org/become-a-nurse/registration-requirements/proficiency-in-english-or-french
BC College of Nurses and Midwives. English proficiency [Internet]. Vancouver: BCCNM; [cited 2026 Oct 21]. Available from: https://www.bccnm.ca/RN/applications_registration/Pages/English_proficiency.aspx
College of Registered Nurses of Alberta. English language proficiency [Internet]. Edmonton: CRNA; [cited 2026 Oct 21]. Available from: https://www.nurses.ab.ca/nursing-in-alberta/registration-requirements/english-language-proficiency/
National Nursing Assessment Service. Frequently asked questions [Internet]. Ottawa: NNAS; [cited 2026 Oct 21]. Available from: https://www.nnas.ca/faqs/
OET. Test overview [Internet]. Melbourne: Cambridge Boxhill Language Assessment; 2026 [cited 2026 Oct 15]. Available from: https://oet.com/test/test-overview
IELTS. IELTS Academic test [Internet]. 2026 [cited 2026 Oct 15]. Available from: https://ielts.org/take-a-test/test-types/ielts-academic-test
OET. Results and scoring [Internet]. Melbourne: Cambridge Boxhill Language Assessment; 2026 [cited 2026 Oct 15]. Available from: https://oet.com/en-us/test/results-and-scoring
IELTS. IELTS Academic format: writing [Internet]. 2026 [cited 2026 Oct 15]. Available from: https://ielts.org/take-a-test/test-types/ielts-academic-test/ielts-academic-format-writing
OET. OET test [Internet]. Melbourne: Cambridge Boxhill Language Assessment; 2026 [cited 2026 Oct 19]. Available from: https://oet.com/test/oet-test
IELTS. IELTS Academic format: speaking [Internet]. 2026 [cited 2026 Oct 19]. Available from: https://ielts.org/take-a-test/test-types/ielts-academic-test/ielts-academic-format-speaking
IELTS. IDP IELTS Ghana: Accra, Osu [Internet]. 2026 [cited 2026 Oct 15]. Available from: https://ielts.org/test-centres/idp-ielts-ghana-accra-osu
British Council Ghana. IELTS dates, fees and locations [Internet]. Accra: British Council; 2026 [cited 2026 Oct 15]. Available from: https://www.britishcouncil.org.gh/exam/ielts/dates-fees-locations
British Council Nigeria. IELTS dates, fees and locations [Internet]. Abuja: British Council; 2026 [cited 2026 Oct 15]. Available from: https://www.britishcouncil.org.ng/exam/ielts/dates-fees-locations
British Council Kenya. IELTS dates, fees and locations [Internet]. Nairobi: British Council; 2026 [cited 2026 Oct 19]. Available from: https://www.britishcouncil.co.ke/exam/ielts/dates-fees-locations/computer
British Council South Africa. IELTS dates, fees and locations [Internet]. Johannesburg: British Council; 2026 [cited 2026 Oct 19]. Available from: https://www.britishcouncil.org.za/exam/ielts/dates-fees-locations
Inspire Global Assessments. English language proficiency documents (British Columbia) [Internet]. [cited 2026 Oct 21]. Available from: https://www.inspireassessments.org/assessments/english-language-proficiency-documents/ and score table https://www.inspireassessments.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/ELP-Requirements-website.pdf
British Council Nigeria. IELTS results [Internet]. Abuja: British Council; [cited 2026 Oct 21]. Available from: https://www.britishcouncil.org.ng/exam/ielts/results
OET. Reading, Writing and Speaking sub-tests [Internet]. Melbourne: Cambridge Boxhill Language Assessment; [cited 2026 Oct 21]. Available from: https://oet.com/ready/reading, https://oet.com/ready/writing and https://oet.com/ready/speaking