The rule for doctors in Australia
Doctors applying through the Medical Board of Australia face the same updated numeric English standard as other Ahpra boards. For tests from 23 April 2026, Reading and Speaking need 360; Listening and Writing need 350. The ability to combine two complete sittings is conditional on the lower limits in both sittings. A strong Medicine letter from a later test does not erase a Writing score below the permitted floor in the earlier test. Separate your registration evidence from any English points claimed in an Australian visa application.
| Requirement | AHPRA / Medical Board of Australia |
|---|---|
| Listening | 350 (B) |
| Reading | 360 (B) |
| Writing | 350 (B) |
| Speaking | 360 (B) |
| One sitting / combining | Up to two sittings within 12 months can be combined. You must sit all four sub-tests each time, and neither sitting can go below Listening 320, Reading 340, Writing 350 or Speaking 350. Results from a different English test can't be mixed in. |
| Validity | 2 years. If you combine two sittings, the 2 years run from the earlier one. |
| OET@Home accepted? | Not accepted. Paper-based tests and computer tests at a test venue are accepted; the boards have accepted the remotely delivered Speaking part of a venue computer test. |
| Profession version | Take the Medicine version of OET. |
Last checked 21 Oct 2026. Official rule ↗
What to aim for in practice
Build a four-column record before deciding whether to repeat the test. For Medicine Speaking, rehearse explaining a diagnosis to a patient who is reluctant to start treatment, then check whether you explored the reason for that reluctance. In Writing, practise a referral that makes the urgency and requested assessment immediately clear. Aim for repeated practice ranges above the two 360 targets rather than one favourable estimate.
| Skill | Official component target / floor | OETAce conservative practice guide |
|---|---|---|
| Listening | 350 (B) | 32/42 gives an estimated 350–370 |
| Reading | 360 (B) | 33/42 gives an estimated 360–380 |
These raw-mark ranges use the same estimate as our test marker. They are a study aid, not an official OET conversion or registration decision. Part A alone cannot predict a score for a full 42-question test. Review Writing and Speaking feedback separately.
Matching Medicine practice
Medicine guide and sample tasks · Doctors role-play cards · Sample letter task
Speaking cards
- New type 2 diabetes: reluctant to start medication General practice
- First febrile convulsion: frightened parent Emergency department, paediatric area
- Acute low back pain: patient demanding a scan and strong painkillers General practice
Writing case notes
- Urgent referral to a gastroenterologist: iron-deficiency anaemia and rectal bleeding referral letter
- Discharge to GP after pneumonia with new atrial fibrillation discharge letter
- Transfer to orthopaedics: hip fracture in a patient on warfarin transfer letter
Free full Listening test · Free Reading Part A · Practice plans and prices
Questions candidates ask
What OET score do doctors need in Australia?
Doctors who sit OET on or after 23 April 2026 need at least 350 in Listening, 360 in Reading, 350 in Writing and 360 in Speaking to meet the English standard that AHPRA applies for the Medical Board of Australia; OET@Home is not accepted.
Can doctors combine OET sittings for Australia?
Up to two sittings within 12 months can be combined. You must sit all four sub-tests each time, and neither sitting can go below Listening 320, Reading 340, Writing 350 or Speaking 350. Results from a different English test can't be mixed in.
How long are OET results valid for doctors in Australia?
2 years. If you combine two sittings, the 2 years run from the earlier one.
Other destinations for doctors: UK, Ireland, New Zealand, US, Canada, UAE, Singapore.
Sources
Last checked 21 Oct 2026. Rules and prices change: confirm on the official page before you book or apply.
OETAce is an independent practice site. OET is a registered trademark of Cambridge Boxhill Language Assessment (CBLA); we are not affiliated with or endorsed by CBLA. All practice material here is original.