The rule for doctors in Ireland
Ireland’s Medical Council asks for B in all four Medicine components from a single sitting within the last two years. This differs from NMBI’s nursing allowance of one C+ component. A doctor should therefore use the medical registration rule even when a recruiter’s general OET guide discusses nursing thresholds. Keep the test profession, date and component scores together when assembling your English evidence, and use the Medical Council’s own page for any exemption or alternative evidence pathway.
| Requirement | Medical Council of Ireland |
|---|---|
| Listening | 350 (B) |
| Reading | 350 (B) |
| Writing | 350 (B) |
| Speaking | 350 (B) |
| One sitting / combining | Not allowed. Every sub-test must reach B in a single sitting. |
| Validity | Within two years at application and registration; if expired by registration, the Council describes additional evidence conditions. |
| OET@Home accepted? | No: Medical Council does not accept OET@Home. |
| Profession version | Must be the Medicine version of OET. |
Last checked 24 Oct 2026. Official rule ↗
What to aim for in practice
For a doctor targeting Ireland, Writing 300 is a preparation milestone rather than the medical registration target. Try a referral in which the specialist needs a clear diagnostic question and a concise account of investigations. Remove unrelated history and check whether the closing request follows from the opening purpose. Pair that letter practice with a fresh full Reading test so that clinical familiarity does not hide a weak scanning score.
| Skill | Official component target / floor | OETAce conservative practice guide |
|---|---|---|
| Listening | 350 (B) | 32/42 gives an estimated 350–370 |
| Reading | 350 (B) | 32/42 gives an estimated 350–370 |
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 Ireland?
The Medical Council of Ireland needs OET Medicine with grade B (350 or more) in every sub-test, in a single sitting within the last two years; OET@Home isn't accepted.
Can doctors combine OET sittings for Ireland?
Not allowed. Every sub-test must reach B in a single sitting.
How long are OET results valid for doctors in Ireland?
Within two years at application and registration; if expired by registration, the Council describes additional evidence conditions.
Other destinations for doctors: Australia, UK, New Zealand, US, Canada, UAE, Singapore.
Sources
Last checked 24 Oct 2026. Rules and prices change: confirm on the official page before you book or apply.
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