The rule for doctors in New Zealand
MCNZ’s September 2026 policy accepts the Medicine module with Writing 300 and the other skills at 350. It also describes a two-sitting route within twelve months, provided all four skills are tested each time and no component in either sitting is below 300. That floor matters: one strong follow-up examination cannot rescue a component below 300 in an otherwise useful earlier sitting. NZREX candidates should check the policy’s reference date for the age of their English evidence.
| Requirement | Medical Council of New Zealand |
|---|---|
| Listening | 350 (B) |
| Reading | 350 (B) |
| Writing | 300 (C+) |
| Speaking | 350 (B) |
| One sitting / combining | One sitting, or a maximum of two sittings in a 12-month period. You must be tested in all four sub-tests each time, and no score in either sitting can be below 300. |
| Validity | 2 years from your registration application (or from your NZREX Clinical date if you're a new NZREX candidate). Repeat NZREX candidates who have lived continuously in certain English-speaking countries may not need to resit for up to 5 years. |
| OET@Home accepted? | Not stated in the MCNZ policy: check with the Council before booking OET@Home. |
| Profession version | Must be the Medicine version (the policy says the Medical Module). |
Last checked 21 Oct 2026. Official rule ↗
What to aim for in practice
Work out whether the obstacle is an individual target or the combining floor. If a doctor’s earlier Reading score was 290, do not assume a later 350 makes the pair acceptable. Practise fast information retrieval in Reading Part A, then a Medicine consultation in which you explain treatment options and invite concerns. Use complete tests to monitor the floor across all four skills, not just your weakest one.
| 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 New Zealand?
The Medical Council of New Zealand needs the Medicine version of OET with at least 350 in Listening, Reading and Speaking and 300 in Writing, from one sitting or from two sittings within 12 months where no score in either sitting is below 300.
Can doctors combine OET sittings for New Zealand?
One sitting, or a maximum of two sittings in a 12-month period. You must be tested in all four sub-tests each time, and no score in either sitting can be below 300.
How long are OET results valid for doctors in New Zealand?
2 years from your registration application (or from your NZREX Clinical date if you're a new NZREX candidate). Repeat NZREX candidates who have lived continuously in certain English-speaking countries may not need to resit for up to 5 years.
Other destinations for doctors: Australia, UK, Ireland, US, Canada, UAE, Singapore.
Sources
- MCNZ: Policy on English language requirements (September 2026, PDF)
- MCNZ: English language requirements
Last checked 21 Oct 2026. Rules and prices change: confirm on the official page before you book or apply.
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