The rule for doctors in UK
For UK doctors, the GMC requires the Medicine test and B in each component. The reduced Writing threshold used by the NMC for nurses does not apply to medical registration. Plan your evidence around one complete sitting and check the GMC’s rules on the age of the certificate before submitting it. A result can be useful for language practice yet fail the registration requirement if it belongs to the wrong profession version or falls outside the accepted evidence period.
| Requirement | GMC (General Medical Council) |
|---|---|
| Listening | 350 (B) |
| Reading | 350 (B) |
| Writing | 350 (B) |
| Speaking | 350 (B) |
| One sitting / combining | Not allowed. All four sub-tests must reach B in the same sitting, and it must be your most recent OET. |
| Validity | 2 years. The GMC can accept an older result in some circumstances; check its page. |
| OET@Home accepted? | Accepted: paper, computer and OET@Home results all count. |
| Profession version | Must be the Medicine version of OET. |
Last checked 21 Oct 2026. Official rule ↗
What to aim for in practice
Treat Writing 340 as a specific gap even if the other three scores are comfortably above 350. In a Medicine referral, identify the reason for referral, the findings that support it and the action requested of the reader. Practise these choices from fresh case notes, then review the six-criterion feedback. For Speaking, record a complete consultation rather than isolated explanations so you can hear whether signposting and patient checks survive under time pressure.
| 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 UK?
The GMC needs grade B (350 or more) in all four sub-tests of OET Medicine, in one sitting, and that sitting must be your most recent OET.
Can doctors combine OET sittings for UK?
Not allowed. All four sub-tests must reach B in the same sitting, and it must be your most recent OET.
How long are OET results valid for doctors in UK?
2 years. The GMC can accept an older result in some circumstances; check its page.
Other destinations for doctors: Australia, 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.