The rule for doctors in US
ECFMG’s 2027 Pathways use OET Medicine results from sittings on or after 1 January 2025, with all four required scores in one sitting. A doctor cannot combine a strong Writing result with Listening from a different date for this requirement. The Pathways date condition is more specific than a generic statement that OET is valid for two years. The regulator data also limits OET@Home to candidates without a test venue in their country; confirm that access condition before booking.
| Requirement | ECFMG / Intealth (2027 Pathways) |
|---|---|
| Listening | 350 (B) |
| Reading | 350 (B) |
| Writing | 300 (C+) |
| Speaking | 350 (B) |
| One sitting / combining | Not allowed. All four must pass in the same sitting; if one falls short you retake all four. There's no limit on the number of attempts. |
| Validity | Sittings on or after 1 January 2025 count; check ECFMG for any later expiry. |
| OET@Home accepted? | Only if there's no OET test venue in your country. |
| Profession version | Must be the Medicine version of OET. |
Last checked 24 Oct 2026. Official rule ↗
What to aim for in practice
For ECFMG preparation, organise a complete sitting rather than separate best scores. A profile of 350, 350, 300 and 340 in Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking still leaves Speaking below the line. Practise a Medicine conversation where the patient disagrees with your proposed treatment: acknowledge the concern, explain the options and agree a plan. Use a fresh full test to assess readiness after targeted practice.
| 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 US?
ECFMG needs OET Medicine scores of at least 350 in Listening, Reading and Speaking and 300 in Writing, all in one sitting taken on or after 1 January 2025; there's no limit on attempts.
Can doctors combine OET sittings for US?
Not allowed. All four must pass in the same sitting; if one falls short you retake all four. There's no limit on the number of attempts.
How long are OET results valid for doctors in US?
Sittings on or after 1 January 2025 count; check ECFMG for any later expiry.
Other destinations for doctors: Australia, UK, Ireland, New Zealand, 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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