The rule for nurses in US
For US nurses, the HRSA table used for VisaScreen is an immigration-screening threshold, not a universal state nursing licence rule. The numeric table effective 12 May 2026 requires 320 Listening, 340 Reading, 350 Writing and 360 Speaking. Older summaries showing C+ in three components can understate the current Writing requirement. Your state board of nursing can have its own English conditions; check the state application and VisaScreen evidence separately rather than assuming either approval automatically covers the other.
| Requirement | HRSA / CGFNS VisaScreen |
|---|---|
| Listening | 320 (C+) |
| Reading | 340 (C+) |
| Writing | 350 (B) |
| Speaking | 360 (B) |
| One sitting / combining | Not confirmed. We couldn't find a CGFNS or HRSA statement on combining sittings: ask CGFNS. |
| Validity | Not confirmed: check with CGFNS. |
| OET@Home accepted? | Not confirmed from an official rule in this source set; ask CGFNS. |
| Profession version | Take the Nursing version. |
Last checked 21 Oct 2026. Official rule ↗
What to aim for in practice
The highest numeric target in this table is Speaking, but a Nursing letter at 300 also needs work because the current Writing target is 350. Rehearse explaining medicines to a patient with concerns about side effects, using short chunks and a comprehension check. In the letter task, make the follow-up actions and monitoring responsibilities explicit. Ask CGFNS about unconfirmed delivery and combining rules before paying for a new sitting.
| Skill | Official component target / floor | OETAce conservative practice guide |
|---|---|---|
| Listening | 320 (C+) | 29/42 gives an estimated 320–340 |
| Reading | 340 (C+) | 31/42 gives an estimated 340–360 |
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 Nursing practice
Nursing guide and sample tasks · Nurses role-play cards · Sample letter task
Speaking cards
- Post-operative pain management Surgical ward
- Community visit: patient removing compression bandages Patient's home (community nursing visit)
- Bronchiolitis: father wants antibiotics and to take his baby home Paediatric ward
Writing case notes
- Discharge to the community nursing service: new insulin and diabetic foot ulcer discharge letter
- Transfer to residential aged care after a stroke: dysphagia and pressure injury transfer letter
- Referral to pulmonary rehabilitation after a COPD admission referral letter
Free full Listening test · Free Reading Part A · Practice plans and prices
Questions candidates ask
What OET score do nurses need in US?
For a US VisaScreen certificate, HRSA's table from 12 May 2026 needs OET scores of at least 320 in Listening, 340 in Reading, 350 in Writing and 360 in Speaking.
Can nurses combine OET sittings for US?
Not confirmed. We couldn't find a CGFNS or HRSA statement on combining sittings: ask CGFNS.
How long are OET results valid for nurses in US?
Not confirmed: check with CGFNS.
Other destinations for nurses: Australia, UK, Ireland, New Zealand, Canada, UAE, Malta.
Sources
- HRSA: Foreign healthcare worker requirements (score table, 12 May 2026)
- OET news: OET recognised by CGFNS International
- OET: Recognising organisations in the United States
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.