The rule for pharmacists in UK
The General Pharmaceutical Council’s June 2025 guidance accepts Pharmacy OET on Paper or on Computer, with B in each skill in one sitting. It explicitly excludes OET@Home. The guidance may accept results older than two years where an applicant provides evidence that English proficiency has been maintained, such as suitable pharmacy work in English. That is an evidence assessment, not an automatic extension. Share the results with GPhC through the OET portal so that the council can verify them.
| Requirement | GPHC |
|---|---|
| Listening | 350 (B) |
| Reading | 350 (B) |
| Writing | 350 (B) |
| Speaking | 350 (B) |
| One sitting / combining | One sitting only. |
| Validity | Normally recent (within two years); older results may be considered with evidence of maintained English proficiency. |
| OET@Home accepted? | No: explicitly excluded by GPhC. |
| Profession version | Pharmacy OET. |
Last checked 24 Oct 2026. Official rule ↗
What to aim for in practice
For a pharmacist seeking registration in Great Britain, use Pharmacy case notes rather than a generic Nursing letter. Practise writing a medicine-review request that makes an interaction concern or adherence issue clear to the prescriber. In Speaking, establish how the patient is using the medicine before explaining a change. A Writing result at C+ does not meet GPhC’s four-B route even if a nursing recruiter’s checklist would accept it.
| 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 Pharmacy practice
Pharmacy guide and sample tasks · Pharmacists role-play cards · Sample letter task
Speaking cards
- Codeine cough syrup request for a toddler Community pharmacy
- Stopping metformin because of stomach upset Community pharmacy
- Warfarin patient wanting ibuprofen for back pain Community pharmacy
Writing case notes
- Poor preventer adherence in an asthmatic patient update letter
- Frequent NSAID purchases in a patient with kidney disease update letter
- School principal asking about a student's adrenaline autoinjector response letter
Free full Listening test · Free Reading Part A · Practice plans and prices
Questions candidates ask
What OET score do pharmacists need in UK?
UK GPhC: pharmacists need Pharmacy OET grade B (350) in each of the four skills in one sitting; paper and venue computer tests are accepted, OET@Home is not.
Can pharmacists combine OET sittings for UK?
One sitting only.
How long are OET results valid for pharmacists in UK?
Normally recent (within two years); older results may be considered with evidence of maintained English proficiency.
Other destinations for pharmacists: Australia.
Sources
Last checked 24 Oct 2026. Rules and prices change: confirm on the official page before you book or apply.
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