The rule for radiographers in UK
HCPC lists a profession-specific OET route for radiographers: a total of 1400, with every component at least 300. For radiography, strong performance in one skill may contribute to the required 1400 total, but it cannot compensate for a component below 300. Use the profession-specific Radiography test identified by HCPC. HCPC requires a certificate no more than two years old when the application arrives and specifies testing at an official centre rather than at home.
| Requirement | HCPC: total 1400; each component at least 300 |
|---|---|
| Listening | 300 (C+) |
| Reading | 300 (C+) |
| Writing | 300 (C+) |
| Speaking | 300 (C+) |
| Required total | 1400; the component floors alone are insufficient |
| One sitting / combining | Combining OET sittings is not confirmed on the cited HCPC page; ask HCPC. |
| Validity | Certificate no more than two years old when HCPC receives the application. |
| OET@Home accepted? | No: HCPC requires an official test centre. |
| Profession version | Profession-specific OET version listed by HCPC. |
Last checked 24 Oct 2026. Official rule ↗
What to aim for in practice
For the UK radiographer pathway, compare the sum and the smallest component before planning a repeat. A very strong Listening score contributes to the total while still leaving a below-300 Writing result unusable. Practise a Radiography explanation that responds to an anxious patient’s question about imaging, then draft the matching letter around the clinical question and practical needs. Review feedback on organisation and relevant content separately from raw Listening or Reading marks; a practice estimate does not constitute a verified HCPC result.
| Skill | Official component target / floor | OETAce conservative practice guide |
|---|---|---|
| Listening | 300 (C+) | 27/42 gives an estimated 300–320 |
| Reading | 300 (C+) | 27/42 gives an estimated 300–320 |
The figures above cover the component floors only. Add all four official scores and check the 1400 total separately.
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 Radiography practice
Radiography guide and sample tasks · Radiographers role-play cards · Sample letter task
Speaking cards
- Anxiety about entering the MRI scanner Radiology/imaging department - MRI suite
- Chest X-ray for a toddler Radiology/imaging department - general X-ray room
- Long wait before a contrast CT Radiology/imaging department - CT waiting area
Writing case notes
- Response to a mother's concern about radiation from repeated X-rays after her son's forearm fracture response letter
- Information on a reaction to CT contrast response letter
- Complaint about an older patient's wait in the department response letter
Free full Listening test · Free Reading Part A · Practice plans and prices
Questions candidates ask
What OET score do radiographers need in UK?
UK HCPC: radiographers need a total OET score of 1400, with no component below 300, using the profession-specific test at an official centre.
Can radiographers combine OET sittings for UK?
Combining OET sittings is not confirmed on the cited HCPC page; ask HCPC.
How long are OET results valid for radiographers in UK?
Certificate no more than two years old when HCPC receives the application.
Other destinations for radiographers: 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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