What each regulator accepts
OET lines are Listening / Reading / Writing / Speaking on the 0–500 scale. IELTS and PTE lines are as each regulator publishes them. Checked 22 Oct 2026.
| Regulator | Country | OET (L/R/W/S) | IELTS Academic | PTE Academic |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ahpra and the National Boards | Australia | 350 / 360 / 350 / 360 | 7 overall; L 7, R 7, W 6.5, S 7 | 63 overall; L 58, R 59, W 60, S 76 |
| General Medical Council | United Kingdom | 350 / 350 / 350 / 350 | 7.5 overall and at least 7.0 in each skill | not accepted |
| Medical Council of Ireland | Ireland | 350 / 350 / 350 / 350 | 7.0 overall and at least 6.5 in each module | not accepted |
| Medical Council of New Zealand | New Zealand | 350 / 350 / 300 / 350 | L 7.0, R 7.0, W 6.5, S 7.0 (no overall score stated) | not accepted |
| ECFMG | United States | 350 / 350 / 300 / 350 | not accepted second-hand | not accepted second-hand |
| Canada medicine | Canada | 350 / 350 / 350 / 350 | 7.0 in each of the four components | not accepted |
How the tests differ
| OET | IELTS Academic | PTE Academic | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Built for | 12 health professions | General academic English | General academic English |
| Length | About 2 h 45 min | 2 h 45 min | About 2 hours |
| Writing task | A letter from case notes, in your profession | A graph description and an essay | Short essays and summaries |
| Speaking | Two clinical role-plays, recorded | Face-to-face interview | Speaking into a microphone, AI-scored |
| Results | Computer: usually within 6 days; paper: from 5–13 days | Computer: usually 1–2 days | Typically within 2 days |
| Fee in Australia | AU$587 | AU$490 | AU$499 |
| Fee in India | Charged as AU$587 | INR 19,000 | INR 18,900 |
How to choose
- Start with your regulator. If it doesn't accept a test (the NMC, GMC, NMBI and NCNZ don't list PTE), that test is off the table.
- Look at the weakest skill, not the overall. OET has no overall score, and most regulators set a minimum in every sub-test or band.
- Writing: if essays on general topics are hard for you, OET's case-notes letter is often more familiar. If clinical letters feel slow, practise those first.
- Speaking: OET marks clinical communication as well as language, so empathy and structure count. IELTS and PTE don't test those.
- Try one free part of each before paying for a sitting: OET Listening Part A, OET Reading Part A.
Questions candidates ask
Is OET or IELTS better for the GMC?
Both are accepted. The GMC needs OET grade B in all four sub-tests in one sitting, or IELTS 7.5 overall with at least 7.0 in each skill. Many doctors prefer OET because the tasks are clinical, but choose the test where your weakest skill is safest.
Does ECFMG accept IELTS?
ECFMG's pathways use OET Medicine as the English test; we found no IELTS route. ECFMG's site blocked automated checking today, so confirm on ecfmg.org.
Can doctors take OET at home for the GMC?
Yes. The GMC accepts OET taken on paper, on computer at a venue, or as OET@Home, in the Medicine version. AHPRA and the Medical Council of Ireland don't accept OET@Home.
How long are OET results valid for doctors?
Usually 2 years, set by each regulator. The GMC may accept older results in some cases; ECFMG counts sittings from 1 January 2025 for its pathways.
Sources
- Ahpra and the National Boards
- General Medical Council
- General Medical Council
- Medical Council of Ireland
- Medical Council of New Zealand
- ECFMG
- ECFMG second-hand
- Canada medicine
- Pearson: PTE test centres and fees
- IELTS Australia: how much does IELTS cost
- OET support: How much does OET cost
Last checked 22 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.