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Canada · Nursing

OET score for nurses in Canada (CNRC recommendation, by province)

Canada has no single nursing line: the national CNRC recommends OET Listening B (350), Speaking B (350), Reading C+ (300) and Writing C+ (300), but each province decides. Ontario's CNO asks for more: Listening 350, Reading 330, Writing 320, Speaking 350, all in one sitting.

Last checked 22 Oct 2026Official source ↗

Minimum OET scores

0–500 per sub-test
350Listening
300Reading
300Writing
350Speaking

Ontario (CNO) sets its own, higher lines: Listening 350, Reading 330, Writing 320, Speaking 350, met in one complete sitting, with results sent directly to CNO and no older than two years. Other provinces set their own rules; check British Columbia's BCCNM page for its current list of accepted tests before you book.

The rules around the lines

Lines apply
CNRC recommendation, August 2024. Each province decides whether to adopt it.
Combining sittings
Set by each provincial regulator. Check the one you're applying to.
OET@Home
Set by each provincial regulator.
Validity
Set by each provincial regulator.
Single sub-test resit
Set by each provincial regulator.
Version
Take the Nursing version.
Check with the regulator: we couldn't confirm which provinces have adopted the CNRC lines; combining sittings, OET@Home and validity for each province from an official source.

What changed

  • Aug 2024

    CNRC recommended OET to provincial nursing regulators: Listening B, Speaking B, Reading C+, Writing C+. Source

  • 2024

    Ontario's CNO added OET to its accepted tests: Listening 350, Reading 330, Writing 320, Speaking 350 in one sitting. Source

Questions candidates ask

What OET scores does Ontario (CNO) require for nurses?

Listening 350 (B), Reading 330 (C+), Writing 320 (C+) and Speaking 350 (B), all in one complete sitting. Results must go straight from OET to CNO and be under two years old when you apply.

What scores does the CNRC recommend?

Grade B (350+) in Listening and Speaking and C+ (300+) in Reading and Writing. A province can set its own lines.

Can I combine OET sittings in Canada?

It depends on the province. We couldn't confirm a national rule.

Do all Canadian provinces accept OET for nurses?

Not automatically. The CNRC recommendation isn't binding, so each provincial regulator decides. Check the regulator in the province where you'll register.

Sources

Last checked 22 Oct 2026. Rules change: confirm on the official page before you book or apply.