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New Zealand · Nursing

OET score for the Nursing Council of New Zealand

The Nursing Council of New Zealand needs 350 in Listening, Reading and Speaking and 300 in Writing; results from sittings within 12 months of your first test can be combined, and fully online OET@Home isn't accepted.

Last checked 21 Oct 2026Official source ↗

Minimum OET scores

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

These lines are for applicants who aren't already registered in Australia. New Zealand immigration (INZ) has its own, stricter rule on test format.

The rules around the lines

Lines apply
Current NCNZ policy (refreshed 2022).
Combining sittings
Allowed: you can meet the lines across sittings taken within 12 months of your first test, using the same test (OET with OET). NCNZ's minimum score per sitting, if any, wasn't confirmed: check before relying on it.
OET@Home
Fully online OET@Home isn't accepted. Computer tests at a venue (with the Speaking part online) are.
Validity
Not confirmed: check NCNZ's FAQ.
Single sub-test resit
Not confirmed: check with NCNZ.
Version
Take the Nursing version.
Check with the regulator: we couldn't confirm how long results stay valid; minimum score per sitting when combining from an official source.

What changed

  • 13 Jul 2026

    Separate from NCNZ: New Zealand immigration (INZ) now needs all four sub-tests taken in person at a supervised venue. Computer tests with remote Speaking count for visas only if taken before 13 July 2026. Source

Questions candidates ask

Is Writing 300 enough for NCNZ?

Yes. NCNZ asks for 300 (C+) in Writing and 350 (B) in Listening, Reading and Speaking.

Can I combine OET sittings for NCNZ?

Yes, within 12 months of your first test, and only OET with OET. Check NCNZ's FAQ for any minimum per sitting.

Does NCNZ accept OET@Home?

Not the fully online version. A computer test at a venue, with the Speaking part online, is accepted.

I'll also apply for a New Zealand visa. Does the same test count?

Not necessarily. From 13 July 2026 INZ needs all four sub-tests in person at a supervised venue. If you need the result for both, book a format INZ accepts. Several countries now let you take Speaking at the venue.

Sources

Last checked 21 Oct 2026. Rules change: confirm on the official page before you book or apply.