OET vs IELTS: Which Should You Take for NHS Registration?
Both tests are accepted by UK healthcare regulators — but one is almost always easier for practising clinicians. Here's how to choose.
Why English proof is needed at all
If you are a doctor or nurse hoping to work in the NHS, you will almost certainly need to prove your English before your regulator will let you register. The two main options are IELTS Academic and OET (Occupational English Test). Both are accepted by the GMC and NMC, but they feel very different in practice.
You already know how to reassure an anxious patient. OET simply asks you to do that in clear English.
How the two tests actually differ
IELTS is a general academic English test. You might be asked to write about renewable energy or listen to a lecture on architecture. OET is built entirely for healthcare — every listening clip is a real clinical conversation, every writing task is a referral letter, every speaking role-play is a patient consultation.
Which is easier for clinicians
For most practising clinicians, OET is genuinely easier. You already know how to reassure an anxious patient or write a discharge summary; OET simply asks you to do those things in clear English. IELTS often feels harder because the topics sit outside your day job.
Scores, cost and availability
On scoring, both regulators accept Grade B (350) in each OET sub-skill, or IELTS 7.0 overall with no sub-band below 7.0. Cost is broadly similar. OET tends to be more widely available in healthcare-focused test centres worldwide.
Our honest recommendation
Our short answer: if you're a healthcare professional, take OET. If you're a student on a general academic path, take IELTS. And if you're still not sure, book a free consultation — we'll listen to five minutes of your speaking and give you an honest recommendation.
Frequently asked questions
More answers on our FAQs page, or ask an advisor directly.