OET Requirements for Ahpra/NMBA (Australia)
What score the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia requires from OET, and how to prepare for it.
Yes — Ahpra, on behalf of the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA), accepts OET as an approved English-language test for internationally-trained nurses.
Before checking the requirements, you can estimate your current level using our OET Score Calculator and practise with free OET Speaking roleplays.
By SpeakOET Team · July 27, 2026
At a glance
- Listening
- B (350)
- Reading
- B (350)
- Writing
- B (350)
- Speaking
- B (350)
Combining two sittings: allowed by some regulators — verify Ahpra / NMBA's current policy. Score validity: commonly around two years, but confirm the current window directly.
Minimum OET score for Ahpra
| Sub-test | Minimum score | Minimum grade |
|---|---|---|
| Listening | 350 | B |
| Reading | 350 | B |
| Writing | 350 | B |
| Speaking | 350 | B |
You need to meet Grade B in every sub-test — Ahpra's bar is the same across all four, which is higher than several other regulators on Writing. Not sure where your scores stand? Use our free OET Score Calculator to check instantly against Ahpra and other regulators.
Combining two sittings
If you fall short in one sub-test, some regulators let you combine results from two sittings taken within a set window instead of retaking everything. Combining rules change, so verify Ahpra's current policy on their own site rather than relying on a forum post or an old blog.
How long is my OET score valid?
OET itself doesn't expire, but Ahpra sets its own acceptance window for how old a result can be when you submit your application — commonly around two years for most nursing regulators, though this changes without notice. Confirm the current validity period on Ahpra's own page before you rely on an older result.
Registration process overview
Meeting the English-language requirement is one part of registering with Ahpra — not the whole process. The typical path: confirm you meet the qualification and experience criteria Ahpra publishes, submit your application and supporting documents through their official portal, complete any additional assessment they require beyond the English test, then receive your registration once everything clears. Steps and requirements vary by regulator and change over time — start from Ahpra's own registration page rather than a third-party guide.
Ready to achieve the Ahpra requirement?
- Free AI Speaking Practice
- Instant score estimates
- Real OET roleplays
How to prepare for the Ahpra OET requirement
If you're aiming for Australian registration, focus on the areas that commonly prevent candidates from achieving the required scores.
- Practise realistic OET Speaking roleplays.
- Learn how OET grades convert into scores.
- Avoid common Speaking mistakes that reduce your mark.
Helpful guides:
Common mistakes
Many candidates delay registration because they:
- Assume old score requirements still apply.
- Forget to check the regulator's latest English-language policy.
- Submit an OET result outside the accepted validity period.
- Misunderstand whether two sittings can be combined.
Ahpra OET requirement compared with other regulators
| Regulator | Listening | Reading | Writing | Speaking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NMC (UK) | B | B | C+ | B |
| Ahpra (Australia) | B | B | B | B |
| NMBI (Ireland) | B | B | B | B |
| Nursing Council (NZ) | B | B | C+ | B |
| Canada (all provinces) | B | C+ | C+ | B |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Ahpra/NMBA accept OET for Australian nurse registration?
Yes. The Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA), regulated through Ahpra, accepts OET as an approved English language test for internationally-trained nurses.
What's the minimum OET score Ahpra requires?
Grade B (350/500) in all four sub-tests — Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. Confirm the current figure directly on Ahpra's own page before you book, since requirements can change.
Can I combine scores from two OET sittings for Ahpra registration?
Some regulators allow combining results from two sittings within a set window if you meet the minimum in every sub-test across the two attempts. Check Ahpra's current combining policy directly rather than assuming.
Does Ahpra accept IELTS instead of OET?
Yes — Ahpra also accepts IELTS Academic alongside OET. OET tends to suit nurses better because its content mirrors real clinical scenarios rather than general topics — see our full OET vs IELTS comparison.
Ready to achieve the Ahpra requirement?
- Free AI Speaking Practice
- Instant score estimates
- Real OET roleplays