OET Requirements for Canada
What score Canada's provincial and territorial nursing regulators require from OET — the same figure across all 13 — and how to prepare for it.
Yes — every provincial and territorial nursing regulator in Canada 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
- C+ (300)
- Writing
- C+ (300)
- Speaking
- B (350)
Combining two sittings: allowed by some regulators — verify Provincial/territorial nursing regulators's current policy. Score validity: commonly around two years, but confirm the current window directly.
Minimum OET score for Canada
| Sub-test | Minimum score | Minimum grade |
|---|---|---|
| Listening | 350 | B |
| Reading | 300 | C+ |
| Writing | 300 | C+ |
| Speaking | 350 | B |
Unlike most countries, nursing licensure in Canada is governed province by province — yet every regulator OET lists shows the same requirement. Not sure where your scores stand? Use our free OET Score Calculator to check instantly against Canada 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 and can differ by province, so verify your target regulator'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 your target provincial regulator 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 your target provincial regulator's own page before you rely on an older result.
Registration process overview
Meeting the English-language requirement is one part of registering with your target provincial regulator — not the whole process. The typical path: confirm you meet the qualification and experience criteria your target provincial regulator 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 your target provincial regulator's own registration page rather than a third-party guide.
Ready to achieve the Canadian nursing requirement?
- Free AI Speaking Practice
- Instant score estimates
- Real OET roleplays
How to prepare for the Canadian OET requirement
If you're aiming for Canadian 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.
Canada 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 Canada accept OET for nurse registration?
Yes. Every one of Canada's 13 provincial and territorial nursing regulators (Ontario, BC, Alberta, and the rest) accepts OET as an approved English language test for internationally-trained nurses.
What's the minimum OET score Canada requires?
Grade B (350/500) in Listening and Speaking, and Grade C+ (300/500) in Reading and Writing — identical across every province and territory OET lists. Confirm the current figure directly on your target regulator's own page before you book, since requirements can change.
Is the OET requirement really the same in every province?
Based on OET's own directory, yes — every provincial/territorial regulator listed (Ontario, BC, Alberta, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, PEI, Newfoundland & Labrador, NWT/Nunavut, Yukon) shows the identical figure. Still confirm on your specific province's regulator site, since healthcare licensing is provincially governed and policy can diverge without notice.
Can I combine scores from two OET sittings for Canadian 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 your target province's current combining policy directly rather than assuming.
Ready to achieve the Canadian nursing requirement?
- Free AI Speaking Practice
- Instant score estimates
- Real OET roleplays