OET Requirements for the NMC (UK)
What score the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) requires from OET, and how to prepare for it.
Yes — the NMC accepts OET as an approved English-language test for nurses and midwives registering to work in the UK.
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
- C+ (300)
- Speaking
- B (350)
Combining two sittings: allowed by some regulators — verify NMC's current policy. Score validity: commonly around two years, but confirm the current window directly.
Minimum OET score for the NMC
| Sub-test | Minimum score | Minimum grade |
|---|---|---|
| Listening | 350 | B |
| Reading | 350 | B |
| Writing | 300 | C+ |
| Speaking | 350 | B |
You need to meet the minimum in every sub-test in one sitting, or combine two sittings if the NMC's current policy allows it for your case. Not sure where your scores stand? Use our free OET Score Calculator to check instantly against the NMC 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 the NMC'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 the NMC 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 the NMC's own page before you rely on an older result.
Registration process overview
Meeting the English-language requirement is one part of registering with the NMC — not the whole process. The typical path: confirm you meet the qualification and experience criteria the NMC 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 the NMC's own registration page rather than a third-party guide.
Ready to achieve the NMC requirement?
- Free AI Speaking Practice
- Instant score estimates
- Real OET roleplays
How to prepare for the NMC OET requirement
If you're aiming for UK 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.
NMC 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 the NMC accept OET for UK nurse registration?
Yes. The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) accepts OET as one of its approved English language tests for internationally-trained nurses and midwives joining the UK register.
What's the minimum OET score the NMC requires?
At least Grade B (350/500) in Listening, Reading, and Speaking, and Grade C+ (300/500) in Writing — see the table above. Confirm the current figure on the NMC's own page before you book, since requirements can change.
Can I combine scores from two OET sittings for NMC registration?
Many regulators allow combining results from two sittings taken within a set window if you meet the minimum in every sub-test across the two attempts. Combining rules vary and change — check the NMC's current policy directly rather than assuming yours qualifies.
Does the NMC accept IELTS instead of OET?
Yes, the NMC accepts both OET and IELTS Academic. Many nurses prefer OET because its content is built around real clinical scenarios rather than general topics — see our full OET vs IELTS comparison.
Ready to achieve the NMC requirement?
- Free AI Speaking Practice
- Instant score estimates
- Real OET roleplays