OET Score Requirements for NMC Registration: What UK Nurses Need in 2026

The NMC requires the following minimum OET scores for overseas nurses applying for registration in the UK:

Sub-test	Minimum Score	Grade
Listening	350	B
Reading	350	B
Writing	300	C+ ← lower than the others
Speaking	350	B

All four sub-tests must meet the minimum — there is no overall combined average. If you score 400 in Listening but 290 in Writing, you have not met the requirement.

The most important detail in the NMC's OET requirements — and the one most often overlooked — is that the NMC accepts a C+ (300) in Writing, not a B (350).

This is unique to the NMC. AHPRA (Australia), NCNZ (New Zealand), NMBI (Ireland), and most other registration bodies require 350 (Grade B) in every sub-test including Writing. The NMC's C+ allowance reflects the fact that Writing is assessed by human examiners and is inherently the most variable sub-test.

In practice, this means:

• If Writing is your weakest sub-test, the NMC is the most accessible registration pathway
• A score of 300–349 in Writing is sufficient for NMC — you do not need to keep re-sitting until you reach 350
• If you are already registered with the NMC, a C+ Writing score is all that was required

However, if you later want to transfer your registration to Australia or another country, you will need to re-sit OET and achieve 350 in Writing for those bodies.

The NMC allows candidates to combine OET scores across up to two test sittings, subject to these rules:

• Both sittings must fall within a 12-month window
• Each sub-test score must come from a single complete test attempt — you cannot average two Writing scores
• The scores you present must be your most recent attempt at each sub-test within the window

Example: You sit OET in January and achieve 370 Listening, 360 Reading, 290 Writing, 350 Speaking. You re-sit in April and achieve 350 Listening, 340 Reading, 310 Writing, 360 Speaking. You can combine: 370 Listening (January), 360 Reading (January), 310 Writing (April), 360 Speaking (April) — all within 12 months, and Writing is now 310 which meets the C+ requirement.

Always verify the current combining policy directly with the NMC before registering, as policies can be updated.

The NMC accepts all three OET delivery formats:

• Computer-based OET — available at test centres worldwide; results in approximately 10 business days
• Paper-based OET — available at selected test centres; results in approximately 10 business days
• OET@Home — remotely proctored; available where no test centre exists; same validity as test centre results

All three formats are fully equivalent for NMC purposes. OET scores are valid for two years from the test date.

If you do not meet the NMC requirement in one or more sub-tests, you have three options:

1. Re-sit within the 12-month combining window

If you passed three sub-tests but failed one, re-sit only the sub-test you need within 12 months of your first attempt. Combine the scores when applying to the NMC.

2. Re-sit all four sub-tests after 12 months

If your scores are older than 12 months, they are no longer valid for combining. You will need to sit all four sub-tests again in one or two sittings within a new 12-month window.

3. Apply with IELTS instead

The NMC also accepts IELTS Academic with an overall score of 7.0 and no band below 7.0. If you have a strong academic writing background, IELTS may be worth considering — though most nurses with clinical English find OET more accessible.

If Writing is your only failing sub-test, remember that the NMC accepts C+ (300) — not B (350). Many nurses unnecessarily re-sit Writing aiming for 350 when 300 would have been sufficient for the NMC.

The most efficient preparation strategy for NMC registration is to prioritise Listening, Reading, and Speaking to 350, while treating Writing as a separate — and more lenient — target of 300.

For Listening and Reading

Take full-length, timed practice tests that mirror the real OET format. Our free OET Practice Test 1 includes all Listening and Reading sections with auto-scoring. Premium access unlocks all 13 tests — the more variety, the better your preparation.

For Writing (targeting C+)

A C+ Writing score requires a well-structured letter that communicates the key clinical information clearly to the right recipient. It does not require perfect grammar — it requires appropriate format, relevant content selection from the case notes, and professional tone. Use our AI Writing Practice tool to get A–E grades on your letters before your exam.

For Speaking

Speaking is not covered by our platform — it requires practice with a partner or tutor. The OET website offers free Speaking sample materials, and many Filipino and Indian nursing communities run free OET Speaking practice groups on Facebook and WhatsApp.