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Rules checked 26 September 2026

OET scores for the NMC and GMC

Enter your sub-test scores once and see them against the NMC rule for nurses and the GMC rule for doctors.

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NMC and GMC rules side by side

RuleNMC (nurses and midwives)GMC (doctors)
Listening350+ (B)350+ (B)
Reading350+ (B)350+ (B)
Writing300+ (C+)350+ (B)
Speaking350+ (B)350+ (B)
VersionNursingMedicine
SittingsYou can combine scores across two sittings taken within 12 months of each other, if every score in both sittings is at least C+ (300) for Listening, Reading and Speaking and C (250) for Writing.All four grades must come from the same test, and from your most recent sitting. The GMC does not combine sittings.
How oldYour test dates must be no more than two years old when the NMC assesses your complete application.The certificate is valid for two years. It must be valid on the day you sit PLAB part 1, or when the GMC approves your registration.
Test formatsOET on Paper, OET on Computer, OET@HomeOET on paper, OET on computer, OET@Home

The GMC can extend an older certificate in some cases, for example after a recent PLAB 2 pass, and accepts other kinds of evidence of English. Those routes are on the GMC's own guide and are not checked here. For the ECFMG (US) rule, use the OET grade requirement checker.

Questions

What OET scores does the GMC need?

Grade B (350 or more) in all four sub-tests, taken in the Medicine version, in the same test and in your most recent sitting. OET on paper, on computer and OET@Home are all accepted, and the certificate is valid for two years.

What OET scores does the NMC need?

Grade B (350 or more) in Listening, Reading and Speaking, and C+ (300 or more) in Writing, in the Nursing version. OET on paper, on computer and OET@Home are all accepted.

Can I combine OET scores from two sittings?

For the NMC, yes: two sittings within 12 months of each other, both no more than two years old when it assesses you, with every score in both sittings at least C+ (300) for Listening, Reading and Speaking and C (250) for Writing. For the GMC, no: it wants all four grades from the same test and your most recent sitting.

Is grade C+ in Writing enough for the GMC?

No. The GMC asks for at least grade B in each testing area, Writing included. C+ in Writing is enough only for the NMC.

Can a nurse use the Medicine version, or a doctor the Nursing version?

No. The NMC says applicants should choose the Nursing examination, and the GMC says you must take the Medicine version of the test.

Sources

Each rule comes from the regulator's own page. If a page changes, the page wins.

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