IELTS/OET - [English-language proficiency]

MINIMUM SCORE FOR IELTS/OET

The approved English Language Testing Vendors and the required scores are:

  • Occupational English Test (OET)

    • you must achieve a minimum score of 350 for reading, listening, and speaking (C+ (300 – 340) is not considered a passing grade). For writing, you must achieve a minimum score of 300.

  • International English Language Testing System (IELTS)

    • Only the Academic Module is accepted.

    • You must achieve a minimum score of 7 for reading, listening, and speaking. For writing, you must achieve a minimum score of 6.5.

CLUBBING OF SCORES

You can achieve the minimum score in the English language tests over more than one sitting; however, the required score must be met within 12 months of first sitting the test and met within three years of your CGFNS report being transmitted to Nursing Council.

COMPUTER-BASED AND ONLINE TESTING

    • Testing that occurs at an IELTS or OET testing venue but that is undertaken on a computer will be accepted by the Council.

    • Fully online computer-based testing (for example OET@home or IELTS Online), will not be accepted by the Council.

    • The Speaking Test component of the OET’s On Computer mode, which is delivered online but with a live assessor, will be accepted by the Council.

EVIDENCE PATHWAY OR WAIVER

The three pathways are:

    1. A test-based pathway, where evidence consists of IELTS or OET results that demonstrate achievement of minimum scores as follows: a) IELTS: 7 in Reading, Speaking, & Listening, and 6.5 in Writing b) OET: 350 in Reading, Speaking, & Listening, and 300 in Writing.

    2. An education-based pathway, where evidence consists of the education that led to registration as a nurse being taught and examined in English in the United Kingdom, Singapore, Ireland, Canada, or the United States of America.

    3. A registration-based pathway, where evidence consists of having passed an English language test to obtain registration in the United Kingdom, Ireland, Canada, or the United States of America.