Select Your OET Grade
Click on the grade you received (or expect) in your OET exam to see the IELTS equivalent.
A
Highest
IELTS 8.0-9.0
B
Good
IELTS 7.0-7.5
C+
Moderate+
IELTS 6.5
C
Moderate
IELTS 5.5-6.0
D
Limited
IELTS 4.0-5.0
E
Low
Below 4.0
7.0 - 7.5
Equivalent IELTS Band Score (Grade B selected)
Listening
7.0+
Reading
7.0+
Writing
7.0+
Speaking
7.0+
Meets NMC Registration Requirement (Grade B minimum)
NMC Registration Requirements
NMC English Language Requirements
- OET: Grade B (350+) in Listening, Reading, Writing AND Speaking
- IELTS: 7.0 in Reading, Listening, Speaking; 6.5 in Writing
- Combined: IELTS 7.0 (R,L,S) + 6.5 (W) accepted
- IELTS scores below 6.5 in any band = rejected
- OET Grade C or below in any skill = rejected
Important: NMC recently updated requirements (2023). You can now combine OET and IELTS scores from two tests taken within 6 months. All scores must meet minimum thresholds.
OET Score Ranges:
- Grade A: 450-500 (IELTS 8.0-9.0)
- Grade B: 350-440 (IELTS 7.0-7.5)
- Grade C+: 300-340 (IELTS 6.5)
- Grade C: 200-290 (IELTS 5.5-6.0)
- Grade D: 100-190 (IELTS 4.0-5.0)
- Grade E: 0-90 (Below IELTS 4.0)
OET vs IELTS for Nurses
- OET uses healthcare-specific scenarios
- IELTS is general academic English
- Most nurses find OET Writing easier
- OET Speaking uses nurse-patient roleplay
- Both accepted by NMC, GMC, HCPC
Complete OET to IELTS Equivalency Table
| OET Grade | OET Score Range | IELTS Equivalent | CEFR Level | NMC Accepted? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A | 450 - 500 | 8.0 - 9.0 | C2 | Yes |
| B | 350 - 440 | 7.0 - 7.5 | C1 | Yes |
| C+ | 300 - 340 | 6.5 | B2+ | No (unless combined) |
| C | 200 - 290 | 5.5 - 6.0 | B2 | No |
| D | 100 - 190 | 4.0 - 5.0 | B1 | No |
| E | 0 - 90 | Below 4.0 | A1-A2 | No |