Format
Clinical vs academic
OET tasks mirror real NHS communication.
Cost
IELTS is cheaper
But OET often needs fewer retakes.
Result speed
Similar
Both land within roughly two weeks.
OET vs IELTS side by side
| Factor | OET | IELTS |
|---|---|---|
| Accepted by the GMC | Yes — OET (Medicine) | Yes — Academic IELTS only |
| Score needed | Grade B in all four sub-tests | 7.5 overall, minimum 7.0 in each |
| Context of the tasks | Clinical: referral letters, patient role-play | General and academic topics |
| Test length | About 3 hours | About 2 hours 45 minutes |
| Availability | Fewer centres, on paper and computer | Very widely available worldwide |
| Results | Around 2 weeks | 3–13 days depending on format |
| Best for | Doctors who think in clinical English | Doctors with strong academic English or no nearby OET centre |
Questions doctors ask about the English requirement
Does the GMC accept OET instead of IELTS?
Yes. The GMC accepts OET (Medicine) with at least grade B in each of the four sub-tests, or academic IELTS with 7.5 overall and at least 7.0 in each element. Both must normally be from a single sitting taken within the last two years.
Is OET easier than IELTS for doctors?
Most doctors find OET more comfortable rather than easier. The reading, listening, writing and speaking tasks are all set in clinical contexts — a referral letter, a consultation role-play — so you use vocabulary you already own. IELTS asks for academic essays and general topics that have nothing to do with medicine.
Which is cheaper, OET or IELTS?
IELTS is usually the cheaper test and is available in more locations worldwide. OET costs more but many doctors pass first time, so the total spend across retakes can end up similar or lower.
Can I combine scores from two sittings?
Only in limited circumstances. The GMC allows combining results from two sittings taken within a six-month window if you meet the minimum in each element across them and no score falls below the specified floor. Check the current GMC rule before relying on it.
Do NHS employers care which test I took?
No. Employers only need to see that you meet the GMC's English requirement and hold registration. Choose the test you are most likely to pass first time.