Canada Regulator Guide

CNO OET English Requirements for Canadian Nurses

Internationally Educated Nurses (IENs) pursuing registration in Ontario must prove English language proficiency to register with the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO). The CNO accepts the Occupational English Test (OET) Nursing version.

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In Short

Scores needed: Listening 350, Speaking 350, Reading 330, Writing 320, all from one complete test attempt (no combining of sittings).
Submission: Do not send scores to NNAS. Submit OET results directly to the CNO (or provincial regulator).
Validity: OET test results must have been taken within the last two years of your registration application.

CNO Canada Score Thresholds

Sub-test	Required Score	OET Grade	IELTS Equivalent
Listening	350	Grade B	Band 7.5
Reading	330	Grade C+	Band 6.5
Speaking	350	Grade B	Band 7.0
Writing	320	Grade C+	Band 6.5

Canadian Provincial Equivalency

Each provincial regulator sets its own English language requirement, so do not assume another province uses the CNO scores. Alberta (CRNA) does not accept OET. British Columbia (through Inspire Global Assessments) and Nova Scotia accept it at Grade B in Listening and Speaking and C+ in Reading and Writing.

Since NNAS ceased processing language tests in late 2022, candidates should ensure OET portal settings are configured to release score reports directly to their target provincial regulator (e.g. CNO for Ontario).

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO) accept OET?

Yes, the CNO accepts the Occupational English Test (OET) Nursing version as proof of English language proficiency for internationally educated nurses.

What OET scores are required for Canada CNO registration?

The CNO requires minimum OET Nursing scores of 350 (Grade B) in Listening and Speaking, 330 (Grade C+) in Reading, and 320 (Grade C+) in Writing, all from one complete test attempt. Results from different sittings cannot be combined.

Does NNAS collect OET scores?

No. The National Nursing Assessment Service (NNAS) does not collect or verify OET language proficiency scores. You must submit your OET results directly to the CNO or the provincial regulatory body where you are applying.

Related OET Writing guides

Continue your preparation with these related resources.

OET Scoring Criteria →

How the 6 criteria are assessed and where most candidates lose marks.

Grade B Sample Letters →

20 worked sample letters by profession × scenario with line-by-line annotations.

Mistake Clinics by Profession →

10 profession-specific mistake clinics — wrong vs right examples per criterion.

Grade A vs B vs C Compared →

Three letters from the same case notes at three bands — what moves you up one.

Working in the Gulf?

Doctors, nurses and pharmacists in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait and Oman

The score you need depends on where you are registering, not where you work now. Pick your country and profession for the route from the Gulf.

Doctors: Saudi Arabia UAE Qatar Kuwait Oman
Nurses: Saudi Arabia UAE Qatar Kuwait Oman
Pharmacists: Saudi Arabia UAE Qatar Kuwait Oman

Official source: College of Nurses of Ontario. Checked 10 October 2026. Regulators change their rules, so confirm on the official page before you book a test.