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New Zealand Regulator Guide

NCNZ OET English Requirements for Nurses

International Nurses migrating to New Zealand must demonstrate English language competence to register with the Nursing Council of New Zealand (NCNZ). The Occupational English Test (OET) Nursing version is accepted. This guide details the minimum scores and the combining rule.

Improve Your Writing Score View Score Rules ↓

In Short

  • Scores needed: Listening 350, Reading 350, Speaking 350, Writing 300.
  • Combining rules: Allowed if the required scores are reached within 12 months of the first sitting, and all sittings used are within 3 years of applying.
  • Test delivery: Only in-person test sittings are accepted. OET@Home is not accepted.

NCNZ Score Thresholds

Sub-testRequired ScoreOET GradeIELTS Equivalent
Listening350Grade BBand 7.0
Reading350Grade BBand 7.0
Speaking350Grade BBand 7.0
Writing300Grade C+Band 6.5

Score Combining Guidelines

The Nursing Council of New Zealand allows candidates to combine results from more than one sitting under the following terms:

  • The required scores (350 for Listening, Reading and Speaking, 300 for Writing) must be reached within 12 months of your first sitting.
  • All the sittings you use must be within 3 years of the date you apply.

Frequently Asked Questions

What OET score does the Nursing Council of New Zealand (NCNZ) require?
The NCNZ requires OET Nursing scores of at least 350 (Grade B) in Listening, Reading, and Speaking, and at least 300 (Grade C+) in Writing.
Can I combine OET scores for New Zealand nursing registration?
Yes. Results can be combined if the required scores are reached within 12 months of your first sitting, and all the sittings you use are within 3 years of the date you apply.
Does NCNZ accept OET@Home?
No. The Nursing Council of New Zealand (NCNZ) does not accept remote OET@Home tests. Only in-person paper-based or computer-based center testing sittings are accepted.
What OET score do nurses need for New Zealand?
Nurses registering with the Nursing Council of New Zealand (NCNZ) need OET Nursing scores of at least 350 (Grade B) in Listening, Reading, and Speaking, and at least 300 (Grade C+) in Writing. Results can be combined across sittings if the scores are reached within 12 months and the sittings used are within 3 years of 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 ArabiaUAEQatarKuwaitOman
Nurses
Saudi ArabiaUAEQatarKuwaitOman
Pharmacists
Saudi ArabiaUAEQatarKuwaitOman

Official source: Nursing Council of New Zealand. Checked 10 October 2026. Regulators change their rules, so confirm on the official page before you book a test.