For International Occupational Therapists·Last updated: 10 October 2026

OET for Occupational Therapists — HCPC & AHPRA Pathway

Internationally trained occupational therapists can register with HCPC (UK) or AHPRA (Australia) on the OET scores each regulator sets. The HCPC requires a total of at least 1400 across the four sub-tests, with no sub-test below 300. For tests taken from 23 April 2026, AHPRA requires 350 in Listening and Writing and 360 in Reading and Speaking, which is above the Grade B minimum in two sub-tests. The Writing sub-test asks for structured functional handover, not narrative session recap.

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Quick answer

For internationally trained occupational therapists, OET is accepted for HCPC (UK) and AHPRA (Australia) registration. The HCPC sets a total of at least 1400 across the four sub-tests, with no sub-test below 300. For tests taken from 23 April 2026, AHPRA requires 350 in Listening and Writing and 360 in Reading and Speaking. The Writing sub-test tests your ability to summarise functional outcomes in structured prose. Most marks are lost on Organisation & Layout — narrative session-by-session recaps rather than outcome-first handovers.

Key takeaways for OTs

Grades: HCPC: total of at least 1400 across the four sub-tests, none below 300. AHPRA (tests from 23 April 2026): 350 in Listening and Writing, 360 in Reading and Speaking.
Most common letter type: Discharge / transfer to community OT, or equipment / home modification recommendation.
Top criterion lost: Organisation & Layout — narrative session recap rather than outcome-led structure.
Validity: 2 years from test date.

Required OET Scores by Regulator

Regulator

Country

Required (Writing)

Combine?

HCPC

United Kingdom

Total 1400, no sub-test below 300

Check HCPC

AHPRA / OTBA

Australia

350 Listening and Writing, 360 Reading and Speaking (tests from 23 Apr 2026)

Yes, 12 months

OTBNZ

New Zealand

B (350) in each of the four

Yes — if the standard is reached within 12 months of the first test

CORU

Ireland

B (350) in three, C+ (300) in one

Yes — two sittings in 6 months, none below C

The Two Letter Types OTs Write Most

1. Discharge / transfer letter

Sent to a community OT, GP, or another rehabilitation service summarising the inpatient OT intervention, functional outcomes, and recommended ongoing support.

Marking watch-out: Organisation — open with current functional status and outcome, not the chronology of sessions.

2. Equipment / modification recommendation

Sent to a community team, social services, or funding body justifying equipment provision or home modification based on functional findings.

Marking watch-out: Purpose — the recommendation must lead, with findings supporting it directly afterwards.

The Three Mistakes That Cost OTs Their Grade

Summarise outcomes, not sessions

Stop recounting every therapy session chronologically. Open with current functional status and outcome of intervention. Mapped criterion: Organisation & Layout.

Expand OT-specific shorthand

Stop using ADLs, IADLs, transfers, or FIM scores without context for non-OT addressees. Expand on first use. Mapped criterion: Genre & Style.

Select findings linked to the discharge or recommendation question

Stop listing every functional finding. Include only findings that justify the discharge plan, equipment request, or onward referral. Mapped criterion: Conciseness & Clarity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which regulators accept OET for occupational therapists?+

The UK HCPC and Australian AHPRA both accept OET for OT registration. The HCPC sets a total score of at least 1400 across the four sub-tests, with no sub-test below 300. For tests taken from 23 April 2026, AHPRA requires 350 in Listening and Writing and 360 in Reading and Speaking, and accepts results from two sittings within 12 months if no score is below 320 in Listening, 340 in Reading, 350 in Writing and 350 in Speaking.

What letter type do occupational therapists write in OET?+

OTs typically write a discharge or transfer letter following inpatient rehabilitation — addressed to a community team or another OT service — or a recommendation letter for equipment, home modification, or ongoing support. Case notes commonly include functional assessment outcomes, ADL/IADL findings, and goal-oriented intervention.

Why do occupational therapists lose marks in OET Writing?+

Two patterns dominate. First, narrative-style assessments that recount every session rather than summarising functional outcomes (Organisation & Layout). Second, OT-specific shorthand — ADLs, IADLs, transfers, FIM scores — used without context (Genre & Style).

Is OT-specific case-note practice essential?+

Yes. Functional assessment, goal-setting frameworks, and discharge planning differ from medical handover. Profession-aware correction ensures feedback covers the structured narrative OTs need — not generic clinical letter style.

Related guides

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The Six OET Writing Criteria

What examiners look for, criterion by criterion.

Send an OT letter for correction

Marked against the six OET criteria by a corrector aware of functional assessment frameworks and discharge planning conventions. 24-hour turnaround.

Get My Letter Corrected

Want an expert's eyes on your occupational therapy? Dr Mariam's OET writing correction service marks every letter against all six OET writing criteria and returns line-by-line corrections within 24–72 hours.

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