For International Occupational Therapists · Last updated: 11 May 2026

OET for Occupational Therapists — HCPC & AHPRA Pathway

Internationally trained occupational therapists need Grade B across all four OET sub-tests for HCPC (UK) or AHPRA (Australia) registration. The Writing sub-test asks for structured functional handover, not narrative session recap.

International occupational therapist preparing for OET Writing exam

Quick answer

Internationally trained occupational therapists need Grade B (350) in each of the four OET sub-tests for HCPC (UK) and AHPRA (Australia) registration. 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

  • Required grade: HCPC and AHPRA require Grade B (350) in Writing.
  • 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
B (350)
Yes
AHPRA / OTBA
Australia
B (350)
Yes
OTBNZ
New Zealand
B (350)
Yes
CORU
Ireland
B (350)
Yes

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

1

Summarise outcomes, not sessions

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

2

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.

3

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. Grade B (350) is required across all four sub-tests. Combined sittings within the validity window are accepted.

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.

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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