For International Physiotherapists · Last updated: 19 September 2026

OET for Physiotherapists — HCPC & AHPRA Pathway

Internationally trained physiotherapists can register with HCPC (UK), AHPRA (Australia), PBNZ (New Zealand), or CORU (Ireland) on Grade B across all four OET sub-tests; AHPRA accepts Grade C+ in Writing. The Writing sub-test rewards outcome-led functional handover rather than session-by-session recap.

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Quick answer

For internationally trained physiotherapists, Grade B (350) in each of the four OET sub-tests is accepted for HCPC (UK), AHPRA (Australia), and equivalent regulators. AHPRA's minimum for Writing is Grade C+ (300); Listening, Reading and Speaking stay at Grade B. The OET Writing sub-test tests your ability to summarise functional outcomes and selectively communicate intervention. Most marks are lost on Organisation & Layout — session-by-session narrative rather than outcome-led handover.

Key takeaways for physiotherapists

Grades: Grade B (350) in all four sub-tests is accepted by HCPC, AHPRA, PBNZ and CORU; AHPRA's Writing minimum is C+ (300) since 18 March 2025.
Most common letter type: Transfer/discharge to community physio, or referral to specialist.
Top criterion lost: Organisation & Layout — session narrative rather than outcome-led structure.
Validity: 2 years from test date.

Required OET Scores by Regulator (Physiotherapy)

Regulator

Country

Required (Writing)

Combine?

HCPC

United Kingdom

B (350)

Yes

AHPRA / Physiotherapy Board

Australia

C+ (300)

Yes, 12 months

PBNZ

New Zealand

B (350)

Yes

CORU

Ireland

B (350)

Yes

Provincial Colleges

Canada

B (350)

Varies

The Three Letter Types Physiotherapists Write Most

1. Transfer / discharge letter

Sent to a community physiotherapy service or GP summarising the intervention and ongoing functional plan after inpatient or outpatient discharge.

Marking watch-out: Organisation — open with current functional status, then ongoing plan; not chronological session recap.

2. Specialist referral

Sent to orthopaedics, rheumatology, pain clinic, or another specialty when physiotherapy management alone is insufficient.

Marking watch-out: Purpose — open with the referral question, not patient demographics.

3. Equipment / aid recommendation

Recommendation to social services, community team, or funding body for mobility aids, orthotics, or home modifications based on functional assessment.

Marking watch-out: Conciseness — focus on functional findings linked to the recommendation.

The Three Mistakes That Cost Physiotherapists Their Grade

Summarise outcomes, not session-by-session chronology

Stop recounting every treatment session. Open with current functional status and outcome of intervention; structure intervention summary by milestone, not by date. Mapped criterion: Organisation & Layout.

Translate biomechanical terminology for non-physio addressees

Stop using gait-analysis labels, end-range terminology, or movement-pattern codes without context for a GP or specialist outside physiotherapy. Expand on first use. Mapped criterion: Genre & Style.

Select findings linked to the referral or discharge question

Stop listing every assessment finding from each session. Include only findings that justify the referral, discharge plan, or ongoing recommendation. Mapped criterion: Conciseness & Clarity.

Frequently Asked Questions

What OET score do physiotherapists need for the HCPC? +

Grade B (350) in each of the four OET sub-tests is accepted by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). Check the HCPC's current English language requirements page for its exact minimum in each sub-test and for its rules on combining sittings.

Which other regulators accept OET for physiotherapists? +

OET is accepted for physiotherapy registration by AHPRA (Australia, via the Physiotherapy Board), PBNZ (New Zealand), CORU (Ireland), and the College of Physiotherapists in Canadian provinces. Grade B (350) across the four sub-tests is accepted by all of them. AHPRA's minimum for Writing is Grade C+ (300), with Listening, Reading and Speaking at Grade B, and AHPRA accepts results from two sittings within 12 months if the minimums are met in each sitting.

What letter type do physiotherapists write in OET Writing? +

Physiotherapists most often write a transfer or discharge letter to a community physiotherapy service or GP, or a referral letter to a specialist (orthopaedics, rheumatology, pain clinic). Case notes commonly include functional assessment, range of motion, gait analysis, and intervention plan.

Why do physiotherapists lose marks in OET Writing? +

Two patterns dominate. First, recounting each treatment session chronologically rather than summarising outcomes (Organisation & Layout). Second, biomechanical and movement-specific terminology used without context for GPs or specialists outside physiotherapy (Genre & Style).

Is physiotherapy-specific case-note practice essential? +

Yes. Functional assessment, range-of-motion documentation, and discharge planning have profession-specific conventions distinct from medical or nursing letters. Profession-aware correction ensures feedback covers movement-specific terminology and outcome-led structure.

Related guides

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The Six OET Writing Criteria

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Band B vs C: Physiotherapist Referral

See a physio referral letter at Grade B and Grade C side by side.

OET Writing for Physiotherapists

In-depth guide to physio letter scenarios and pitfalls.

HCPC OET English Requirements

The exact OET grades the HCPC accepts for physiotherapists.

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