What OET score do physiotherapists need for the HCPC?+
The Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) accepts OET for physiotherapists with a total score of at least 1400 across the four sub-tests and no sub-test below 300. Check the HCPC's current English language requirements page before booking, including 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) and CORU (Ireland). Each sets its own scores. The Canadian Alliance of Physiotherapy Regulators does not list OET among its accepted tests. 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. PBNZ requires 350 in Reading, Listening and Speaking and 300 in Writing, and accepts two sittings within six months if all four sub-tests were sat both times and nothing is below 300. CORU requires Grade B (350) in three sub-tests and at least C+ (300) in one, and accepts at most two sittings within six months, with no sub-test below Grade C.
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.
What is OET for a physiotherapist?+
OET for a physiotherapist is the Writing, Reading, Listening, and Speaking test accepted for physiotherapy registration by HCPC (UK), AHPRA (Australia), PBNZ (New Zealand), and CORU (Ireland). Each regulator sets its own required scores. The Writing sub-test uses physiotherapy-specific case notes covering functional assessment, range of motion, gait analysis, and discharge or referral letters.
What is OET physiotherapy?+
OET physiotherapy refers to the Occupational English Test route used by internationally trained physiotherapists to meet English-language requirements for regulators such as HCPC (UK), AHPRA (Australia), PBNZ (New Zealand), and CORU (Ireland). The Writing sub-test uses physiotherapy case notes covering functional assessment, range of motion, gait analysis, and discharge or referral letters.
What is the OET exam for physiotherapists like?+
The OET exam for physiotherapists tests Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. The Writing sub-test uses physiotherapy-specific case notes — functional assessment, range of motion, gait analysis — and asks for a referral or discharge letter. OET is accepted for physiotherapy registration by HCPC (UK), AHPRA (Australia), PBNZ (New Zealand), and CORU (Ireland), each with its own required score.
