For International Podiatrists · Last updated: 19 September 2026

OET for Podiatrists — HCPC & AHPRA Pathway

Internationally trained podiatrists can register with UK HCPC or Australian AHPRA on Grade B across all four OET sub-tests; AHPRA accepts Grade C+ in Writing. The Writing sub-test rewards selective communication of podiatric findings to a non-podiatrist addressee.

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Quick answer

For internationally trained podiatrists, Grade B (350) in each of the four OET sub-tests is accepted for HCPC (UK) and AHPRA (Australia) registration. AHPRA's minimum for Writing is Grade C+ (300); Listening, Reading and Speaking stay at Grade B. The Writing sub-test tests your ability to refer diabetic foot, vascular, and biomechanical cases to a non-podiatrist addressee — usually a GP, vascular surgeon, or orthopaedic team. Most marks are lost on Genre & Style: podiatric terminology used without context.

Key takeaways for podiatrists

Grades: Grade B (350) in all four sub-tests is accepted by HCPC and AHPRA; AHPRA's Writing minimum is C+ (300) since 18 March 2025.
Most common letter type: Vascular or orthopaedic referral; diabetic foot escalation.
Top criterion lost: Genre & Style — uncontextualised podiatric terminology.
Validity: 2 years from test date.

Required OET Scores by Regulator

Regulator

Country

Required (Writing)

Combine?

HCPC

United Kingdom

B (350)

Yes

AHPRA

Australia

C+ (300)

Yes, 12 months

PBNZ

New Zealand

B (350)

Yes

CORU

Ireland

B (350)

Yes

The Two Letter Types Podiatrists Write Most

1. Vascular / orthopaedic referral

Sent to a vascular surgeon (ischaemic foot, claudication), orthopaedic team (structural deformity, post-trauma) or diabetic foot clinic. Tests urgency framing and selective findings.

Marking watch-out: Purpose — urgency must lead, especially in ischaemic or infected diabetic foot cases.

2. Transfer letter

Communication to another podiatry service for ongoing management — e.g. from acute hospital podiatry to community service after discharge.

Marking watch-out: Organisation — logical handover order: history → current status → ongoing plan.

The Three Mistakes That Cost Podiatrists Their Grade

Translate podiatric terms for non-podiatrist addressees

Stop using Wagner grades, neuropathic ulcer classifications, or biomechanical shorthand without context for a GP or vascular team. Expand on first use. Mapped criterion: Genre & Style.

Use clear urgency language on diabetic foot referrals

Stop hedging escalation with 'I would be grateful if you could review' when an ischaemic or infected diabetic foot needs urgent vascular input. Use 'urgent review required'. Mapped criterion: Purpose.

Select findings that drive the referral

Stop listing every neurovascular and biomechanical finding from the assessment. Include only findings that justify the referral question. Mapped criterion: Conciseness & Clarity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which regulators accept OET for podiatrists? +

The UK HCPC and Australian AHPRA both accept OET for podiatry registration. Grade B (350) in all four sub-tests is accepted by both regulators. 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 podiatrists write in OET? +

Podiatrists most often write referral letters to vascular surgeons, orthopaedic teams, or diabetic foot clinics — or a transfer letter for a patient moving between podiatry services. Diabetic foot urgency framing matters: vascular and ulcer cases need clear escalation language.

Why do podiatrists lose marks in OET Writing? +

The most common loss is in Genre & Style — assuming the addressee knows podiatric terminology (Wagner grade, neuropathic ulcer classification, biomechanical findings). The second is hedging diabetic foot urgency when escalation is clinically warranted.

Is podiatry-specific case-note practice essential? +

Yes. Generic medical case notes won't prepare you for diabetic foot, neurovascular assessment, ulcer staging, or biomechanical referral conventions. Profession-specific practice is essential because the Conciseness & Clarity criterion depends on knowing what counts as relevant for podiatry-specific addressees.

Related guides

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The Six OET Writing Criteria

What examiners look for, criterion by criterion.

Podiatrist Referral Sample Letter

A worked vascular referral letter from a podiatrist.

Send a podiatry letter for correction

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