For International SLTs / Speech Pathologists·Last updated: 10 October 2026

OET for Speech Pathologists — HCPC & Speech Pathology Australia Pathway

Internationally trained speech pathologists and speech & language therapists can register with HCPC (UK) or be assessed by Speech Pathology Australia on the OET scores each body sets. The HCPC requires a total of at least 1800 across the four sub-tests, with no sub-test below 400. Check Speech Pathology Australia's current overseas assessment guide for its OET scores. The Writing sub-test asks for prose communication of swallow and communication findings.

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Quick answer

For internationally trained speech pathologists, OET is accepted for HCPC (UK, registered as Speech and Language Therapist) and Speech Pathology Australia (Australia) assessment. The HCPC sets a total of at least 1800 across the four sub-tests, with no sub-test below 400. Check Speech Pathology Australia's current overseas assessment guide for its OET scores. The Writing sub-test tests your ability to communicate dysphagia and communication findings to a non-specialist addressee in 250 words of prose. Most marks are lost on Genre & Style: uncontextualised IDDSI codes and dysphagia classifications.

Key takeaways for speech pathologists

Grades: HCPC: total of at least 1800 across the four sub-tests, none below 400. Speech Pathology Australia: check its current overseas assessment guide.
Most common letter type: Assessment / referral letter covering dysphagia or communication findings.
Top criterion lost: Genre & Style — uncontextualised dysphagia / communication terminology.
Validity: 2 years from test date.

Required OET Scores by Regulator

Regulator

Country

Required (Writing)

Combine?

HCPC

United Kingdom

Total 1800, no sub-test below 400

Check HCPC

Speech Pathology Australia

Australia

Check with Speech Pathology Australia

Check with the regulator

NZSTA

New Zealand

OET not named; IELTS Academic 7 in all four modules

n/a

CORU

Ireland

400 in three sub-tests, 350 in one

Yes — two sittings in 6 months, none below C

The Two Letter Types Speech Pathologists Write Most

1. Assessment / referral letter

Sent to a GP, MDT, or specialist communicating dysphagia or communication assessment findings and recommending intervention or onward referral.

Marking watch-out: Genre & Style — translate IDDSI levels and dysphagia classifications for non-specialist readers.

2. Transfer / discharge letter

Sent to a community speech pathology service or another setting for ongoing intervention. Addressee is typically another speech pathologist or MDT.

Marking watch-out: Organisation — outcome-first handover, with intervention plan logically structured.

The Three Mistakes That Cost Speech Pathologists Their Grade

Translate dysphagia and communication terminology

Stop using IDDSI codes, dysphagia subtypes, or aphasia classifications without context for non-specialist addressees. Expand on first use. Mapped criterion: Genre & Style.

Write intervention recommendations as prose, not lists

Stop listing recommendations as bullet points. Rewrite as connected sentences. Mapped criterion: Conciseness & Clarity.

Lead with assessment outcome and recommendation

Stop opening with assessment chronology. State the outcome and recommendation in the first sentence. Mapped criterion: Purpose.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which regulators accept OET for speech pathologists?+

The UK HCPC (where the profession is registered as 'Speech and Language Therapist') and Speech Pathology Australia both accept OET. The HCPC sets a total score of at least 1800 across the four sub-tests, with no sub-test below 400. Speech Pathology Australia assesses overseas-qualified speech pathologists in Australia and sets its own English requirement, so check Speech Pathology Australia's current overseas assessment guide for its OET scores.

What letter type do speech pathologists write in OET?+

Speech pathologists typically write a referral or assessment letter (recommending dysphagia management, communication support, or further specialist input) or a transfer letter for ongoing therapy. Case notes commonly include swallow assessment outcomes, IDDSI levels, communication functional status, and intervention plans.

Why do speech pathologists lose marks in OET Writing?+

Two patterns recur. First, addressee mismatch — using IDDSI codes, dysphagia subtypes, or aphasia classifications without context for a non-specialist addressee (Genre & Style). Second, over-listing intervention recommendations rather than structuring as prose (Conciseness & Clarity).

Is profession-specific practice essential for speech pathology?+

Yes. Swallow assessments, dysphagia diet textures, and communication intervention planning have profession-specific conventions that generic medical case notes won't prepare you for. Profession-aware correction ensures feedback covers these areas accurately.

Related guides

All 12 OET Professions

Profession-specific guidance for nursing, medicine, pharmacy and more.

The Six OET Writing Criteria

What examiners look for, criterion by criterion.

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