For International SLTs / Speech Pathologists · Last updated: 19 September 2026

OET for Speech Pathologists — HCPC & AHPRA Pathway

Internationally trained speech pathologists and speech & language therapists can register with HCPC (UK) or AHPRA (Australia) on Grade B across all four OET sub-tests; AHPRA accepts Grade C+ in Writing. The Writing sub-test asks for prose communication of swallow and communication findings.

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International speech pathologist preparing for OET Writing exam

Quick answer

For internationally trained speech pathologists, Grade B (350) in each of the four OET sub-tests is accepted for HCPC (UK, registered as Speech and Language Therapist) 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 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: 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: 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
B (350)
Yes
Speech Pathology Australia / AHPRA
Australia
C+ (300)
Yes, 12 months
NZSTA
New Zealand
B (350)
Yes
CORU
Ireland
B (350)
Yes

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

1

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.

2

Write intervention recommendations as prose, not lists

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

3

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 Australian AHPRA / Speech Pathology Australia both accept OET. 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 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

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The Six OET Writing Criteria

What examiners look for, criterion by criterion.

Send a speech pathology letter for correction

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