If you are a nurse planning to register in the UK, one of the first questions you may ask is:
How much is the OET exam in the UK?
The short answer is: the full OET test currently costs AU$587, which is around ÂŁ310 in the UK, depending on exchange rates and bank charges. The fee is paid when you book through the official OET booking system. Leicester College, an OET test centre in the UK, also lists the test fee as AU$587, approximately ÂŁ310.
But the exam fee is not the only cost you should plan for.
You may also need to budget for preparation, travel, mock tests, resits, or course support especially if you are taking OET as part of your UK NMC registration journey.
At Medax, many nurses prepare for OET alongside CBT, OSCE and NMC registration planning. This guide explains the real costs clearly so you can avoid surprises.
How Much Is the OET Exam Fee in the UK?
The official OET fee for the full test is currently:
| OET Test Option | Fee |
|---|---|
| Full OET test — Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking | AU$587 |
| Approximate UK cost | Around ÂŁ310 |
| Payment time | At the time of booking |
| Currency note | Final GBP amount may change because of exchange rate and card provider fees |
The full OET test includes all four sub-tests:
- Listening
- Reading
- Writing
- Speaking
For nurses applying to the UK NMC, you normally need to complete the OET Nursing version and meet the NMC’s required scores.
What OET Score Do Nurses Need for UK NMC Registration?
For UK NMC registration, nurses need:
| OET Sub-Test | NMC Requirement |
|---|---|
| Listening | Grade B / 350 or above |
| Reading | Grade B / 350 or above |
| Speaking | Grade B / 350 or above |
| Writing | Grade C+ / 300 or above |
The NMC accepts OET on Paper, OET on Computer and OET@Home. Applicants should choose the Nursing version of the OET test.
This matters because many nurses think they need Grade B in all four parts. For UK NMC registration, writing is different: the minimum accepted writing score is currently C+ / 300 or above.
Can You Book Only One OET Sub-Test?
Yes, OET also provides individual sub-test pricing. According to OET’s support information, the current individual sub-test fees are:
| Option | Fee |
|---|---|
| 1 sub-test | AU$315 |
| 2 sub-tests | AU$415 |
| 3 sub-tests | AU$515 |
| Full test, 4 sub-tests | AU$587 |
However, nurses should be careful.
Even if OET allows individual sub-test booking, your regulator’s score-combining rules matter. The NMC allows scores to be combined across two OET sittings only if the required score conditions are met.
Before booking only one sub-test, check whether your previous scores can still be used for NMC registration.
What Is Included in the OET Exam Fee?
The OET test fee usually covers:
- Test booking
- All four sub-tests if you book the full test
- Access to your result through your OET account
- Digital result verification
- Basic official preparation support from OET
Some UK test centres also mention that the OET fee includes access to online preparation materials, practice tests, masterclasses and daily language tips.
Still, this does not replace proper preparation. Many nurses need extra support for writing and speaking because these two areas are where candidates often lose marks.
Extra Costs Nurses Should Budget For
The OET exam fee is only one part of your total budget.
Here are the real costs nurses should plan for:
| Cost Area | What to Expect |
|---|---|
| OET exam fee | Around ÂŁ310, depending on exchange rate |
| OET preparation course | Depends on course provider and support level |
| Travel to test centre | Train, bus, fuel, taxi or hotel if needed |
| Mock tests | Useful before booking the real exam |
| Resit cost | Needed if you do not achieve the required score |
| Cancellation or change fee | May apply if you change plans late |
| NMC pathway costs | CBT, OSCE, registration and document costs later |
A smart budget is not just “Can I pay for the exam?”
It is “Can I prepare well enough to avoid paying twice?”
How Much Is OET Preparation with Medax?
Medax offers OET training for nurses and healthcare professionals with structured teaching, mock exams and personalised feedback. The Medax OET page explains that the course focuses on healthcare-specific content, writing structure, role-play communication, mock tests and flexible online or in-person support.
Medax also offers an OET Comprehensive Course listed at ÂŁ199.99, with a 6-week live online preparation structure, OET booklet, live classes, mock tests, exam booking assistance and tutor support.
Suggested internal link:
Add link on anchor text OET Comprehensive Course to the Medax OET Comprehensive page.
Is OET Expensive Compared to IELTS?
OET is usually more expensive than IELTS. But many nurses still choose OET because the test is healthcare-specific.
The writing task is usually a healthcare letter, not an academic essay.
The speaking task uses healthcare role-play, not general discussion topics.
The reading and listening tasks are based on medical and clinical situations.
That makes OET easier to relate to for many nurses.
However, “easier to relate to” does not mean “easy to pass.”
You still need to understand the marking criteria, manage your time, and write or speak in a safe professional way.
Suggested internal link:
Add link on anchor text OET for Nurses: How to Score B to the previous Medax blog on scoring B in OET.
Should You Book OET Before Taking a Preparation Course?
If your English is already strong and you understand the OET format, you may be able to book first and prepare independently.
But many nurses should prepare before booking, especially if:
- You have never taken OET before
- You are unsure about writing structure
- You are nervous about speaking role-play
- You have failed IELTS or OET before
- You need NMC registration urgently
- You are working full-time and need a clear study plan
- You cannot afford repeated resits
The safest approach is to take a diagnostic test first.
That helps you know whether you are exam-ready or whether you need 4–6 weeks of focused preparation.
How Nurses Can Avoid Paying for OET Twice
Many candidates lose money because they book the exam too early.
To reduce the risk of resit costs, follow this checklist before booking:
1. Take a mock test first
Do not guess your level. A mock test shows your real performance.
2. Get writing feedback
OET writing is not only about grammar. You must select the right case notes, organise the letter, and write for the correct reader.
3. Practise speaking role-play
Speaking is marked on clinical communication. You need empathy, structure, reassurance and patient-friendly explanations.
4. Improve reading speed
Reading Part A is fast. If you cannot scan quickly, you may lose easy marks.
5. Fix repeated mistakes before the real test
Do not keep practising without feedback. Practising the same mistake many times makes it harder to correct later.
Example Budget for a Nurse Taking OET in the UK
Here is a simple example:
| Item | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| OET full test | Around ÂŁ310 |
| Medax OET Comprehensive Course | ÂŁ199.99 |
| Local travel | £20–£80 |
| Total estimated budget | Around £530–£590 |
This is only an example. Your final cost depends on your test location, travel, exchange rate, card fees and whether you need extra support.
But it gives you a realistic starting point.
When Should You Pay for the OET Exam?
Do not pay for the OET exam just because you feel motivated today.
Pay when you can confidently say:
- I understand all four sub-tests
- I have completed timed practice
- I know my weak areas
- My writing has been checked
- I have practised speaking role-play
- I know the NMC score requirement
- I am ready to sit the exam within the chosen test window
If you are not sure, get a readiness check first.
Suggested CTA:
Not sure if you are ready for OET? Speak with Medax and get a free OET preparation plan before booking your exam.
What Happens After Passing OET?
For many international nurses, OET is one part of the UK nursing pathway.
A common route is:
OET → CBT → NMC application → OSCE → NMC PIN → UK nursing career
After OET, you may also need CBT and OSCE preparation. Medax provides support for OET, CBT and OSCE as part of the UK nursing journey. The Medax homepage explains its pathway for internationally trained nurses, including CBT assessment, OSCE and OET training, and job placement support.
Final Answer: How Much Is the OET Exam in the UK?
The OET exam in the UK currently costs AU$587, which is approximately ÂŁ310, depending on the exchange rate and card provider charges. This covers the full test: listening, reading, writing and speaking.
If you only need to book selected sub-tests, OET lists separate fees for 1, 2 or 3 sub-tests, but nurses should check NMC combining rules before doing this.
The best way to protect your money is simple:
Do not book OET until you are ready.
Take a mock test, get feedback, fix your weak areas, and prepare with a clear plan.
Need Help Preparing for OET?
Medax supports nurses with OET preparation, mock tests, writing feedback, speaking practice and exam booking guidance.
If you are preparing for UK NMC registration and want to avoid costly resits, speak with the Medax team before booking your exam.
FAQs
How much is the OET exam in the UK?
The full OET exam currently costs AU$587, which is approximately ÂŁ310 in the UK, depending on exchange rate and payment provider charges.
Is the OET exam fee paid in pounds?
The official fee is listed in Australian dollars. If you pay from the UK, your bank or card provider may convert the amount into pounds and may charge a small foreign transaction fee.
What is included in the OET exam fee?
The full OET fee includes all four sub-tests: listening, reading, writing and speaking. Some test centres also mention access to official preparation materials and practice resources.
Can I retake only one OET sub-test?
OET lists individual prices for 1, 2 and 3 sub-tests. However, if you are using OET for UK NMC registration, check NMC score-combining rules before booking only one sub-test.
What OET score do nurses need for NMC registration?
The NMC requires at least Grade B / 350 in reading, listening and speaking, and at least Grade C+ / 300 in writing.
Is OET cheaper than IELTS?
Usually, OET is more expensive than IELTS. However, many nurses prefer OET because it is based on healthcare communication, including clinical writing and patient role-play.
Should I take OET or IELTS for UK nursing?
Both can be accepted by the NMC, but OET is often more relevant for nurses because it uses healthcare situations. If you are more comfortable with clinical English than academic essays, OET may suit you better.
