The change will come into effect from 28 January 2020. OET results achieved during the previous two years that meet the new requirements will also be accepted.
This is a much-needed correction as for the last year, OET candidates have had to demonstrate a markedly higher level in the written paper than in the IELTS test – a C1 in the Common European Framework of Reference as opposed to a B2 in IELTS.
Despite this anomaly, most nurses wishing to register in the UK choose OET as it is a test of healthcare English, so much more suited to clinical practice than the academic focus of IELTS. This test is primarily taken by overseas candidates wishing to study at an English-speaking university.