What Is the Required OET Score for Dubai?

Ready to explore your path to working in Dubai as a healthcare professional?
Whether you’re a nurse, doctor, or pharmacist, understanding the OET requirements is your passport to success!

Here’s a complete expert guide on the OET Score Required for Dubai and everything else you need to know about the OET exam—from the scoring system to the countries that accept it.

Introduction: What Is the OET?

The Occupational English Test (OET) is an internationally recognized English language proficiency exam specifically designed for healthcare professionals. Unlike general English tests such as IELTS or TOEFL, OET focuses entirely on the type of language and communication used in healthcare settings. It assesses four key skills:

• Listening

• Reading

• Writing

• Speaking

Each skill is tested with profession-specific scenarios. For example, a nurse will receive writing tasks relevant to nursing, while a dentist will tackle dental-based content.

OET Score Requirements for Dubai (UAE)

In the United Arab Emirates, especially Dubai, the OET is widely accepted by healthcare regulatory authorities, including:

• Dubai Health Authority (DHA)

• Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP)

• Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DOH, formerly HAAD)

Required OET Scores for Dubai

Profession	Required Score	Description
Nurses	B (350)	In all four sub-tests
Doctors	B (350)	In all four sub-tests
Dentists	B (350)	In all four sub-tests
Pharmacists	B (350)	In all four sub-tests
Physiotherapists	B (350)	In all four sub-tests
Radiographers	B (350)	In all four sub-tests

Note: The minimum accepted grade is B in each module (Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking). That corresponds to a score of 350 out of 500.

What Does a ‘B’ Grade in OET Mean?

OET grading is done on a scale of 0 to 500 in each sub-test. The band descriptions are:

Grade	Score Range	Description
A	450–500	Very high level of English proficiency
B	350–440	High-level, effective communication
C+	300–340	Moderate proficiency, not sufficient alone
C	200–290	Basic understanding
D	100–190	Limited understanding
E	0–90	Very limited understanding

For Dubai, the B grade (350+) is mandatory across all sub-tests.

Countries That Accept OET

OET is accepted by healthcare regulators, educational institutions, and professional bodies in multiple countries. Here’s a breakdown:

Countries That Accept OET for Healthcare Registration

Country	Professions Accepted	Regulators/Authorities
Australia	Doctors, Nurses, Dentists, etc.	AHPRA, NMBA, AMC, etc.
New Zealand	Nurses, Midwives, Doctors	MCNZ, NZNC
United Kingdom	Nurses, Doctors, Dentists	NMC, GMC, GDC
Ireland	Nurses, Midwives, Doctors	NMBI, Medical Council of Ireland
Singapore	Nurses, Dentists, Doctors	Singapore Nursing Board, Singapore Medical Council
UAE (Dubai)	All healthcare professionals	DHA, MOHAP, DOH
Qatar	All healthcare professionals	Qatar Council for Healthcare Practitioners (QCHP)
Saudi Arabia	Nurses, Doctors	Saudi Commission for Health Specialties (SCFHS)
Namibia	Nurses, Doctors	Health Professions Councils
Spain	Healthcare professionals	Various local authorities
Ukraine	Medical professionals	Relevant licensing bodies
Philippines	For study/employment	CHED-accredited institutions

OET Test Format Breakdown

Let’s look into what exactly the OET tests and how the sections are structured.

1. Listening (Approx. 45 minutes)

• Part A: Consultation extracts – two patient consultations (note-taking)

• Part B: Short workplace extracts – multiple-choice questions

• Part C: Presentation extracts – professional development talks

2. Reading (60 minutes)

• Part A: Expeditious reading – summary completion tasks

• Part B: Careful reading – understanding short workplace texts

• Part C: Deep reading – comprehension of longer texts

3. Writing (45 minutes)

• One profession-specific letter, often a referral or discharge letter based on case notes

4. Speaking (20 minutes)

• Two role-plays based on typical workplace scenarios. You take the role of a nurse, doctor, etc.

Why Is OET Preferred in Dubai?

Healthcare regulators in Dubai (like DHA and MOHAP) prefer OET over general English tests because:

• Healthcare-specific content

• Accurate assessment of clinical communication skills

• Context-based vocabulary aligned with real-world scenarios

• More relevant for patient-care conversations

How Often Is the OET Conducted?

• The OET is available multiple times a month in test centers around the world.

• There are both paper-based and computer-based options (including OET@Home).

Check official dates at: https://www.occupationalenglishtest.org/test-information/test-dates/

Where Can You Prepare for the OET in Dubai?

Dubai offers a number of reputable training centers that specialize in OET preparation for various healthcare professions.

Bright Future Training

If you’re looking for comprehensive, professional OET preparation in Dubai, Bright Future Training is an excellent option. Their dedicated OET Exam Preparation Course is designed to equip you with the skills and confidence to score a B or higher in all four modules. They offer:

• Profession-specific training for nurses, doctors, and other medical professionals

• Practice tests, mock exams, and one-on-one feedback

• Flexible schedules to accommodate working professionals

• Expert trainers with years of OET coaching experience

Visit their website to learn more and enroll.

Other Training Centers in Dubai

• British Council – Dubai

• IDP Education – Dubai

• Exeed College – Dubai

• Gulf Medical University – Ajman (near Dubai)

Be sure to check course availability, batch timings, and whether the center is officially listed on the OET preparation provider network.

OET Registration Process

Step-by-step guide

1. Create an account on the official OET website

2. Choose your profession and test format (Paper/Computer)

3. Select your preferred test center/date

4. Pay the fee (approx. AUD 587 / AED 1,450)

5. Receive a confirmation email and ID requirements

Register here: https://www.occupationalenglishtest.org/book-a-test/

OET Fees in Dubai

Component	Cost (Approx.)
Full OET Test	AED 1450
Re-sit (1 sub-test)	AED 450
Re-sit (2 sub-tests)	AED 650

Tips to Pass OET for Dubai

• Use official OET preparation materials

• Practice role-plays with a study partner

• Work on letter writing under timed conditions

• Listen to healthcare podcasts to improve listening

• Read case notes and referral documents to understand the structure

Consider enrolling in OET preparation courses from accredited training providers like Bright Future Training.

OET vs IELTS for Dubai – Which One to Choose?

Feature	OET	IELTS
Content Type	Healthcare-specific	General academic
Skills Tested	Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking	Same
Score Required	B (350) in each band	7.0 or above in Academic
Test Relevance	Directly aligned with job tasks	Broader focus

If you’re in healthcare, OET is usually preferred for Dubai licensing because it’s more practical and relevant.

Professions That Require OET in Dubai

The following healthcare professionals need OET for licensing:

• Nurses

• Doctors (GPs, specialists)

• Dentists

• Pharmacists

• Physiotherapists

• Radiologists

• Lab Technicians (some roles)

• Dietitians

• Optometrists

• Speech Therapists

Summary Checklist for Dubai Applicants

• Target Grade B (350) in all four skills

• Prepare using official OET materials

• Book a test in advance in Dubai-based centers

• Check with DHA, MOHAP, or DOH for the latest guidelines

• Consider OET coaching if needed

• Make use of the OET score clubbing if eligible

Common Questions About OET and Dubai

Can I combine scores from two OET sittings?

Yes, DHA and DOH accept clubbed OET scores, provided:

• Tests are taken within 6 months

• All modules must be above C+ (300) in both sittings

• Combined scores must show a B in all modules

Is OET easier than IELTS?

Many candidates find OET easier because the scenarios are familiar and profession-specific. If you’re a nurse writing a referral letter, that’s easier than writing an essay on climate change!

Is online OET accepted by DHA?

Yes, as of 2023–2025, OET on computer and OET@Home formats are accepted, as long as they are conducted through official platforms.

What is the Future of OET in Dubai and GCC?

With the increasing demand for qualified expats in the healthcare sector, more Gulf countries are adopting OET as the standard language proficiency test. Dubai continues to be a prime destination for healthcare workers, and OET is your golden ticket.

Final Thoughts

If you’re aiming for a healthcare career in Dubai, clearing the OET with a B grade (350+) in all modules is essential. Unlike general English exams, OET is healthcare-focused, making it more practical, relevant, and easier to relate to for medical professionals.

It’s not just about passing an English test; it’s about proving your ability to communicate effectively in real clinical settings. With the right preparation—especially through trusted providers like Bright Future Training—you’ll be better equipped to meet the score requirements and step confidently into Dubai’s thriving healthcare industry.

Prepare smart, aim high, and let OET open the door to your future in the UAE.