Stridr › Nursing pathway › OET for Nurses
Careers Advancement ProgramOET for Nurses
Occupational English Test preparation for internationally qualified registered nurses. Ten weeks online, taught entirely in clinical context, coached to the grade the NMBA requires in all four sub-tests. This is step four of the seven step registration pathway.
At a glance
- Delivery
- Online
- Duration
- 10 weeks
- Study load
- Approx. 6 hours per week
- Level
- Non-award, 1 unit
- Intakes
- Monthly
- Course fee
- AUD $750
- Platform access
- 12 months
The English test built for healthcare
The Occupational English Test assesses English in a healthcare setting rather than an academic one. It is the test most internationally qualified nurses choose, because the listening extracts are consultations, the writing task is a referral letter, and the speaking role plays are patient interactions.
The pass mark is set by the NMBA, not by the OET. The NMBA English language skills registration standard specifies the grade required in each sub-test, together with the concession that applies to the writing sub-test and the conditions under which results from two sittings may be combined. Every candidate seeking registration meets the English standard, whether they are Stream A or Stream B.
Verify the standard before you book a test date
The NMBA English standard was revised in 2025. The writing concession and the score combining window have both changed since first publication, so confirm the current requirement on the AHPRA website. Results are valid for two years from the test date, and they must still be valid while your application is being assessed, not only on the day you lodge it.
Other accepted tests
- IELTS Academic. Accepted at the band scores set in the standard. Choose it only if you have recent IELTS momentum, since the vocabulary is academic rather than clinical.
- PTE Academic. Accepted at the overall and communicative skill scores set in the standard, with a faster results turnaround.
- Education pathway exemption. You may not need a test at all if your secondary and tertiary education was conducted in English in a recognised country. We check this before we enrol you.
Coached to the grade, not just taught the test
Clinical English, not academic English
Every task is set in a nursing context: handovers, patient consultations, referral letters and case notes, so the vocabulary you practise is the vocabulary you are tested on.
All four sub-tests
Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking taught in balance, with your weekly focus set by where your diagnostic result says the marks actually are.
Marked writing every week
One referral letter each week returned with criterion-level feedback against the OET assessment bands, which is where most candidates lose the grade.
Recorded role plays
Speaking practice recorded and reviewed for clinician relationship, empathy signalling, and gathering and giving information.
Nurse educators and OET-trained tutors
Taught by tutors who know both the test and Australian clinical practice, so feedback is credible on language and on content.
A readiness gate before you book
We recommend a test date only when a full timed mock predicts the required grade in all four sub-tests. Resits are expensive and slow your pathway.
In the program
- Full timed diagnostic sitting in week one, with a sub-test profile
- Two live online workshops each week, one productive skills and one receptive skills
- Recorded lectures and system-wise slides for every sub-test
- Weekly marked referral letter with criterion-level feedback
- Weekly recorded speaking role play with tutor review
- Progress mocks at week four and week eight, plus a final full mock
- Question and task bank with model answers
- 12 month platform access from enrolment
- One free repeat cycle of live workshops and marking
Across the four sub-tests
Weekly cycle
One receptive skills workshop and one productive skills workshop, then a marked referral letter and a recorded role play. Live sessions are recorded, so shift workers are not disadvantaged.
Step four of the registration pathway
The English standard applies to every candidate, Stream A and Stream B. Meeting it early protects the rest of your timeline, because your results expire two years from the test date.
Complete the AHPRA Self-check
A free online check that determines whether your qualification is substantially equivalent to an Australian approved program, and therefore whether you sit the examinations at all.
AHPRA decidesSubmit your IQNM application and documents
Identity, qualifications, transcripts, registration history and certificates of good standing from every jurisdiction, plus recency of practice evidence.
Stridr supports youComplete the AHPRA orientation
An online orientation to the Australian health system, the NMBA standards and the codes of conduct that apply to your practice here.
AHPRA deliversMeet the English language requirement
Achieve the standard set by the NMBA. Most internationally qualified nurses choose the OET, because the vocabulary is clinical rather than academic.
Stridr prepares youPass the NCLEX-RN, OBA Part 1
The cognitive stage of the Outcomes-Based Assessment, delivered by the NCSBN through Pearson VUE test centres. You need an AHPRA referral before you can be scheduled.
Stridr prepares youPass the OSCE, OBA Part 2
The behavioural stage, ten timed clinical stations examined by AHPRA in Adelaide or Melbourne. You cannot book the OSCE until the NCLEX-RN is passed.
Stridr prepares youApply for registration with the NMBA
Lodge your registration application. The Board decides. Registration is your legal authority to practise as a nurse in Australia.
NMBA decidesNext in the pathway
Stream B candidates continue to NCLEX for RNs for OBA Part 1, then OSCE for RNs for OBA Part 2. Taking all three as the Nursing Registration Pathway package adds ANMAC skills assessment support and career support at no extra charge.
Course fee and third-party costs
| Paid to | Item | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Stridr | OET for Nurses, 10 weeks online, 1 unit | AUD $750 |
| Stridr | International student admin fee, where applicable | AUD $250 |
| OET | Test fee, per sitting | Set by OET |
| OET | Single sub-test resit, where eligible | Set by OET |
The course fee covers the preparation program only. You book and pay the OET directly. OET fees are set by a third party and current at the time of writing. The course fee shown is indicative and subject to confirmation.
Three steps to a confirmed place
Choose your program
Select the single course you need, or the full nursing registration pathway package.
Apply and pay online
Complete the Stridr application form and pay through the secure gateway to confirm your place.
Get ready to start
Receive your confirmation and orientation pack ahead of your intake, with an adviser assigned to your pathway.
Frequently asked
What grade do I need?
The grade is set by the NMBA English language skills registration standard, not by us or by the OET. The standard specifies the grade required in each sub-test, the concession that applies to writing, and the conditions for combining two sittings. Confirm the current requirement on the AHPRA website before you book.
Should I sit the OET before or after the Self-check?
Do the Self-check first. It is free and it tells you whether you are Stream A or Stream B, which changes how much preparation you need overall. English is required either way, so this course is useful in both streams.
Can I resit only the sub-test I missed?
The OET allows single sub-test resits, and the NMBA permits combining results from two sittings under conditions set in the standard. Both have timing limits. Bring us your score report and we will map the shortest legitimate route to the required grade.
Is the OET test fee included in the course fee?
No. You book and pay the OET directly. We publish course fees separately from test fees so you can see exactly what you are buying from us.
What if I do not reach the required grade in ten weeks?
You receive one free repeat cycle of the live workshops and marking. We do not guarantee a grade, because no provider honestly can, but we do not charge you twice for the same coaching.
Can I take this course while working night shifts?
Yes. Live workshops are recorded and the task bank is asynchronous, with 12 month platform access from enrolment.
Do I need this course if I studied in English?
Possibly not. The standard includes an education pathway exemption for candidates whose secondary and tertiary education was conducted in English in a recognised country. We check your eligibility before enrolling you.
Start with a free level check
A short diagnostic tells us your current sub-test profile and whether ten weeks is realistic for you. No cost, and no obligation to enrol.
Enrol now