The Short Answer
Overseas-trained doctors must meet the Medical Board of Australia's current English language skills registration standard unless they qualify for an exemption. Accepted options include IELTS Academic, OET, PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT, and Cambridge.
Accepted Tests and Minimum Scores
| Test | Minimum Score |
|---|---|
| IELTS Academic | Overall 7.0, with at least 7.0 in Listening, Reading, and Speaking, and 6.5 in Writing |
| OET | Minimum B in each component |
| PTE Academic | Minimum 65 in each communicative skill |
| TOEFL iBT | Accepted, but current section score requirements should be checked directly with the Medical Board |
| Cambridge | Accepted under the current standard, subject to the Medical Board's published score requirements |
The current standard is more flexible than many older summaries. Always check the Medical Board's latest English language skills registration standard before relying on an older score-combination rule.
Exemptions
Doctors who completed their primary medical qualification in a country where English is the primary language (e.g., UK, Ireland, USA, Canada, NZ, Australia) may be exempt from the English language test requirement. Some other exemptions also apply. See our full English requirements page for details.
Tips
- OET is designed for healthcare professionals and many doctors find it more relevant to their practice.
- Consider taking a practice test early to identify which test suits you best.
- Budget for potentially needing more than one sitting.