OET REQUIREMENTS · NEW ZEALAND
OET requirements for NCNZ (New Zealand nursing): what score you need
The Nursing Council of New Zealand regulates nurses in New Zealand and sets the English language evidence internationally qualified nurses must provide.
OET is an accepted test. The required grade and the rules around it are the Council's to set, so confirm the current position before booking.
THE OET REQUIREMENT
NCNZ has commonly required grade B, a numeric score of 350, in each of the four subtests. Check the current minimum on the NCNZ website before you book.
WORTH CONFIRMING
Rules on combining sittings and on how recent results must be are set by NCNZ and change, so confirm the current detail directly.
LAST REVIEWED 6 JULY 2026
PREPARE FOR THE GRADE
Whatever the exact figure, Writing and Speaking are the subtests most candidates lose marks on. WardPass marks practice letters and role plays in seconds against the published OET criteria, and tracks a readiness estimate per subtest toward the 350 line, so you know whether you are on track before you sit the test.
Independent preparation service. Not affiliated with, or endorsed by, OET or Cambridge Boxhill Language Assessment. This page is general guidance, not official advice; regulator requirements change, so always confirm the current rule with the regulator before booking or applying.