Which professions register with the HCPC?

The HCPC regulates physiotherapists, occupational therapists, radiographers, speech and language therapists, dietitians, podiatrists, paramedics, clinical scientists, biomedical scientists, prosthetists/orthotists, arts therapists, hearing aid dispensers, operating department practitioners, orthoptists, and practitioner psychologists in the UK.

Can I combine OET scores for HCPC?

Yes, across two sittings taken within a six-month window. Each retaken sub-test must reach Grade B; sub-tests you keep from the earlier sitting must be at least Grade C+ (300).

Does the HCPC accept IELTS instead of OET?

Yes. IELTS Academic 7.0 overall with at least 6.5 in each component is accepted. Most allied health applicants choose OET because the clinical content is more familiar.

Are there exemptions for the HCPC English requirement?

Applicants who completed their qualifying programme in English in a majority-English-speaking country, or have recent professional practice in such a country, may apply for exemption. The HCPC reviews these case-by-case.

UK Allied Health Pathway · Last updated: 18 May 2026

HCPC OET English Requirements in 2026

The Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) regulates 15 allied health professions in the UK — physiotherapists, occupational therapists, radiographers, paramedics, dietitians, podiatrists, speech and language therapists and more. This guide covers the exact OET score required, score combining across two sittings, who qualifies for exemption, and the most efficient path to Grade B in writing.

View Correction Packages How to reach Grade B

Allied health professional preparing OET writing for HCPC registration

Key takeaways

Required score: Grade B (350) in each of the four OET sub-tests.
Professions covered: 15 allied health roles including physio, OT, radiography, paramedics and dietetics.
Score combining: Allowed across two sittings within a 6-month window. Kept sub-tests need at least Grade C+ (300).
IELTS alternative: 7.0 overall with at least 6.5 in each component.
Validity: 2 years from test date at application submission.

The Required Scores at a Glance

The HCPC publishes its English language requirements on its official website. The thresholds below reflect 2026 policy.

Sub-test

Minimum (single sitting)

Minimum (combined sittings)

Listening

Grade B (350)

Grade C+ (300) ≥ in earlier sitting

Reading

Grade B (350)

Grade C+ (300) ≥ in earlier sitting

Writing

Grade B (350)

Grade C+ (300) ≥ in earlier sitting

Speaking

Grade B (350)

Grade C+ (300) ≥ in earlier sitting

Why Writing Trips Up Allied Health Applicants

In over 11,000 letters I have personally marked as lead corrector at WCS, allied health professionals fail OET Writing for a profession-specific reason: documentation training teaches them structured assessment formats (SOAP, problem-oriented notes, outcome-measure sheets) that transfer poorly to letter genre. The clinical English is strong; the letter format is unfamiliar.

The shorthand habit

AROM, PROM, MMT, BD, TDS, abbreviated outcome scores — all documentation register. OET letter prose requires expansion to full clinical English. This single change reliably moves Genre & Style scores up a band.

Letter genre is teachable

Profession-specific letter conventions can be learned in three to five professionally corrected letters. Volume practice without expert feedback usually plateaus.

The most efficient HCPC pathway

1. Sit OET once aiming for Grade B in all four sub-tests.
2. If Writing falls short — get three letters professionally corrected for your specific allied health discipline.
3. Sit OET again within six months. Retake Writing only. Combine scores.
4. Submit to HCPC within two years of your earlier sitting.

See correction packages

Profession-Specific Guides

OET for Physiotherapists

Profession-specific guidance for physios preparing for HCPC registration.

OET for Occupational Therapists

OT-specific letter conventions and the discharge letter pattern that scores Grade B.

OET for Radiographers

Reporting style and referral letter format for diagnostic and therapeutic radiographers.

OET for Dietitians

Advice letter format for dietitians preparing for HCPC registration.

OET for Podiatrists

Referral letter conventions for podiatrists.

OET for Speech and Language Therapists

Profession-specific letter pattern for SLTs.

HCPC OET Frequently Asked Questions

What OET score does the HCPC require?

Grade B (350) in all four sub-tests: Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking.

Which professions does the HCPC regulate?

15 allied health professions including physiotherapy, occupational therapy, radiography, paramedicine, dietetics, podiatry, speech and language therapy, and clinical science.

Can I combine OET scores across two sittings?

Yes — within a six-month window, with at least Grade C+ (300) in the kept sub-tests from the earlier sitting.

Does the HCPC accept IELTS?

Yes — IELTS Academic 7.0 overall with at least 6.5 in each component.

How recent must my OET score be?

Within two years of HCPC application submission.

Are there exemptions?

Applicants whose qualifying programme was in English in a majority-English-speaking country, or with recent practice in one, may apply for exemption.