OET Exam Venues in Canada for Medical Professionals

Canada continues to strengthen its healthcare workforce, and the demand for internationally trained nurses and doctors remains high. As part of the pathway to licensing, many healthcare regulators now recognise the Occupational English Test (OET) as a valid and profession-focused English assessment. With this growing acceptance, the availability of OET test venues across Canada has steadily expanded, giving candidates more convenience and flexibility when booking their exam.

This updated guide highlights all current OET test locations in Canada, along with essential information OET aspirants must know before scheduling their exam.

Why OET Is Increasingly Preferred in Canada

Healthcare authorities in Canada increasingly recommend OET because it evaluates real clinical communication skills rather than general English.

Recent developments include:

The Medical Council of Canada (MCC) recommending OET as a strong preparation tool for IMGs, helping them strengthen clinical English skills that directly impact patient care.
Canadian pathways for IMGs now encouraging OET as part of communication readiness, especially for those entering clinical assessments or licensing stages.
Growing adoption among healthcare employers who recognise OET as a direct indicator of safe and effective workplace communication.

For many doctors, nurses, and allied health professionals, OET has become the preferred test due to its clinical relevance and task based format.

OET Test Venues in Canada (Updated List)

OET is available in major Canadian cities through authorised test centres offering both OET on Computer and OET on Paper (availability varies by month). Since centres frequently update their schedules, candidates should always check the official OET booking portal for real time availability.

Below is the updated list of Canadian OET venues:

1. Toronto, Ontario

Toronto is one of the busiest OET hubs in Canada, hosting both nurses and doctors throughout the year.
Multiple authorised computer-based centres operate here and typically offer frequent monthly exam dates.

Commonly available:

OET on Computer sessions
Profession clinics for last minute preparation (check availability on portal)

2. Vancouver, British Columbia

Vancouver is another key testing city, especially popular among international nurses and IMGs settling in the west coast.

Available options may include:

Computer based test centres
Selected paper based sessions when scheduled

3. Calgary, Alberta

Calgary continues to expand its OET availability as more healthcare professionals move through Alberta’s licensing pathways.

Candidates usually find:

Regular OET on Computer sessions
Professional support venues around exam zones

4. Edmonton, Alberta

Edmonton offers a convenient alternative for candidates in northern Alberta.
Dates may vary month to month, so early booking is recommended.

5. Winnipeg, Manitoba

Winnipeg hosts authorised OET test centres with limited but consistent schedules.
It is a suitable option for candidates across central Canada.

6. Ottawa, Ontario

Ottawa provides OET on Computer sessions through selected authorised venues.
Sessions here are often fully booked in advance due to regional demand.

7. Montreal, Quebec

Montreal offers test sessions for candidates who prefer a French English bilingual environment.
OET is conducted entirely in English, but Montreal remains a popular exam city for many healthcare aspirants.

Important Note on Scheduling

Test centres may adjust their availability based on:

Monthly candidate demand
Location specific scheduling
Venue capacity
Computer based vs paper based session allocation

Candidates should always confirm the latest availability directly on the OET official booking portal, as schedules can change at any time.

Guidance for Healthcare Professionals Taking OET in Canada

For International Medical Graduates (IMGs)

Recent guidance from the Medical Council of highlights OET as a valuable tool to help IMGs develop clinical communication skills needed for safe practice.
IMGs preparing for licensing, clinical assessments, or return to practice programs often choose OET due to:

Profession specific tasks
Realistic case based scenarios
Strong alignment with clinical communication expectations in Canada

This makes the exam particularly suitable for doctors progressing through MCC pathways.

For Nurses and Other Healthcare Professionals

With Canada’s provincial nursing bodies placing significant emphasis on communication readiness, many internationally trained nurses prefer OET as it evaluates:

Handovers
Clinical documentation
Patient interactions
Real workplace communication tasks

OET’s relevance to nursing practice makes it a reliable test for those transitioning into Canadian healthcare roles.

Final Tips for Booking Your OET in Canada

Book early, especially in cities like Toronto and Vancouver where demand is high.
Check your identification requirements before test day.
Select the test mode (computer or paper) that best suits your comfort level.
Review official OET preparation materials to ensure familiarity with test structure.
Stay updated with your regulatory body’s latest English language requirements.

Conclusion

Canada’s OET test centre network continues to grow, making it easier than ever for nurses, doctors, and healthcare aspirants to take the exam locally. With increasing recognition by Canadian healthcare regulators and the MCC’s strong emphasis on communication readiness, OET remains the preferred pathway for many professionals preparing to practise in Canada.

For personalised guidance, preparation support, and exam strategies, EduBenchmark continues to help healthcare aspirants achieve their OET goals with confidence.