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For US federal healthcare certification (HRSA / CGFNS TruMerit VisaScreen), Registered Nurses and bachelor’s-level healthcare professionals need a 4-skill MET Overall score of 58 and a Speaking score of 59 (taken in person at an authorized test center). Because MET Speaking gives 0 seconds of preparation time across 5 tasks, daily timed recording practice is critical.
CGFNS (TruMerit) VisaScreen & HRSA MET score requirements
The Michigan English Test (MET) is officially recognized by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HRSA) and CGFNS International (now operating as TruMerit) for VisaScreen® certification, as well as by numerous U.S. State Boards of Nursing (including Michigan, Florida, Texas, Illinois, New York pathways, and NCSBN-aligned states).
Under the updated HRSA English proficiency standards, bachelor’s-level healthcare professions (including Registered Nurses / RNs, physical therapists, and occupational therapists) require a minimum MET Overall score of 58 and a minimum Speaking score of 59. Associate-level healthcare roles and certain individual state nursing boards continue to reference the 55 Overall / 55 Speaking benchmark—always verify both your state board and VisaScreen thresholds.
| Credential / Pathway | Minimum Overall Score | Minimum Speaking Score | CEFR Level & Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| CGFNS / TruMerit VisaScreen (RN & Bachelor’s level) | 58 (0–80 scale) | 59 (0–80 scale) | Mid-to-high B2 · Must be taken at an authorized test center |
| State Boards of Nursing (Standard RN benchmark) | 55–58 | 55–59 | B2 · Varies by state board; check if you also need VisaScreen |
| Compare: IELTS Academic for VisaScreen | 6.5 Overall | 7.0 Speaking | Many nurses switch to MET because IELTS 7.0 Speaking is a common bottleneck |
Why international nurses in the Philippines, India, Latin America & Asia choose MET over IELTS
- Upper-B2 Speaking target (59) vs. C1 IELTS Speaking (7.0): On the MET 0–80 scale, C1 starts at 64. A Speaking requirement of 59 sits firmly inside the B2 band (53–63), whereas IELTS Speaking 7.0 requires C1-level performance.
- 100% multiple-choice Listening and Reading: No spelling traps in Listening fill-in-the-blank items and no True/False/Not Given ambiguity—every Listening and Reading question has 4 options (A, B, C, D).
- Practical, workplace-friendly Writing & Speaking prompts: No academic chart/diagram essays. Writing Task 1 asks three short everyday questions, and Task 2 is a straightforward opinion essay.
How to score 59+ in MET Speaking (the 5-task, zero-prep-time format)
The biggest surprise for first-time MET nursing candidates is that the computer starts recording immediately after each prompt finishes—there is no 15-second or 60-second preparation timer. You complete 5 tasks in about 10 minutes: Tasks 1–3 built around a single picture (60s each) and Tasks 4–5 covering a personal experience and a persuasion role-play (90s each).
Tasks 1–3: Picture sequence (60s × 3)
Task 1: Describe the setting, key people, and actions in present continuous. Task 2: Connect the scene to a personal memory using past tenses. Task 3: Give a clear opinion on the broader theme with two reasons.
Explore this resource →Tasks 4–5: Experience & Persuasion (90s × 2)
Task 4: Explain a situation or multi-part prompt with a structured 90-second arc. Task 5: Address the listener directly (“Hi Dr. Patel…”), acknowledge their preference, and give two practical reasons to accept your recommendation.
Explore this resource →Questions, answered
Does CGFNS / TruMerit accept MET at Home for VisaScreen?
For HRSA / VisaScreen certification, the 4-skill MET must be taken in person at an authorized Michigan Language Assessment test center. Always confirm current delivery rules with TruMerit (CGFNS) and your target state board before booking.
If I score 62 in Listening, 60 in Reading, 56 in Writing, and 59 in Speaking, do I pass CGFNS?
Yes. The MET Overall score is the average of the four section scores: (62 + 60 + 56 + 59) ÷ 4 = 59.25 (reported as 59), which meets the ≥58 Overall threshold, and your Speaking score of 59 meets the ≥59 Speaking requirement.
Official sources
Source pages checked on 19 October 2026. Check the current official guidance before booking or applying.