Choosing the right English proficiency test is very important for healthcare professionals who want to work or study in English-speaking countries. The Occupational English Test (OET) and the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) are two of the most well-known tests. Their differences often create confusion among test-takers who wonder: Is the OET more difficult than the IELTS?

As of August 2025, updates in test formats and scoring have changed the test-taking experience for many. Based on the latest insights and candidate feedback, this article compares OET and IELTS in terms of structure, difficulty, and suitability for healthcare workers.

If you want to be a nurse, doctor, physiotherapist, dentist, or pharmacist, understanding these differences can help you choose the best test for your career. Let’s explore each test in detail.

A Complete Comparison of OET and IELTS

Both OET and IELTS assess listening, reading, writing, and speaking skills. However, their goals and target audiences make them very different.

The Occupational English Test (OET)

OET is designed specifically for 12 healthcare professions, including medicine, nursing, physiotherapy, pharmacy, dentistry, radiography, and more. It uses real clinical scenarios such as writing referral letters, explaining diagnoses, and communicating with patients.

By 2025, OET became even more accessible with expanded computer-based and remote testing options, matching global trends in digital healthcare.

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS)

IELTS is a general English test used by students, workers, and immigrants. It includes:

• IELTS Academic – for university and professional registration

• IELTS General Training – for immigration and non-academic work

Unlike OET, it is not profession-specific and covers general topics like environment, society, technology, or education.

In 2025, IELTS improved its digital test interface but kept its overall structure the same.

Important Differences Between OET and IELTS

Purpose:
OET focuses on healthcare communication. IELTS covers everyday and academic English.

Content:
OET uses medical cases. IELTS uses broad topics.

Recognition:
Healthcare regulators like NMC (UK) and AHPRA (Australia) prefer OET.
IELTS is widely accepted for immigration and education.

Preparation:
OET requires medical vocabulary. IELTS needs general vocabulary and grammar.

Updated Test Format Comparison (2025)

Listening Test

OET Listening (40 minutes):
Includes consultations, workplace briefings, and medical presentations.
Updated audio in 2025 includes realistic hospital sounds for more accurate simulation.

IELTS Listening (30–40 minutes):
Four sections with everyday and academic discussions.
Newer versions feature a wider range of global English accents.

Reading Test

OET Reading (60 minutes):
Three parts including rapid reading of clinical notes and long professional healthcare articles.
2025 updates include more digital-friendly texts like electronic records.

IELTS Reading (60 minutes):
Three sections. Academic IELTS uses complex articles; General Training uses simpler texts.
Questions include matching, fill-in-the-blank, and True/False/Not Given.

Writing Test

OET Writing (45 minutes):
One profession-specific letter (e.g., referral, transfer, discharge).
Needs clarity, accuracy, and correct medical language.
2025 updates added telehealth scenarios.

IELTS Writing (60 minutes):
Task 1: chart/graph (Academic) or formal/informal letter (General)
Task 2: essay on a general topic.

OET writing is often seen as the most challenging due to time pressure and accuracy requirements.

Speaking Test

OET Speaking (20 minutes):
Two healthcare role-plays. Candidates act as a healthcare provider speaking to a patient or caregiver.
2025 updates include culturally diverse role-plays.

IELTS Speaking (11–14 minutes):
Personal interview, cue card speech, and discussion of abstract topics.

OET feels easier for candidates with clinical experience, while IELTS suits those comfortable with everyday topics.

Updated Scoring Systems (2025)

OET Scoring

Each sub-test is scored from 0–500 and converted into grades A–E:

• A (450–500) – Excellent

• B (350–440) – Good, accepted for most registrations

• C+ (300–340) – Moderate

• C, D, E – Below required standard

In 2025, OET introduced an overall combined numerical score to help employers assess candidates more easily.

IELTS Scoring

IELTS uses a band score of 0–9:

• 9 – Expert user

• 8 – Very good

• 7 – Good (often required for immigration or university)

• 6 or below – Limited proficiency

IELTS scoring focuses on grammar, vocabulary, fluency, and coherence.

Which Test Is Actually Harder?

Based on 2025 test-taker feedback:

OET feels easier for healthcare professionals because:

• It uses medical language familiar to them.

• They deal with similar scenarios at work.

• Speaking role-plays feel natural.

A nurse said:
“Writing referral letters in OET felt like my daily routine.”

IELTS feels easier for candidates with strong general English because:

• No healthcare knowledge is required.

• Topics are broad and less technical.

• Writing essays may feel more natural for fluent speakers.

A student preparing for Canada said:
“IELTS Academic was hard, but I didn’t have to learn medical terminology.”

Preparation Time Comparison

• OET: 2–3 months of focused study for healthcare workers

• IELTS: 2–4 months depending on general English strength

OET’s focused content gives healthcare professionals an advantage.

OET vs IELTS: Pass Rate Trends (2025)

• OET Pass Rate: ~75% for healthcare workers

• IELTS Pass Rate: ~65% for the same group

This shows many healthcare professionals perform better when test content matches their profession.

How to Choose the Right Test (2025 Guide)

Choose OET if:

• You work in healthcare

• You are applying for NMC UK, AHPRA Australia, GMC UK, or similar regulators

• You are comfortable with medical English

• You prefer practical, profession-based tasks

Choose IELTS if:

• You need a test for immigration (Canada, UK, Australia)

• You want flexibility for university + work + PR

• Your general English is stronger than your medical English

Practical Considerations in 2025

Cost:
Both tests are similar in price globally. Availability depends on the country.

Availability:
OET expanded test centers, remote testing, and computer-based formats in 2025.
IELTS remains widely available worldwide.

Recognition:
Check your specific regulator or visa program for the required test.

How to Prepare Effectively (2025 Recommendations)

For OET:

• Practice medical vocabulary

• Do role-plays

• Write referral/discharge letters

• Use free practice tests from oetpro.com

For IELTS:

• Expand general vocabulary

• Practice essays and cue cards

• Listen to accents from different countries

• Take regular mock tests

General Tips:

• Study daily for 1–2 hours

• Take timed practice tests

• Join online study groups for motivation

Final Verdict: Is OET Harder Than IELTS in 2025?

It depends on who you are.

For healthcare professionals:
OET is usually easier, more practical, and more relevant.

For non-medical candidates or general English speakers:
IELTS may feel easier, since there is no medical vocabulary.

OET offers healthcare-specific tasks, while IELTS requires broader language skills.

With proper preparation especially using focused resources like oetpro.com both tests can be cleared with good scores.