What Is the OET?

The Occupational English Test (OET) is an English exam for healthcare professionals who want to work or study in countries such as Australia, the UK, Ireland, New Zealand, and others.
It tests your ability to communicate effectively in English in real healthcare situations.

The exam assesses Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking, making it especially useful for:

• Doctors

• Nurses

• Pharmacists

• Physiotherapists

• Other healthcare workers

Most regulatory bodies require at least Grade B (350–440 points), which is similar to IELTS 7.0–8.0.

How the OET Works

The OET has four main sub-tests, each focusing on a different skill.

1. Listening (?45 minutes)

Tests your ability to understand spoken English in healthcare settings.
Parts:

• Part A: Consultation extracts

• Part B: Short workplace extracts

• Part C: Presentations/interviews

2. Reading (60 minutes)

Tests your ability to understand healthcare-related written texts.
Parts:

• Part A: Quick reading (speed)

• Part B: Short texts

• Part C: Long, detailed texts

3. Writing (45 minutes)

You must write a professional letter (referral, discharge, or transfer) based on case notes.

4. Speaking (?20 minutes)

Two role-plays where you act as a healthcare professional interacting with a patient or carer.

OET Scoring Table

---

General OET Preparation Tips

1. Know the Test Format

• Understand timing, task types, and expectations.

• Use official practice materials from the OET website.

2. Check Your Current Level

• Take a mock test to identify weaknesses.

3. Make a Study Schedule

• Study regularly for a few weeks or months.

• Cover all four sub-tests each week.

4. Use Real OET Materials

• Sample tests

• Official OET books

• Online courses

5. Build Healthcare Vocabulary

Focus on:

• Symptoms

• Medications

• Clinical procedures

• Patient communication phrases

6. Join a Preparation Course

• Get expert guidance

• Receive structured feedback

7. Practice Time Management

• Use a timer for practice sessions

• Simulate real exam conditions

Strategies for Each Sub-Test

LISTENING SUB-TEST STRATEGIES

The Listening test has 42 questions divided into 3 parts.

Part A – Consultation Extracts

Format:
Two patient–professional conversations + 24 gap-fill questions.

Key Strategies:

• Skim questions and underline keywords (symptoms, history, treatment).

• Predict likely answers.

• Listen for synonyms (e.g., “swelling” ? “inflammation”).

• Keep answers short (1–3 words).

• Practice with medical podcasts and consultations.

• Write quickly and clearly.

Part B – Short Workplace Extracts

Format:
Six short audios + MCQs.

Key Strategies:

• Focus on the main purpose (inform, warn, instruct).

• Eliminate incorrect answer choices.

• Listen for key details (numbers, instructions, changes).

• Practice understanding different accents (UK, AUS, US).

• Don’t panic if you miss one—move on.

Part C – Presentations/Interviews

Format:
Two long audios + MCQs.

Key Strategies:

• Read the questions before the audio.

• Listen for structure and signposting (firstly, however, finally).

• Practice identifying paraphrasing.

• Take short, useful notes (names, statistics, terms).

• Build stamina with long medical lectures.

READING SUB-TEST STRATEGIES

The Reading test has 42 questions in 3 parts.

Part A – Quick Reading (15 minutes)

Format:
Four short texts + 20 questions.

Key Strategies:

• Skim headings and layout first.

• Start with matching questions.

• Use keywords to locate answers.

• Practice completing Part A in 12–13 minutes.

• Understand common medical documents (guidelines, drug labels).

• Check exact wording for gap-fill answers.

Part B – Short Texts

Format:
Six short texts + MCQs.

Key Strategies:

• Read the question first.

• Identify the main purpose of the text.

• Eliminate extreme or contradictory answers.

• Spend 2 minutes per text.

Part C – Long Texts

Format:
Two long texts + MCQs.

Key Strategies:

• Read headings and paragraph openings.

• Identify keywords in questions.

• Look for opinions vs. facts.

• Take notes on main themes.

• Improve your academic medical vocabulary.

WRITING SUB-TEST STRATEGIES

You must write an 180–200 word letter.

Structure of a Good OET Letter

• Introduction: Purpose + patient overview

• Body paragraph 1: History

• Body paragraph 2: Current condition

• Body paragraph 3: Action/requests

• Conclusion: Summary/closing

Key Strategies:

• Identify relevant case notes—ignore unnecessary details.

• Use formal, professional tone.

• Use correct medical terms.

• Allocate time:

  • 5 mins reading

  • 35 mins writing

  • 5 mins checking

• Practice different letter types.

• Check grammar, spelling, clarity.

• Avoid contractions (cannot, will not).

SPEAKING SUB-TEST STRATEGIES

Two role-plays testing clinical communication.

Preparation (3 minutes)

• Understand the scenario.

• Identify your goals (explain, reassure, gather details).

• Plan key points.

During the Role-Play

• Use simple, clear language.

• Explain medical terms in plain words.

• Show empathy (“I understand your concern”).

• Ask checking questions (“Is this clear?”).

• Keep explanations short and structured.

• Practice recording yourself.

Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them

---

Extra Tips for Success

• Take full-length mock tests.

• Use vocabulary flashcards (Anki).

• Get feedback from a tutor.

• Sleep well before the exam.

• Review weak areas weekly.

• Use grammar tools to improve writing.

Summary Points

• OET has four sub-tests assessing English in healthcare settings.

• Time management and format knowledge are essential.

• Practice with real healthcare materials.

• Avoid common mistakes in each sub-test.

• Consistent practice helps achieve Grade B or higher.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What is the OET for?
To assess the English skills of healthcare workers.

Q2. Who can take the OET?
Doctors, nurses, pharmacists, physiotherapists, etc.

Q3. What is the passing score?
Grade B (350–440) in each sub-test.

Q4. Duration of each sub-test?

• Listening: ~45 mins

• Reading: 60 mins

• Writing: 45 mins

• Speaking: ~20 mins

Q5. Best study materials?
Official OET books, practice tests, OET Preparation Portal.

Q6. How to improve Listening?
Use medical podcasts and learn synonyms.

Q7. How to study Reading Part A?
Practice skimming with a timer.

Q8. Tips for Writing?
Use formal tone, correct structure, and relevant case notes.

Q9. Tips for Speaking?
Role-play often, speak clearly, and show empathy.

Q10. Should I join a preparation course?
Highly recommended for expert feedback.