I’ve been coaching healthcare professionals for English language proficiency tests like OET, IELTS, and CELPIP for over 20 years. Over this time, I’ve seen how these tests have evolved to meet the needs of global healthcare.

Regulators in Australia, the UK, New Zealand, Ireland, and Singapore have long recognised the Occupational English Test (OET) as the best way to assess communication skills in medical settings. The OET@Home version, introduced during the pandemic, revolutionised accessibility by letting professionals take the test from home without compromising integrity.

By August 2025, OET@Home continues to perform strongly thanks to key updates. For instance, an overall score was added on January 29, speeding up result delivery to as fast as five days in places like India for paper-based tests. Additionally, a new Speaking Platform launched for bookings after July 31, using AI to simulate interactions more accurately.

Based on my work with thousands of nurses, doctors, and pharmacists, I’ll explain what OET@Home is, bust common myths, and give practical tips. Platforms like OETPro remain useful for personalised preparation because they offer interactive mock tests similar to the @Home setup.

Getting to Know the OET@Home Test

OET@Home is a remote-proctored version of the OET. It allows healthcare professionals in 12 fields such as nursing, medicine, dentistry, and physiotherapy—to demonstrate their English proficiency from the comfort of home.

The structure remains the same, including Listening (40 minutes), Reading (60 minutes), Writing (45 minutes), and Speaking (20 minutes), all focused on healthcare contexts. Updates for 2025 have improved reliability. For example, the Speaking sub-test now uses a separate platform with enhanced video quality and AI-driven prompts to assess interpersonal skills fairly.

These updates solve previous connectivity issues, making @Home even more robust. For example, a Filipino nurse I coached in 2024 passed her OET@Home test on her first attempt from Manila and received her UK registration without traveling.

It’s important to note: OET@Home is not easier than the centre-based test. Writing and Speaking are still graded by humans, and the test standards remain unchanged.

Benefits of OET@Home

OET@Home offers numerous advantages, especially in a post-pandemic world where flexibility is key.

Convenience: Candidates can schedule tests around their shifts, rather than adhering to fixed centre slots. Midweek options in 2025 reduce disruptions for busy professionals.

Cost Savings: Avoid travel, accommodation, and time off work. An Indian doctor I coached saved over $500 by testing at home and used it for prep courses.

Reduced Stress: Taking the test in a familiar setting lowers anxiety. OET 2025 reports show @Home candidates experienced a 15% drop in stress.

Accessibility: Professionals with mobility or family constraints benefit greatly. A physiotherapist in rural Australia passed without traveling 300 kilometers to a centre.

Inclusivity: The test accommodates all accents and backgrounds, provided candidates prepare well. OETPro’s virtual simulations help recreate the @Home experience.

Requirements for OET@Home

Technical and environmental readiness is required. For 2025, you need:

• A computer (Windows 10+ or macOS 11+) with at least 8GB RAM

• A webcam (720p minimum) and microphone

• A stable internet connection (5 Mbps up/down; wired preferred)

• A quiet, well-lit room with no distractions

System checks must be completed 48 hours before the test. For example, a Pakistani pharmacist I mentored initially failed due to unstable internet but passed after upgrading to fibre and using OETPro diagnostics.

Candidates needing disability accommodations must request them in advance with proof. Rules are strict failure to comply can lead to disqualification.

Getting Ready for OET@Home

Preparation is key. Combine official materials with realistic drills:

• Official Resources: OET sample tests, guides, and overall score breakdowns help achieve B grades (350–440).

• Mock Tests: Use OETPro’s @Home simulations with timed role-plays aligned to the new Speaking Platform.

• Listening & Reading: Practice with medical podcasts, journals, and skimming techniques.

• Writing: Focus on short letters and case notes, reviewing and getting feedback.

• Speaking: Practice empathy in role-plays; record and reflect on your performance.

Two to three months of preparation is ideal, though intensive four-week plans with daily practice can also work. Track progress using OETPro analytics to address gaps, such as vocabulary in medical contexts.

How to Sign Up

Registration is straightforward:

1. Create an account on the official OET website.

2. Choose “@Home” as your delivery option.

3. Select dates (2025 has more openings and midweek slots).

4. Pay (AUD 587, unchanged) and follow tech setup guides.

All bookings after July 2025 use the new Speaking Platform. Trial experiences show 24/7 support is helpful for example, a Singaporean dentist quickly resolved a payment issue. Book early, as popular dates fill fast.

How to Pass OET@Home

Success requires strategy:

• Time Management: Skim Reading Part A in 15 minutes; outline Writing answers first.

• Vocabulary: Use flashcards for terms like “palliative care” or “contraindications.”

• Speaking: Role-play aloud; AI-driven prompts reward natural flow, not scripts. Record and self-review.

• Proctoring Tips: Test your setup multiple times, keep your space clean, and stay calm. Deep breathing helps.

For example, a radiographer client stayed relaxed during a short internet drop by practising full mock tests on OETPro.

Common Misunderstandings

• “It’s easier at home.” False. Standards and grading are the same.

• “Technical issues ruin scores.” Rare, thanks to pre-checks (only 2?fected).

• “Results take too long.” The 2025 updates now deliver results in 10–12 days.

OET@Home is now more candidate-friendly than ever, with faster results, AI-enhanced Speaking, and global accessibility. Using tools like OETPro for practice ensures you are well-prepared to move forward in your career.