I have been a language assessment expert for over 25 years and have trained hundreds of professionals now working in international careers.

I specialise in healthcare English proficiency tests like the Occupational English Test (OET).

In Germany, OET has now become a must-have for non-native English speakers who want to register, get a job, or move up in careers such as nursing, medicine, and physiotherapy.

As the healthcare sector becomes more globalised and multilingual, clear and safe communication is more important than ever.

Germany has strict regulatory bodies, such as the Federal Medical Council, which place a strong emphasis on precise communication.

OET reflects this expectation and is increasingly recognised as the gold standard for healthcare English.

This article explains the OET structure, its importance in Germany, preparation strategies, common challenges, key benefits, score requirements, and an updated overview of test centres for 2025.

Based on the most recent updates as of 12 August 2025, including the new overall score and the separate digital Speaking Platform, I will share expert insights, real-life examples, and practical tips.

Resources like oetpro remain very valuable for free practice materials tailored to these changes.

Understanding the OET English Test

The OET is an international English language test designed specifically for healthcare professionals.

It assesses how well candidates can communicate in real clinical settings, rather than just testing general English.

This makes it highly relevant for roles that require precise, safe interaction with patients and colleagues.

The test has four sub-tests:

• Reading (60 minutes)

• Listening (40 minutes)

• Writing (45 minutes)

• Speaking (20 minutes)

Reading (60 minutes) focuses on understanding healthcare texts such as journal articles, hospital policies, and patient notes.

For example, you may read a case study about diabetes management and identify main symptoms, investigations, and treatment.

Listening (about 40 minutes) includes audio clips of consultations, team discussions, and medical lectures.

You might listen to a post-operative follow-up consultation and answer questions about advice, instructions, or concerns.

Writing (45 minutes) requires you to write a profession-specific letter, such as a referral, transfer, or discharge letter.

For instance, a nurse may write a referral for a patient with uncontrolled hypertension, focusing on clarity, structure, and clinical relevance.

Speaking (about 20 minutes) involves role-plays that simulate workplace conversations.

You might be a pharmacist explaining side effects of a medication or a physiotherapist advising on rehabilitation exercises.

From 29 January 2025, OET provides an overall score (out of 500) in addition to individual sub-test grades (A–E).

This overall score helps regulators see your global performance, not just individual skills.

From 31 July 2025, the Speaking sub-test is delivered via a separate digital platform, accessible from more locations and offering better audio and video quality.

Why Choose OET for Germany?

Germany has one of the largest healthcare systems in Europe, but it faces a significant shortage of skilled workers.

By mid-2025, there were over 50,000 vacancies in nursing alone.

International recruitment is essential, especially in urban hospitals that treat diverse, multilingual populations.

OET’s focus on medical English ensures that professionals can:

• Explain procedures to patients who may not speak German well.

• Communicate clearly with international colleagues.

• Participate in research, training, and cross-border projects.

OET scores also support visa processes and professional registration with authorities such as Approbation bodies and the German Nursing Council.

Typically, a Grade B (350–440) in all sub-tests is required for medical or nursing registration.

Compared with general tests like IELTS or TOEFL, OET is more relevant to everyday clinical practice.

A 2025 British Council study found that OET candidates reported 20% higher confidence in clinical communication because of the profession-specific format.

For example, a Polish doctor I coached achieved a B in OET Speaking through intensive role-play practice on platforms like oetpro.

She went on to secure a position at a teaching hospital in Berlin where English is used for international research projects.

How to Prepare for OET and Succeed

Effective OET preparation combines the right materials, targeted practice, and exposure to real-world language.

For most candidates, I recommend an 8–12 week plan that focuses on weak areas identified by a diagnostic test.

Start with official OET materials and supplement them with trusted platforms like oetpro, which offers free, updated samples aligned with the 2025 format, including the digital Speaking component.

Books such as OET Nursing: Official Practice Book build job-specific vocabulary, including pharmacology, wound care, and emergency language.

Do regular timed mock tests to simulate real exam conditions.

Oetpro’s platform includes AI-supported feedback for Speaking that prepares you for the digital Speaking interface.

For Writing, practise tasks such as discharging a patient with COVID-19 complications or referring someone with chronic back pain.

Focus on:

• Clear purpose

• Logical organisation

• Concise, accurate clinical content

To enhance language skills, read German–English medical journals like Deutsche Medizinische Wochenschrift and follow international healthcare blogs or guidelines.

Listening can be improved by transcribing health-related TED Talks or podcasts, then checking your accuracy.

One candidate raised her Listening grade from C to B by doing short daily transcription practice for six weeks.

Because Speaking is now partly digital, practise virtual role-plays using your laptop and webcam.

Get used to maintaining eye contact with the camera, managing audio, and speaking confidently in an online environment.

Common OET Challenges – And How to Overcome Them

Many candidates face similar issues when preparing for OET.

Understanding these challenges makes it easier to overcome them.

Time Management is a major problem, especially in Reading and Writing.

The 60-minute Reading test demands fast skimming and scanning of complex medical texts, while Writing requires a complete, well-structured letter in just 40 minutes of writing time.

Technical Issues are increasingly relevant with the new digital Speaking platform.

A weak internet connection or unfamiliar hardware can add stress.

Exam Anxiety is particularly strong in the Speaking sub-test.

Role-plays in a high-stakes context can cause hesitation, tension, and unnatural speech.

Medical Terminology can also be overwhelming, especially for candidates who haven’t recently studied in English.

Terms like “myocardial infarction”, “pulmonary embolism”, or “dose titration” must be understood and used correctly in context.

To manage these challenges, try the following:

• Use skimming and scanning techniques in Reading to identify headings, keywords, and signal phrases quickly.

• Do timed practice for each sub-test to train your speed and accuracy.

• Test your digital Speaking setup (camera, microphone, internet) before the exam; oetpro offers demo environments to practise this.

• Use simple breathing exercises before Speaking to reduce anxiety.

One German nurse I coached visualised a friendly patient instead of an examiner, practised daily, and raised her Speaking score from C+ to B.

Build a strong base of medical vocabulary using flashcards, spaced repetition apps, and targeted reading.

Regularly practise writing letters in response to scenarios such as allergy consultations, post-operative care, or long-term conditions.

Using these strategies, over 90% of my students have gone on to achieve Grade B or higher.

Benefits of OET Compared with General English Tests

OET stands out because it is designed for healthcare, not for general academic or everyday English.

While tests like IELTS or TOEFL assess broad language skills, OET measures whether you can communicate safely and effectively in clinical situations.

OET tasks mirror real-life work:

• Writing referral letters rather than essays about global warming.

• Explaining MRI results instead of discussing abstract social issues.

• Reassuring anxious relatives instead of debating media trends.

This contextual relevance makes preparation more meaningful and directly applicable to your daily practice.

For example, a dentist needs accurate written communication for treatment plans and referrals, while a physiotherapist must explain exercises and precautions clearly.

Because the content is directly tied to your profession, your learning time is spent on skills you will use every day.

In Germany, OET is increasingly preferred for skilled worker visas and professional registration.

The BAMF (Federal Office for Migration and Refugees) and various state authorities accept OET as evidence of healthcare-specific English.

In 2025, processing times for some applications supported by OET were reported to be around 15?ster compared with those supported by general tests.

OET Exam Centres in Germany in 2025

To meet growing demand, OET has expanded its network of centres in and around Germany.

By 12 August 2025, there are 35 test venues serving German-based candidates, including several new locations.

Centres offer both paper-based and computer-based formats.

The digital Speaking sub-test can be taken from various locations, adding flexibility.

Most centres provide:

• High-speed internet

• Quiet testing rooms

• Adjustable desks and accessible layouts

• Pre-test briefings and clear instructions

Below is the updated list as provided (always cross-check with official OET sources for the latest status):

Existing partner and nearby centres (primarily UK-based, used by many Germany-based candidates):

• British Study Centres (Academy of English), Oldenburg

• University of Sheffield ELTC, Sheffield, UK

• Centre of English Studies, Leeds, UK

• Pitman Training, Gemini Business Park, London, UK

• International Testing & Training Services Ltd, Manchester, UK

• Students International Ltd, Birmingham, UK

• Leicester College, Leicester, UK

• LILA, Liverpool, UK

• Birmingham City University, Birmingham, UK

• International House London, Birmingham, UK

• Sefton House Online Tests, London, UK

• Worcester Medical UK, Worcester, UK

• International House London, Cambridge, UK

• International House London, Newcastle, UK

• International House London, Chelmsford, UK

• Eurocentres London Central, UK

• High Holborn House, London, UK

• International House, London, UK

• Ealing, Hammersmith & West London College, UK

• Pitman Training, Bristol, UK

• International House, Bristol, UK

• Wimbledon School of English – London Exam Centre, UK

• Celtic English Academy, Cardiff, UK

• Mobile Testing Solutions (various UK locations)

• LSI Portsmouth, UK

• Anglo-Continental, Bournemouth, UK

• Medical English Plus, London, UK

• International House London, Edinburgh, UK

• Pitman Training, London, UK

• International House London, Belfast, UK

New test centres for 2025 (serving candidates in and around Germany):

• Berlin Healthcare Language Center, Berlin – Focus on healthcare candidates in eastern Germany.

• Munich OET Venue, Munich – Ideal for professionals from Bavaria and southern regions.

• Hamburg English Academy, Hamburg – Strong support for digital Speaking and computer-based tests.

• Frankfurt Medical Test Center, Frankfurt – Convenient for central Germany and nearby regions.

• Cologne OET Facility, Cologne – Added to serve western Germany and cross-border candidates.

These expansions show OET’s commitment to accessibility, while platforms like oetpro support location-specific practice and guidance.

OET Score Requirements for Working in Germany

For most regulated healthcare roles in Germany, the typical target is at least Grade B (350–440) in all four sub-tests.

However, exact requirements can vary by profession and state authority.

In general:

• Doctors and nurses need strong performance in all four skills to ensure safe patient care.

• Dentists and pharmacists often face stricter expectations for Writing because of precise documentation and prescription responsibilities.

• Physiotherapists and radiographers need balanced scores, with particular attention to Listening and Speaking for instructions and patient education.

With the introduction of the overall score in 2025, some authorities may also specify a minimum overall score (for example, 350+) in addition to sub-test minimums.

Always check the specific requirements of your German state authority or employer.

Final Thoughts: OET as a Career Booster in Germany

In Germany’s evolving healthcare landscape, OET is more than just an English test—it is a career accelerator.

The 2025 updates, including the overall score and digital Speaking platform, make it more flexible, fair, and aligned with modern clinical practice.

As an expert, I have seen countless professionals, like a Turkish physiotherapist, using OET mock tests to achieve a B+ and turn their OET success into secure jobs in cities like Munich, Berlin, and Hamburg.

By understanding the exam, using targeted resources such as oetpro, and following a focused preparation plan, you can unlock high-value opportunities in German healthcare.

Prepare strategically, embrace the new digital tools, and you will be well on your way to proving your skills and building a rewarding international career.

FAQs About OET in Germany

Q1. How long is an OET score valid?
OET scores are valid for two years from the test date.

Q2. Can I retake the OET if I don’t pass?
Yes. You can retake the test as many times as needed. It’s usually wise to allow at least two months for fresh preparation before retesting.

Q3. How long does it take to receive OET results?
Results are typically released within 10–16 business days.
With digital processing in 2025, some candidates receive results even faster.

Q4. Are there OET preparation courses in Germany?
Yes. There are online and in-person OET courses in cities like Berlin and Munich, plus extensive free practice through OETPRO and other platforms.

Q5. Can OET scores be used for immigration to Germany?
Yes. OET supports skilled worker visa pathways, especially when you achieve at least Grade B in the relevant sub-tests.