OET Exam Booking: The Occupational English Test (OET) is a specialized English proficiency exam for healthcare professionals aiming to work or study in English-speaking countries. Accepted in places like the UK, USA, Australia, and Canada, it tests Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking through real-world healthcare scenarios. Candidates can choose between Paper, Computer (at test center), or OET@Home formats. The exam costs AUD 587, and booking involves creating an account, selecting a test mode and profession, picking a date and venue, and completing payment. With proper preparation using official resources, candidates can achieve the required score to boost their international healthcare careers.

The Occupational English Test (OET) is a specialized English language proficiency exam designed for healthcare professionals seeking to work or study in English-speaking countries. Recognized by regulatory bodies in countries such as Australia, the UK, the USA, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, and Singapore, the OET assesses the language skills of professionals in 12 healthcare fields, including nursing, medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, and physiotherapy.

This article provides a comprehensive guide to the OET exam booking process, details costs, explains cost variations, and offers practical tips to achieve a better score. Understanding the OET Exam

The OET evaluates four language skills - listening, reading, writing, and speaking—through profession-specific tasks that mirror real-world healthcare scenarios. For example, a nurse might write a discharge letter, while a physiotherapist may engage in a role-play consultation.

The test is available in three modes: OET on Paper, OET on Computer (at a test venue), and OET@Home (a computer-based test taken remotely). Each mode assesses the same skills but differs in delivery and booking deadlines.

The OET is conducted 24 times a year across 120 locations in 40 countries, with test centers in major cities like Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, and Mumbai in India. Results are typically released within 10 to 17 business days and are valid for two years, though specific validity periods depend on the recognizing authority.

OET Exam Booking Process

Booking the OET exam is a straightforward process that requires careful attention to deadlines, test modes, and profession-specific requirements. Below is a step-by-step guide to booking the OET exam:

Step 1: Create an OET Account

1. Visit the Official OET Website: Go to oet.com and click the “Book a Test” option on the homepage.

2. Register an Account: Select “Create an Account” and provide a valid personal email address (avoid using university or workplace emails). Enter your full name, date of birth, gender, first language, and country of residence. The legal name must match the identification document (e.g., passport) you’ll present on test day.

3. Verify Your Email: You’ll receive a confirmation email after submitting your details. Click the link to verify your account and set a password.

Step 2: Select Your Test Mode and Profession

1. Choose a Test Mode: Decide between OET on Paper, OET on Computer (at a test venue), or OET@Home. OET@Home is not available in all countries, and OET on Computer is currently offered for professions like Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy, and Physiotherapy. Check the OET website for availability.

2. Select Your Profession: Choose one of the 12 healthcare professions (e.g., Nursing, Medicine, Dentistry). If your profession isn’t listed, consult the relevant regulatory body to select the closest match (e.g., sonographers may take the Radiography test).

3. Check Recognizing Authority Requirements: Confirm with your regulatory body (e.g., Nursing and Midwifery Council in the UK) whether they accept your chosen test mode and profession-specific test.

Step 3: Choose a Test Date and Venue

1. View Available Test Dates: Log in to your myoet profile and navigate to the “Apply for the Test” section. A calendar displays available test dates for the next few months. Test dates vary by location and mode.

2. Select a Venue: Choose a test center from the list of available locations. In India, centers are located in cities like New Delhi, Hyderabad, and Kolkata. For OET@Home, ensure a stable internet connection and a suitable testing environment.

3. Check Booking Deadlines: Bookings for OET on Paper close 24 days before the test date, while OET on Computer and OET@Home bookings close 7 days prior (11:59 PM UTC). Book early to secure your preferred slot.

Step 4: Complete Personal and Payment Details

1. Enter Personal Information: Provide details such as your date of birth, nationality, and identification document number. Upload a clear, recent passport-style photo that meets OET guidelines (available on the website).

2. Pay the Exam Fee: The standard OET exam fee is AUD 587 (approximately INR 32,206 in India, based on exchange rates as of 2025). You can pay the fee online using a credit or debit card. Ensure the card is in your name or authorized for use.

3. Review and Submit: Double-check your test date, mode, profession, and personal details. Accept the OET Terms and Conditions, Privacy Policy, and Test Regulations, then click “Proceed to Checkout” and “Pay Now.”

Step 5: Receive Confirmation

1. Booking Confirmation Email: After successful payment, you’ll receive a confirmation email with your test details, including the date, time, and venue (or OET@Home instructions).

2. Venue Details: For in-person tests, a second email from the test venue will arrive one week before the test, providing the address and timetable.

3. Prepare Your ID: Ensure your identification document (e.g., passport) is valid and matches the details provided during registration.

Step 6: Manage Your Booking

1. Rescheduling: You can reschedule your test date through your myoet account, but rescheduling fees (varying by country) apply. Check the OET website for details.

2. Cancellation: Cancel before the booking deadline for a refund (processed within 7–10 business days to the original card). No refunds are issued for no-shows or late cancellations.

3. Special Arrangements: Candidates with disabilities can request accommodations (e.g., extra time) during booking, provided they submit documentation meeting OET’s eligibility criteria.

OET Exam Costs

The OET exam fee is standardized across most test modes but varies slightly based on location, currency exchange rates, and additional services. Below is a breakdown of the costs:

Standard Exam Fee

• Cost: AUD 587 (approximately INR 32,206 in India, based on an exchange rate of 1 AUD = 54.86 INR as of 2025).

• Inclusions: Covers all four sub-tests (Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking), an online preparation package, practice tests, masterclasses, and daily language tips.

• Regional Variations: The fee is equivalent to approximately GBP 310 in the UK or USD 395 in the USA, depending on exchange rates. In Singapore, the fee may appear higher due to limited test center availability and local taxes.

Additional Costs

1. Individual Sub-Test Retakes: If you need to retake one or more sub-tests, the cost is AUD 200–300 per sub-test, plus an INR 388 online booking fee in India. Check with your recognizing authority, as some require all sub-tests to be taken in one sitting.

2. Rescheduling Fees: Vary by country and test center, typically ranging from AUD 50–100. In India, expect to pay around INR 2,700–5,500.

3. Remarking Fees: If your results are incorrect, request a re-mark for AUD 120 (INR 6,600) per sub-test in Australia or USD 95 (INR 7,900) in the USA. Remarks are only worthwhile if your score is close to the required grade boundary.

4. Additional Statement of Results: Ordering extra copies costs AUD 35 (INR 1,920) each, with additional postage fees.

5. OET Pulse: A 30-minute diagnostic test costs AUD 14.41 (INR 790) and provides personalized feedback on areas for improvement.

Cost Variations Across Countries

• India: The fee of INR 32,206 is relatively high compared to local income levels, but Propelld and similar services offer education loans to ease the financial burden.

• Singapore: Limited test centers and high demand may increase effective costs due to travel or accommodation expenses.

• UK and USA: Exchange rate fluctuations and local taxes can slightly alter the fee in GBP or USD. For example, the UK fee of GBP 310 includes VAT.

• Sanctioned Countries: Candidates in regions like Crimea cannot book directly and may incur additional costs through third-party arrangements.

Cost-Saving Tips

• Book Early: Avoid rescheduling fees by securing your preferred date well in advance.

• Check Refund Policies: Cancel before the deadline to recover the full fee if plans change.

• Verify Requirements: Confirm your recognition of the authority’s rules to avoid unnecessary retakes.

• Use Free Resources: Leverage OET’s free sample papers and masterclasses to reduce preparation costs.

Tips for Achieving a Better OET Score

Scoring well on the OET requires a combination of language proficiency, test familiarity, and strategic preparation. A “good” score is typically 350 or above (Grade B) in each sub-test, though requirements vary by profession and country. For example, nurses in the UK need a B in Listening, Reading, and Speaking and a C+ in Writing. Here are detailed tips to boost your performance:

General Preparation Strategies

1. Start Early: Begin preparation 4–6 weeks in advance, dedicating 1–2 hours daily. Assess your English level using OET Pulse (AUD 14.41) to identify weaknesses.

2. Understand the Test Format: Familiarize yourself with the structure of each sub-test:

• Listening (40 minutes, 42 questions): Three parts covering consultations, workplace dialogues, and presentations.

• Reading (60 minutes, 42 questions): Three parts testing comprehension of healthcare texts.

• Writing (45 minutes): Write a profession-specific letter (e.g., discharge or referral).

• Speaking (20 minutes): Two role-plays simulating patient or colleague interactions.

3. Use Official Resources: Use recommended materials like The Official Guide to OET or OET Ready – Online Course—access free sample tests on the OET website.

Sub-Test-Specific Tips

1. Listening:

• Practice active listening with healthcare-related podcasts or OET sample recordings.

• Focus on extracting key information during Part A (consultations) and understanding the gist in Parts B and C.

• Write answers while listening, as recordings are played only once.

2. Reading:

• Skim texts in Part A to locate specific information quickly.

• Practice summarizing complex healthcare articles to improve comprehension for Parts B and C.

• Manage time effectively, allocating 15 minutes for Part A and 45 minutes for Parts B and C.

3. Writing:

• Study sample letters for your profession to understand structure (e.g., introduction, patient history, recommendations).

• Practice writing clear, concise letters within 40 minutes, leaving 5 minutes for editing.

• Use formal language and avoid irrelevant details. Focus on clarity over perfection to aim for a C+ (300/500) for nurses.

4. Speaking:

• Practice role-plays with a partner, simulating patient consultations.

• Work on fluency, pronunciation, and empathy. To build rapport, use phrases like “I understand your concern.”

• Record yourself to identify areas for improvement, such as pausing or filler words.

Improving English Proficiency

1. Immerse Yourself: Watch medical dramas or read healthcare journals to build vocabulary.

2. Join Study Groups: Collaborate with other OET candidates to practice speaking and writing.

3. Seek Feedback: For professional guidance, enroll in an OET preparation course (e.g., at Leicester College or Wimbledon School of English).

4. Address Weaknesses: If your Writing score is low, practice letter-writing daily. If speaking is challenging, focus on fluency over accuracy initially.

Avoiding Common Mistakes

1. Don’t over-rely on Retakes. Repeated attempts without improving your English skills rarely yield better results. Focus on targeted practice.

2. Avoid General English Tests: Unlike IELTS, OET is profession-specific. Practice with healthcare scenarios, not academic texts.

3. Check Score Requirements: Some authorities (e.g., GMC in the UK) require all B grades in one sitting, while others (e.g., NMC) allow combining grades from two sittings within six months.

Recent Developments and Results

As of January 29, 2025, OET will introduce an overall score (sum of all sub-test scores) for candidates applying to the UK’s Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). 

This score, ranging from 0 to 2000, complements the existing 0–500 numerical and A–E letter grades per sub-test. Results are released online 10–17 business days after the test, with paper certificates mailed 7 days later. 

Candidates can check scores via their Myoet account and download a Statement of Results.

The OET is a critical step for healthcare professionals aiming to work in English-speaking countries. Booking the exam involves creating an OET account, selecting a test mode and profession, choosing a date and venue, and paying the AUD 587 fee. 

Costs may vary slightly due to exchange rates, retakes, or additional services like remarking (AUD 120 per sub-test). To achieve a high score (350+ per sub-test), candidates should start preparation early, use official resources, practice profession-specific tasks, and address weaknesses through targeted study. 

By following the booking process meticulously and preparing strategically, candidates can maximize their chances of success and advance their international healthcare careers.

Summary Points

1. OET is an English test for 12 healthcare professions that are accepted in countries such as the UK, the USA, and Australia.

2. Candidates can choose from Paper, Computer (at center), or OET@Home modes.

3. The exam costs AUD 587 (~INR 32,206), with extra charges for rescheduling or retakes.

4. Booking involves creating an account, selecting test mode/profession, choosing a date/venue, and paying the fee.

5. To score 350+ (Grade B), candidates should prepare early using official OET materials and practice profession-specific tasks.

FAQS

Q1. What is the complete form of OET?
The Occupational English Test.

Q2. Who needs to take the OET?
Healthcare professionals planning to work or study in English-speaking countries.

Q3. What are the test modes available?
OET on Paper, OET on Computer (at a venue), and OET@Home (remote).

Q4. How much does the OET exam cost?
AUD 587 (approx. INR 32,206 in India).

Q5. How often is the test conducted?
Up to 24 times a year at 120+ locations globally.

Q6. What professions can take the OET?
12 professions including Nursing, Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy, and Physiotherapy.

Q7. How do I book the OET?
Create an account on www.oet.com, select your mode, profession, date, and venue, then pay online.

Q8. How long are OET results valid?
Typically valid for 2 years, but it depends on the recognizing authority.

Q9. Can I retake only one sub-test?
Yes, individual sub-tests can be retaken at an additional cost.

Q10. What is a good OET score?
A 350+ (Grade B) score per sub-test suits most professions.