OET Listening vs OET Reading: In the realm of English proficiency testing for healthcare professionals, the Occupational English Test (OET) is recognized as the gold standard, particularly for those seeking registration in countries such as Australia, the UK, and New Zealand.

Designed specifically for 12 healthcare professions, including nursing, medicine, and physiotherapy, OET evaluates language skills in real-world clinical contexts. Among its four sub-tests, Listening and Reading often spark debates on difficulty, as they demand quick processing of complex information under time constraints. 

With the 2025 updates to registration standards allowing more flexible score combinations, mastering these sub-tests is more critical than ever for bodies like AHPRA and the NMC.

But which is more challenging: OET Listening, with its auditory demands and fleeting audio, or OET Reading, laden with dense texts and vocabulary? The answer is subjective, hinging on individual strengths—auditory learners may breeze through Listening, while visual processors favour reading. 

However, surveys and expert insights suggest that Listening is tougher for many non-native speakers due to accents, speed, and the lack of replays. At OETPro, we help thousands of professionals navigate these challenges with targeted resources and support. 

This article examines the structures, subtypes, and challenges of both subtests, providing insights to guide your preparation. By understanding their nuances, you can better assess your needs and improve your scores.

Understanding OET Listening: The Auditory Challenge

The OET Listening sub-test, which lasts approximately 45 minutes, assesses your ability to comprehend spoken English in healthcare settings. It's uniform across professions, featuring audio from consultations, workplace talks, and presentations. 

With 42 questions in total, it tests the extraction of details, gist, and inferences without replays—mirroring real-life scenarios such as ward rounds or patient briefings. 

Audio plays once, demanding focus amid distractions like background noise or varying accents (e.g., Australian, British). Scores contribute to your overall grade, with a B (350–440) often required for registration.

OET Listening Part A: Consultation Extracts

This initial segment, approximately 15 minutes long, consists of two separate audio extracts (each about 5 minutes long) of healthcare professional-patient consultations. It consists of 24 questions, split evenly, and focuses on note-taking for specific information, such as symptoms, history, or treatment plans.

Subtypes include:

• Gap-Fill Questions: Complete notes by filling blanks with exact words or phrases from the audio (e.g., "The patient reports [severe headache] lasting two days"). This tests precise Listening and spelling under pressure, common in triage notes.

• Short-Answer Questions: Respond briefly to queries like "What medication was prescribed?" requiring 1–3 words. Subtypes emphasize factual recall, which can be challenging if the audio speed exceeds 150 words per minute or includes medical jargon.

Part A's intensity lies in the rapid flow of information, making it a hurdle for those unaccustomed to diverse accents.

OET Listening Part B: Short Workplace Extracts

Spanning approximately 15 minutes, Part B comprises six brief audio clips (each 30–60 seconds long) from workplace interactions, such as team meetings or training sessions. Each clip has one 3-option multiple-choice question, totalling six marks.

Subtypes revolve around:

• Gist and Purpose Questions: Identify the main idea or speaker's intent (e.g., "The nurse is mainly [requesting clarification] about the protocol"). Options test inference from context.

• Opinion and Detail Questions: Discern attitudes or specific facts (e.g., "The doctor expresses [concern] over staffing"). Subtypes require quick synthesis, which can be tricky with implied meanings or interruptions.

This part simulates multidisciplinary discussions, where missing nuances can lead to errors.

OET Listening Part C: Presentation Extracts

The final 15 minutes include two longer extracts (4–5 minutes each), like radio interviews or lectures on health topics. Each has six multiple-choice questions (with four options), totalling 24.

Subtypes focus on:

• Opinion and Attitude Questions: Gauge speaker views (e.g., "The expert believes the policy is [ineffective] because...").

• Purpose and Inference Questions: Understand intent or implied ideas (e.g., "The talk aims to [advocate for] better funding").

• Detail and Relationship Questions: Link ideas across the extract (e.g., "According to the speaker, the study's limitation is [small sample size]").

Part C demands sustained attention, often cited as the most challenging due to complex arguments and vocabulary.

Overall, Listening's one-shot nature amplifies stress, with accents and pace adding layers of difficulty.

Understanding OET Reading: The Textual Hurdle

The OET Reading sub-test, 60 minutes long, evaluates comprehension of written healthcare materials without profession-specific variations. It comprises 42 questions across three parts, using texts from guidelines, articles, and notes. 

Unlike Listening, you control pacing, but time management is key—especially in Part A. Vocabulary depth and inference skills are tested, with medical terms embedded in contexts like policy documents.

OET Reading Part A: Expeditious Reading Task

Allocated a strict 15 minutes (papers collected afterward), Part A involves four short texts (total ~650 words) on one healthcare topic, such as disease management. It consists of 20 questions, emphasizing the importance of fast scanning and skimming.

Subtypes include:

• Matching Questions (7 items): Pair statements or questions to texts (e.g., "Which text discusses dosage? [Text B]"). Tests location skills.

• Sentence Completion (8 items): Fill gaps with 1–3 words from texts (e.g., "The recommended treatment is [antiviral therapy]"). Subtypes require exact phrasing.

• Short-Answer Questions (5 items): Brief responses (e.g., "What causes the condition? [Viral infection]"). Focuses on precise extraction.

Part A's time crunch makes it demanding, simulating quick reference in clinical settings.

OET Reading Part B: Careful Reading – Short Texts

Sharing 45 minutes with Part C, Part B presents six short texts (100–150 words each), such as emails, memos, or guidelines. Each has one 3-option multiple-choice question, totalling six marks.

Subtypes target:

• Detail and Gist Questions: Identify specifics or main points (e.g., "The memo advises [updating records] daily").

• Purpose and Opinion Questions: Infer intent or views (e.g., "The author is [critical] of the current system").

This part builds careful analysis, less rushed but vocabulary-heavy.

OET Reading Part C: Careful Reading – Long Texts

Also within the 45-minute window, Part C features two extended texts (800 words each), akin to journal excerpts. Each text has eight multiple-choice questions (with four options), totalling 32.

Subtypes encompass:

• Inference and Meaning Questions: Deduce implied ideas (e.g., "The writer implies that research is [flawed] due to...").

• Opinion and Attitude Questions: Assess stances (e.g., "The expert's view on therapy is [optimistic]").

• Purpose and Reference Questions: Understand goals or pronouns (e.g., " 'It' refers to [the vaccine]").

Part C's depth tests endurance, with complex syntax challenging many.

Reading's visual control offers advantages, but dense content can overwhelm.

OET Listening vs Reading: A Side-by-Side Challenge Comparison

To pinpoint difficulties, consider this table:

Listening often ranks tougher due to its ephemeral nature—78% of test-takers in forums report struggling more with it than Reading. Yet, Reading's Part A time limit equals the pressure.

Factors Influencing Difficulty and Preparation Tips

Difficulty varies: Listening challenges those with accent exposure issues, while Reading tests reading stamina. Background matters—native-like listeners find listening easier; avid readers prefer reading.

At OETPro, we recommend assessing your skills through diagnostics. For Listening, Reading with varied accents; for Reading, build medical vocab. OETPro's mocks simulate real tests, helping overcome challenges.

Mastering Both with OETPro

Preparation is key. At OETPro, our platform offers part-specific drills, including audio transcripts for List Reading types and timed texts for Reading. Join OETPro's courses for expert feedback and boost your confidence. Many users report score improvements of 50 or more after OETPro sessions.

Tailor Your Approach for Success

Ultimately, OET Listening may be more challenging due to its audit, but the complexity of Reading shouldn't be underestimated—both require honed skills for success in healthcare. Assess your strengths, practice diligently, and leverage OETPro for targeted support. Visit oetpro.com to start your journey toward registration.