The OET Speaking sub-test is an essential component of the Occupational English Test for healthcare professionals who want to work in countries like Australia, the UK, New Zealand, Ireland, the USA, and other English-speaking regions. This sub-test evaluates how effectively candidates communicate with patients and colleagues using professional, empathetic, and clear English. For nurses, doctors, dentists, physiotherapists, and pharmacists, scoring well is vital for licensing, better career opportunities, and maintaining high patient-care standards.

This updated 2025 guide explains the test structure, scoring, key updates, preparation strategies, common challenges, and the importance of consistent practice—especially using reliable resources like oetpro.com.

Quick Overview of the OET Speaking Sub-Test (2025)

The OET Speaking sub-test is tailored to each profession, ensuring that nurses, doctors, physiotherapists, and other healthcare workers face tasks relevant to their actual clinical duties. It focuses on communication ability rather than advanced medical knowledge.

What It Assesses

The test evaluates both language ability and clinical communication skills. It checks how well you pronounce words, maintain fluency, and use appropriate vocabulary when speaking to patients. Additionally, it assesses your ability to build rapport, show empathy, gather patient information, and give instructions using simple, patient-friendly language. The overall emphasis is on whether you can communicate safely and professionally in real healthcare settings.

2025 Improvements

In 2025, OET introduced improved video-based test delivery for both OET@Home and test centres. Better audio and video quality help simulate more realistic consultations. Candidates will now encounter more culturally diverse patient scenarios and an increased number of telehealth-style role-plays, reflecting modern healthcare trends.

Why OET Speaking Is Important

A strong score in OET Speaking is necessary for registration with healthcare authorities such as the NMC (UK) and AHPRA (Australia). Most boards require a minimum of Grade B, making this sub-test a gateway to international employment. With global shortages of healthcare professionals, high OET scores can significantly boost career opportunities. For example, nurses in the USA earn an average annual salary of around USD 82,750.

Structure of the OET Speaking Sub-Test (2025)

The speaking test lasts about 20 minutes and takes place one-on-one with a trained interlocutor. It includes two major components: a short warm-up and two profession-specific role-plays.

1. Warm-Up Conversation

The warm-up lasts 2–3 minutes and is not scored. It includes simple introductory questions about your background, workplace, or interests. The purpose is to help you relax before the assessed portion begins. Sometimes, the interlocutor may ask brief questions about general healthcare themes like patient-centred care or telehealth, but these answers do not affect your score.

2. Two Role-Plays

Each role-play gives you 2–3 minutes to read the task card, followed by 5 minutes of interaction with the interlocutor. These tasks are profession-specific and mirror real clinical conversations.

Sample Role-Play Topics

The interlocutor may act anxious, emotional, confused, or hesitant. You must adjust your communication style accordingly.

Assessment Criteria (2025)

OET Speaking uses nine scoring criteria grouped under two major categories: Linguistic and Clinical Communication.

1. Linguistic Criteria

These criteria evaluate how clearly and accurately you speak. Examiners assess your pronunciation, intonation, and ability to maintain smooth, uninterrupted speech. They also check whether your vocabulary is appropriate for patient communication and whether your grammar is accurate and professional without sounding overly technical.

2. Clinical Communication Criteria

This section focuses on your ability to interact with patients respectfully and empathetically. You are expected to build rapport, understand patient concerns, and structure the conversation logically. You must ask relevant questions to gather information and then explain instructions clearly using simple language. Successful candidates demonstrate a patient-friendly approach throughout the task.

Regulator Requirements

2025 criteria now emphasise cultural sensitivity and telehealth communication skills.

How to Prepare for OET Speaking (2025)

1. Understand the Test Format

Begin by studying the layout of the role-play cards and identifying common task types such as explaining, reassuring, or advising. Review model answers from reliable platforms like oetpro.com to understand how successful candidates structure their responses.

2. Improve Language Skills

• Pronunciation practice: Record yourself and work on clarity.

• Fluency: Speak daily on healthcare topics.

• Vocabulary: Build strong medical and patient-friendly terms.

• Simplification: Replace jargon with everyday words to ensure patient understanding.

3. Strengthen Clinical Communication

Improving clinical communication involves mastering empathy, active listening, and clear structuring. Use open-ended questions like “Can you tell me more about your symptoms?” and follow up with summaries to show understanding. To guide patients smoothly through the conversation, use signposting phrases such as “First, let’s discuss your symptoms.”

4. Practice Realistic Role-Plays

Practice timed role-plays to simulate real exam pressure. Include scenarios with resistant or anxious patients to build adaptability. Daily practice with peers or tutors can significantly improve performance.

5. Use High-Quality Study Resources

Materials on oetpro.com include free role-plays, model answers, and professional insights. These provide realistic practice and are designed according to updated test requirements.

6. Ask for Feedback

Regular feedback helps identify common errors. Tutors can help correct pronunciation, while peers can point out unclear explanations. Self-assessment using scoring rubrics is equally valuable for tracking improvement.

Common Challenges & Solutions (2025)

Test Day Tips

Before the test, ensure you are well-rested and have checked your equipment if taking OET@Home. During the test, stay calm, smile, and communicate naturally. Focus on structure, empathy, and clarity. Minor mistakes are acceptable as long as your overall communication remains strong. After the test, take a moment to reflect on your performance and begin preparing for other sub-tests if needed.

Sample Role-Play (Nursing)

Scenario:
Setting: Community clinic
Patient: Mrs. Lee, 50 years old
Condition: Newly diagnosed Type 2 Diabetes
Task: Explain blood sugar monitoring, reduce fear of needles, and give lifestyle advice.

Key Communication Techniques (Paragraph Version)
Start with a warm introduction to build rapport. Respond to the patient’s concerns by acknowledging emotions, such as fear of needles. Explain how to use the glucometer in clear, patient-friendly steps. Offer simple techniques to reduce discomfort and encourage healthier lifestyle habits. Conclude with a brief summary and suggest follow-up support like meeting a dietitian.

Advantages of Mock Tests

Mock tests play a major role in improving performance because they replicate real exam conditions. They help you familiarise yourself with timing, identify weaknesses, and reduce anxiety. Platforms like oetpro.com offer detailed feedback, which is especially useful for improving structure, fluency, and empathy.

Conclusion

The OET Speaking sub-test (2025) evaluates essential communication skills required for safe and effective clinical practice. Success comes from understanding the format, practicing realistic role-plays, enhancing language and empathy skills, and applying strategies consistently. With regular practice over 2–3 months and the use of professional resources, candidates can confidently achieve Grade B or higher and advance towards global healthcare careers.