The Occupational English Test (OET) is a language proficiency test designed specifically for healthcare professionals who want to work or study in English-speaking countries such as the UK, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and Singapore.

OET evaluates your listening, reading, writing, and speaking skills using real-life clinical tasks, making it highly relevant for medical environments.

This guide explains the OET test format, scoring system, preparation strategy, and recent updates in an easy, structured format.

Overview of the OET

The OET is offered across 12 healthcare professions, including:

• Medicine

• Nursing

• Dentistry

• Physiotherapy

• Pharmacy

• Veterinary Science

• Radiography

• Occupational Therapy

• Dietetics

• And more

Unlike IELTS or TOEFL, OET focuses on healthcare scenarios, helping candidates prepare for real professional communication.

You can take the exam:

• On paper (test centre)

• On computer (test centre)

• OET@Home (remote proctored)

OET Test Format

The OET consists of four sub-tests, each assessing a different skill:

• Listening – 45 minutes

• Reading – 60 minutes

• Writing – 45 minutes

• Speaking – 20 minutes

Total duration: Approx. 3 hours 20 minutes (excluding administrative time)

The Writing and Speaking tests are profession-specific, while Listening and Reading are common for all healthcare roles.

OET Test Format Summary Table

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1. Listening Sub-Test

The Listening test checks how well you understand spoken English in healthcare contexts.
It includes 42 questions divided into three parts.

Structure

Part A – Consultation Extracts

• 2 recordings (patient–professional)

• 24 gap-fill questions

• Tests ability to identify specific information (symptoms, history, treatment)

Part B – Workplace Extracts

• 6 short audio clips

• 6 multiple-choice questions

• Based on handovers, meetings, and policy discussions

Part C – Presentation Extracts

• 2 long audios

• 12 multiple-choice questions

• Tests ability to understand opinions, arguments, and purpose

Key Points

• Audio is played once

• Includes UK, US, Australian accents

• Tests comprehension of both factual and implied meaning

Preparation Tips

• Listen to medical podcasts and lectures

• Practise note-taking

• Use OET practice audios regularly

2. Reading Sub-Test

The Reading test checks your ability to understand healthcare-related texts.
It contains 42 questions across three parts.

Structure

Part A – Fast Reading (15 minutes)

• 4 short texts

• 20 questions (matching, gap-fill, short answer)

• Tests ability to find information quickly

Part B – Paragraph Reading (45 minutes)

• 6 short workplace texts

• 6 multiple-choice questions

• Focuses on policies, memos, guidelines

Part C – Long Reading (45 minutes)

• 2 long texts (research or medical discussions)

• 16 multiple-choice questions

• Tests understanding of opinions, arguments, and detailed information

Preparation Tips

• Practise skimming and scanning

• Read healthcare articles regularly

• Improve medical vocabulary

3. Writing Sub-Test

The Writing test checks your ability to produce a professional healthcare letter.

Structure

• 1 profession-specific task

• 5 minutes to read case notes

• 40 minutes to write

• Response should be 180–200 words

Common Letter Types

• Referral letter

• Discharge letter

• Transfer letter

• Advice letter

Assessment Criteria

• Purpose

• Content

• Conciseness and clarity

• Genre and style

• Organisation and layout

• Language accuracy

Preparation Tips

• Practise writing letters from sample case notes

• Use professional tone

• Focus on relevant information only

4. Speaking Sub-Test

The Speaking test simulates real clinical conversations.

Structure

• 2–3 minutes warm-up (not scored)

• Two 5-minute role-plays

• Based on profession-specific scenarios

Examples of role-play tasks:

• Explaining a diagnosis

• Giving lifestyle advice

• Reassuring an anxious patient

• Taking medical history

Skills Assessed

• Fluency

• Intonation

• Clinical communication

• Empathy

• Relationship-building

Preparation Tips

• Practise role-plays with a partner

• Learn how to simplify medical terms

• Watch sample OET speaking videos

OET Scoring System

Scores are given from 0 to 500, converted into grades A to E.

OET Score Table

Most healthcare boards require Grade B in all four sub-tests.

Test Delivery Types

You can take OET in three formats:

The test content remains the same across all formats.

How to Prepare for the OET

General Preparation Tips

• Understand the test format thoroughly

• Download official OET practice tests

• Build medical vocabulary

• Practise under timed conditions

• Join OET preparation classes if needed

Skill-Specific Tips

Listening

• Practise with different accents

• Focus on note-taking

• Listen to clinical conversations

Reading

• Improve scanning and skimming

• Read clinical guidelines and journals

Writing

• Learn letter formats

• Practise selecting relevant case notes

Speaking

• Develop patient-centred communication

• Role-play daily scenarios

Common Challenges & Solutions

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Why OET is Important

• Recognized by healthcare regulators worldwide

• Tests real clinical communication skills

• Helps professionals integrate into English-speaking environments

• Increases job opportunities in countries like the UK, Australia, and Canada

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Recent Updates to OET (2025)

• More computer-based test dates

• Expanded OET@Home availability

• Improved online practice resources

• Enhanced security and proctoring tools

Key Points Summary

• OET assesses real healthcare communication skills

• Four sub-tests: Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking

• Writing & Speaking are profession-specific

• Minimum passing score: Grade B (350+)

• Multiple exam formats available: Paper / Computer / OET@Home

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What is the OET?
An English test for healthcare workers based on real medical situations.

Q2. Who can take OET?
Doctors, nurses, dentists, physiotherapists, pharmacists, etc.

Q3. How many sections does OET have?
Four: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking.

Q4. Are Writing and Speaking profession-specific?
Yes.

Q5. What score is required to pass?
Most regulators require 350 (Grade B).

Q6. Can I take OET at home?
Yes, through OET@Home if you meet system requirements.

Q7. How long is the OET test?
Approximately 3 hours 20 minutes.

Q8. How often is the test conducted?
Paper format monthly, computer format more frequently.

Q9. Where can I get study materials?
Official site: www.occupationalenglishtest.org

Q10. When are results released?
10 business days (computer)
17 business days (paper)