In the competitive world of global healthcare and academic migration, English proficiency tests such as the Occupational English Test (OET) and the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) remain essential gateways to international opportunities.

While OET Speaking focuses on real-life healthcare communication through role-plays, IELTS Speaking centers on a general, interview-style format suitable for all applicants—students, professionals, and migrants.

As of October 2025, both tests continue to evolve with technology-driven updates and revised task themes. This guide compares both tests in detail, especially the OET role-play vs. IELTS interview, with structures, types, scoring, examples, and 2025 enhancements. 

Overview of the OET Speaking Test

The OET Speaking sub-test is tailored for 12 healthcare professions, assessing a candidate’s ability to communicate safely, professionally, and empathetically in clinical environments. It is widely accepted by regulators such as:

• AHPRA (Australia)
• GMC (UK)
• NMBI (Ireland)
• NMC (UK)
• Medical Councils in New Zealand and Singapore

Structure and Format

The OET Speaking test lasts 20 minutes and is conducted face-to-face or via OET’s upgraded 2025 digital platform.

Test Breakdown:

• Warm-up (2–3 minutes)
  Light conversation about your profession and background.
• Two Role-Plays:
  Each includes:
• 2–3 minutes preparation
• 5 minutes performance

What You Receive During Prep

• Role: Nurse/doctor/therapist/etc.
• Patient’s role (patient/parent/carer)
• Setting (clinic, ward, home visit)
• Task details (explain, assess, reassure, advise)

Assessment Criteria (2 Main Areas)

1. Linguistic Criteria

• Intelligibility
• Fluency
• Grammar
• Vocabulary

2. Clinical Communication

• Relationship-building
• Understanding the patient’s perspective
• Information gathering
• Providing clear, accurate explanations

Scores: A (highest) to E (lowest).
Most councils require at least a Grade B. 

Types & Subtypes of OET Role-Plays (By Profession)

OET role-plays are highly contextual, based on realistic clinical interactions. Each profession has its own scenario set. 

1. Medicine (Doctors)

Primary Types

• Consultations
• Diagnoses
• Treatment planning
• Follow-up reviews

Subtypes

• Diagnostic Explanation:
  Explaining X-ray/MRI results, simplifying medical terms.
• Treatment Advice:
  Lifestyle changes, medication adherence.
• Breaking Bad News:
  Discussing serious conditions with empathy.

 2. Nursing

Primary Types

• Patient-centered care
• Ward/community-based interactions

Subtypes

• Discharge Planning:
  Post-operative care instructions.
• Health Education:
  Diet, hygiene, chronic illness management.
• Emergency Response:
  Falls, chest pain, sudden deterioration.

 3. Dentistry

Primary Types

• Oral-health consultations

Subtypes

• Procedure Explanation:
  Root canal, extraction, braces fitting.
• Preventive Guidance:
  Gum care, oral hygiene routines.
• Post-treatment Review:
  Managing swelling, pain, bleeding.

 4. Pharmacy

Primary Types

• Medication counselling

Subtypes

• Dispensing Guidance:
  Side effects, dosage, instructions.
• Adherence Support:
  Addressing elderly patient concerns.
• Interaction Warnings:
  OTC vs. prescription conflicts.

 5. Veterinary Science

Primary Types

• Owner–pet consultations

Subtypes

• Symptom Assessment:
  Pet limping, vomiting.
• Treatment Plans:
  Vaccination schedules.
• Euthanasia Discussions:
  Sensitive communication with owners.

 Other OET Professions Include

• Radiography
• Physiotherapy
• Dietetics
• Occupational Therapy
• Speech Pathology
• Podiatry

These follow the Assess ? Explain ? Advise framework for clinical communication.
 

Table: OET Role-Play Types by Profession

Profession	Primary Role-Play Type	Key Subtypes	Example Scenario
Medicine	Consultation	Diagnostic Explanation	Explaining MRI results
Nursing	Patient Care	Health Education	Diabetes lifestyle advice
Dentistry	Oral Procedures	Preventive Advice	Braces care instructions
Pharmacy	Medication Review	Adherence Support	Discussing insulin injection
Veterinary	Animal Health	Symptom Assessment	Euthanasia discussion

 
Overview of the IELTS Speaking Test

The IELTS Speaking test evaluates general English proficiency for non-specialized contexts. It is the same for Academic and General Training modules.

Accepted by over 11,000 organizations, including universities and immigration authorities worldwide.

Structure and Format

Duration: 11–14 minutes, face-to-face or video interview.

Three-Part Structure

Part 1 – Introduction (4–5 minutes)

• Home
• Studies
• Work
• Daily routines
• General preferences

Part 2 – Long Turn (3–4 minutes)

• 1-minute preparation
• 1–2 minute speech
• Cue card includes topic + 3–4 prompts

Example:

• Describe a book you enjoyed
• A place you want to visit
• A person who inspired you

Part 3 – Discussion (4–5 minutes)

• Analytical questions related to Part 2
• Focus on abstract, logical reasoning

 
Types & Subtypes of IELTS Speaking Tasks

Part 1 – Personal Interview

Subtypes

• Factual Recall:
  E.g., Describe your hometown.
• Opinions:
  City vs. countryside living.
• Routine Description:
  Weekend habits.

 Part 2 – Cue Card Long Turn

Subtypes

• Narrative:
  A memorable event.
• Descriptive:
  A device you use daily.
• Hypothetical:
  A book you would write.

 Part 3 – Two-Way Discussion

Subtypes

• Comparative Analysis:
  Travel now vs. 20 years ago.
• Argument / Opinion:
  Should education be free?
• Speculative:
  Future of AI in society.

 Table: IELTS Speaking Task Types

Part	Type	Subtypes	Example	Skills Tested
1	Personal Interview	Recall, Opinion	Tell me about your job.	Fluency, basic vocab
2	Long Turn	Narrative, Descriptive	Describe a festival.	Coherence, detail
3	Discussion	Comparative, Speculative	How does tech affect relationships?	Analysis, grammar range

 

OET Role-Play vs. IELTS Interview: Key Differences (2025)

OET focuses on clinical interaction, while IELTS measures general communication skills.

 Detailed Comparison Table

Aspect	OET Speaking	IELTS Speaking
Format	Role-plays (2)	Interview (3 parts)
Interaction	Candidate + patient	Candidate + examiner
Preparation	2–3 minutes per role-play	1 minute only (Part 2)
Topics	Healthcare scenarios	General/abstract topics
Skills Focus	Empathy, medical accuracy, clinical communication	Fluency, vocabulary, coherence
Scoring	Grades A–E	Bands 0–9
Best For	Healthcare professionals	Students, workers, migrants

 
Latest Updates (October 2025)

OET Updates

• New OET Speaking Platform (replacing Zoom from July 31, 2025).
• Reduced delays + clearer audio ? 15% improvement in intelligibility ratings.
• Updated sample tests with digital note-taking practice.

IELTS Updates

• New trending topics:
• AI ethics
• Sustainability
• Climate migration
• Expanded video-conducted tests via ProctorU.
• Band score validity extended to 3 years globally.

 

Preparation Tips (2025)

For OET Speaking

• Practice with profession-specific role-plays.
• Focus on:
• Active listening
• Paraphrasing
• Empathy phrases
• Structuring advice
• Use oetpro.com for simulations & feedback.
• Record yourself to improve pacing and tone.

For IELTS Speaking

• Practice 2-minute monologues daily.
• Expand topic vocabulary:
• Technology
• Travel
• Environment
• Society
• Improve coherence with linking words (however, moreover, on the other hand).

 
Final Thoughts

OET is ideal for healthcare professionals needing a clinically relevant speaking test. IELTS is better for general applicants pursuing study or immigration outside healthcare contexts.

With 2025’s technological upgrades and evolving topics, staying updated and using reliable preparation platforms like oetpro.com will significantly enhance your success.