Occupational English Test

What Is OET?

“The OET (Occupational English Test) is an international English language test that assesses the language and communication skills of healthcare professionals who wish to register and practice in an English-speaking environment.”

OET is available for the following 12 professions: dentistry, dietetics, medicine, nursing, occupational therapy, optometry, pharmacy, physiotherapy, podiatry, radiography, speech pathology, and veterinary science.

OET is recognized by regulatory healthcare boards and councils in Australia, New Zealand, the UK, Ireland, Dubai, Singapore, Namibia and Ukraine.

Organizations like hospitals, universities and colleges use OET as a proof of a candidate’s ability to communicate effectively in a demanding healthcare environment.

OET is also recognized by the Australian Department of Immigration and Border Protection for several visa categories, including work and student visas.

The exam is paper-based and held up to 10 times a year. Students are evaluated in Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking skills. Results will be published online, approximately 15 business days after the test.

Through the right guidance, candidates who prepare for the OET using a systematic approach can achieve success at their first attempt, regardless of their previous capabilities. At Advanced Language Centre, our students’ success is our success.

Listening

Candidates are required to demonstrate that they can follow and understand a range of health-related spoken materials such as patient consultations and lectures.

Part A - consultation extracts (about 5 minutes each)
Part A assesses candidates' ability to identify specific information during a consultation. They are required to listen to two recorded health professional-patient consultations and complete the health professional’s notes using the information they hear.

Part B – short workplace extracts (about 1 minute each)
Part B assesses candidates' ability to identify the detail, gist, opinion or purpose of short extracts from the healthcare workplace. They are required to listen to six recorded extracts (e.g. team briefings, handovers, or health professional-patient dialogues) and answer one multiple-choice question for each extract.

Part C – presentation extracts (about 5 minutes each)
Part C assesses candidates' ability to follow a recorded presentation or interview on a range of accessible healthcare topics. They are required to listen to two different extracts and answer six multiple-choice questions for each extract.

Reading

Candidates are required to demonstrate that they can read and understand different types of text on health-related subjects.

Part A – expeditious reading task (15 minutes)
Part A assesses candidates' ability to locate specific information from four short texts in a quick and efficient manner. The four short texts relate to a single healthcare topic, and they must answer 20 questions in the allocated time period. The 20 questions consist of matching, sentence completion and short answer questions.

Part B and Part C – careful reading tasks (45 minutes)
Part B assesses candidates' ability to identify the detail, gist or main point of six short texts sourced from the healthcare workplace (100-150 words each). The texts might consist of extracts from policy documents, hospital guidelines, manuals or internal communications, such as emails or memos. For each text, there is one three-option multiple-choice question.
Part C assesses candidates' ability to identify detailed meaning and opinion in two texts on topics of interest to healthcare professionals (800 words each). For each text, candidates must answer eight four-option multiple choice questions.

Writing

The task is to write a letter, usually a referral letter. Sometimes, especially for some professions, a different type of letter is required: e.g. a letter of transfer or discharge, or a letter to advise or inform a patient, career, or group.

Speaking

The Speaking sub-test is delivered individually and the candidate takes part in two role-plays. In each role-play, the candidate takes his or her professional role (for example, as a nurse or as a pharmacist) while the interlocutor plays a patient, a client, or a patient’s relative or career. For veterinary science, the interlocutor is the owner or career of the animal.

Scoring

For each of the four sub-tests that make up OET, candidates receive a numerical score from 0-500 in 10-point increments e.g. 350,360, 370. The numeric score is mapped to a separate letter grade, ranging from A (highest) to E (lowest). There is no overall grade for OET.

Timing and results

OET is available 14 times per year and can be taken at test venues around the world.

Results are published online approximately 16 business days after the test. Official statements of results are sent out in the post following the release of online results. There is no overall grade – candidates receive separate grades for each sub-test.

Most recognising organisations require candidates to have at least a B grade in each of the four sub-tests and recognise results as valid for up to two years. Most recognising organisations also require that candidates achieve the requisite grades for each sub-test in one sitting. However, candidates should check with the organisation that regulates their profession to confirm current requirements.

Why Advanced Language Centre?

“We keep our batches small so that each student gets one-on-one attention and guidance.”

Our instructors are well versed in all the aspects of the OET exam, and are trained to assess the areas where you may require additional support and guidance. Individual monitoring and support are given to each student, and you will be given extra help with your problem areas in the different modules. Our classes are conducted in face-to-face delivery mode.

Simulated OET tests are held to gauge your capabilities, and feedback is given after each test so that you can work on your grey areas and reduce errors. Listening comprehension and speaking practice is provided using questions from previous OET tests. Our course fee is very affordable and provides great value for money. Our faculty do all they can to help our students to excel in the OET Exams.

At Advanced Language Centre, we strive to help our students achieve first-time success in the OET through high-quality coaching. Our exam preparation strategy is customized to individual student requirements. We undertake a thorough evaluation of each student’s capabilities and help them to work on the areas where they need to improve themselves. We coach our students on efficient time management, and guide them through simulated tests and exam strategy sessions.