OET (Occupational English Test)
Author: Syed Shujat (TESOL Certified Trainer)
What is OET?
The OET Test is the leading English test for healthcare professionals and is globally
accepted by healthcare regulators. It is designed to mirror the language used daily in
healthcare settings, making it easier for test-takers to succeed and ensuring they are
well-equipped to communicate confidently and effectively with patients, colleagues,
and healthcare teams.
Key Features:
Healthcare-specific content: Test topics are specific to healthcare, making it
easier to succeed.
Global Recognition: Accepted by 500+ organizations in the UK, Ireland, USA,
Australia, New Zealand & Canada.
Test Formats: Available as a computer-based test (results in 6 days for 95% of
candidates) or a paper-based test (results in 17 days).
Who recognizes OET?
OET is recognized by:
ECFMG for medicine in the USA
Nursing license applications in 40+ US states and territories
General Medical Council (GMC) in the UK
Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) in the UK
The Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) in the UK
Medical Council, Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI), and CORU in
Ireland.
Testimonials:
Revathy, Nurse: "The OET Test opened a world of opportunities for our family.
We have come a long way to get here, but with OET we found the confidence to
succeed."
Marina, Brazilian nurse: "I started to study for OET and felt way more
comfortable because I had knowledge about what the test and questions were
about, nursing."
Brenda, Nurse: "Passing OET was the best gift I could ever give myself."
OET Exam Structure:
The OET exam consists of four sub-tests, designed to evaluate the English language
skills of healthcare professionals:
Listening: (approx. 50 minutes) - Three parts, 42 questions in total. Topics are
general healthcare.
Reading: (60 minutes) - Three parts, 42 questions in total. Topics are general
healthcare.
Writing: (45 minutes) - Task specific to your profession (e.g., nurse writing a
referral letter).
Speaking: (20 minutes) - Two role-play scenarios relevant to your profession.
OET Preparation Tips:
Start Early: Begin your preparation well in advance.
Be Realistic: Understand your current English proficiency and set achievable
goals.
Identify Weaknesses: Focus on areas where you need the most improvement.
Understand Assessment Criteria: Familiarize yourself with how each sub-test is
graded.
Improve Skills: Actively work on your listening, reading, writing, and speaking
skills in a healthcare context.
Simulate Test Conditions: Practice with sample tests under timed conditions to
get used to the exam environment.
Utilize Resources: Make use of official OET study guides, online courses, and
Q&A sessions.
Consider a Tutor: For personalized feedback, especially on writing and
speaking, consider working with an OET tutor.
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