OET Exam: Structure and Preparation

What is the OET?

OET is an international English proficiency test that assesses the language communication skills of healthcare professionals. 

OET assesses English proficiency in different types of communication. The test is divided into four parts: listening, writing, reading, and speaking.

Watch this video if you don't know what to choose IELTS or OET

OET: Listening component (50 minutes) 

In this section, the exam assesses your ability to understand spoken language. It is divided into three parts: A, B, and C. You will listen to consultations between physicians and patients (part A), monologues (i.e. one person speaking) and/or dialogues (i.e. 2 people speaking) (parts B and C). With each encounter, you will have to fill in the answers based on information in the listening exercise.

→ Click here for a sample listening test. 

OET: Writing component (45 minutes) 

In this section, you will be provided a case note and a task, and you are given five minutes to read through them (during those five minutes you are not allowed to use a pen or a pencil). After that, you have 40 minutes to write a letter according to the task. In the writing session, you will be assessed for the following measures: purpose, content, conciseness & clarity, genre & style, organization & layout, and language. The writing part is usually the most challenging, and it is advisable to practice before the actual exam.

→ Click here for a writing sample test.

OET: Reading component (60 minutes)

 In this section you will be provided with texts talking about different healthcare related topics and you will answer questions according to these texts. The reading is divided into three parts A, B and C. Part A is done alone and it is 15 minutes. While parts B and C are taken in tandem, you have 45 minutes to complete both (so make sure you monitor the time carefully). Part B consists of six short-texts of about 100-150 words from a healthcare workplace, where you will get one multiple-choice question with three options about each text. While Part C consists of two long-texts of up to 800 words in which each text covers a specific topic and is divided into paragraphs. In Part C you will get eight multiple-choice questions with four options. The good thing about part C questions is that they guide you where to look in the text (i.e. specifying what paragraph in the text the question is about).

→ Click here for a reading sample test.

OET: Speaking component (20 minutes) 

In the speaking section, you participate in two role-playing exercises where you take the role of the professional ( i.e. physician) and the interlocutor (the person facilitating this portion of the exam) plays as a patient, a patient’s relative, or a caregiver. 

You start by getting a card that states the setting, the patient’s information, and the task. Once you get the card, you have three minutes to prepare. Then, you have five minutes to perform the role-play. Once you finish the first role-play, you will get a card for the second role-play, repeating the same steps as the first but in a different setting, with a different patient and task. 

What materials do I need to study for the OET?

The most recommended resource to use for OET preparation is the OET official website, which contains a variety of useful services. These include master classes (videos that will help you understand the exam), books, sample tests, writing guides, etc. You can find these resources on the OET’s preparation portal.

Although the materials you use, as well as preparation time, is mainly dependent on your English proficiency. Everyone—even native English speakers—are advised to take assessment tests to familiarize themselves with the format of the exam and make sure they know what to do on exam day. Such assessment exams are also found on the OET official website. In addition, E2 language has an amazing mock test that will be a great help to you to prepare for the OET exam. 

Do I take the OET exam in-person or online?

The OET is available in 45 countries where you can take the exam in-person. You can find the list of countries here.

Although the OET is currently administered in-person, an at-home version of the test is on the horizon, OET@home, which is facilitated via remote proctoring. Please visit the OET@home page to learn more about the timeline, requirements, and regulations. 

Can I repeat only a specific part of the OET (e.g. the speaking component)? 

No. According to the GMC, the minimum required score of 350 in all test measures (e.g., speaking, listening, reading and writing) must be achieved in one test administration. Therefore, if you do not get the minimum score in one or more components of the test, you have to retake all of the OET components( speaking, listening, reading and writing) and achieve the minimum score in each one, all in a single test administration.

How do OET exam scores work, and what do I need to pass? 

IMGs are required to score a minimum of 350 (Grade B) on each of the four components of the OET exam (i.e. listening, reading, writing, and speaking). If your scores are below the minimum requirement in either component, you will have to take the test again, which means all four parts.

On what date can I expect my OET results?

The OET exam results will be available to you 14 business days after the test date. 

Source: OSMOSIS