Why OET?

Successful OET learners have the English language and clinical communication skills to provide high quality and safe patient care. That means better healthcare for all.

Who Recognises OET?

OET is recognised and trusted by healthcare boards and councils in the UK, the USA, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, Dubai, Singapore and more. Many organisations, including hospitals, universities and colleges, are using OET as proof of a candidate’s ability to communicate effectively in a demanding healthcare environment. Click Here to View list of Organisations

About OET

Accurately reflects ability to communicate in an English-speaking healthcare workplace

“OET test takers are perceived as effective communicators able to communicate on matters that are both technical and emotional.”

OET has been developed specifically to reflect workplace tasks for 12 healthcare professions

Tasks simulating real workplace scenarios and testing relevant language skills for healthcare.

Test material underpinned by ongoing research

Findings and recommendations from key research studies have informed the development of OET test material and tasks, ensuring the test remains relevant.

OET Test Overview

OET is an international English language test that assesses the language communication skills of healthcare professionals who seek to register and practise in an English-speaking environment.

Assessment Structure

OET covers all four language skills with an emphasis on communication in a healthcare environment.

Listening

Same content for all healthcare professions. Follow and understand a range of health-related spoken materials such as patient consultations and lectures.

approx. 45 minutes

Reading

Same content for all healthcare professions. Read and understand different types of text on health-related subjects

60 minutes

Writing

pecific to profession, based on typical workplace situations. 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, carer, or group.

45 minutes

Speaking

Specific to profession, based on typical workplace situations. In a private room you will take part in two role-plays. You take your professional role (as a healthcare professional) while the interlocutor plays a patient or client, or sometimes a relative or carer.

approx. 20 minutes

Test types

Whichever test type you choose, the test tasks, format and level of difficulty remain the same.

OET on Paper at a Test Venue

The test of choice for healthcare professionals for more than 30 years.

OET on Computer at a Test Venue

The same test you know and love but on computer.

OET@Home

The same test you know and love, on computer, at home.