What is OET?
The Occupational English Test (OET) is a specialised English language assessment designed specifically for healthcare professionals. Administered by the Cambridge Boxhill Language Assessment Trust (CBLA) since 2013, the OET was originally developed by Professor Tim McNamara in the late 1980s.
Unlike generic English language tests, OET is tailored to the unique communication demands of healthcare settings. The test materials are based on real-world healthcare scenarios, ensuring that the assessment accurately reflects the language skills required for a successful career in the field. This makes OET the ideal choice for healthcare professionals seeking to demonstrate their English proficiency, as it is widely recognized and accepted in countries such as the UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, Dubai, and many others worldwide.
Why OET Stands Out: Global Recognition and Healthcare-Specific Assessment
One of the key reasons why healthcare professionals choose OET over other English proficiency tests is its widespread recognition by healthcare institutions worldwide. Numerous hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare facilities prefer OET as a reliable indicator of a candidate’s English language skills and their ability to communicate effectively in the demanding environment of healthcare. Furthermore, OET is uniquely designed to assess the specific English language skills required for healthcare professionals. This makes it the ideal assessment for evaluating their ability to communicate effectively with patients during consultations and other work-related scenarios.
OET Test Modules
Listening
The OET listening section is divided into two parts, designed to evaluate a wide range of listening skills. You’ll listen to audio recordings and identify specific information, the main idea, and other important details. The entire listening section takes approximately 50 minutes.
Part A
In Part A, you’ll listen to a conversation between a healthcare professional and a patient. As you listen, take notes using the provided headings.
Part B
Part B features a monologue or lecture by a single speaker. After listening, answer questions about the audio. These questions may be in multiple-choice, short-answer, sentence-completion, or table-completion format.
Writing
The OET writing subtest assesses your ability to use written English effectively by drafting formal documents commonly used in healthcare settings. You’ll be asked to write documents such as referral letters and discharge letters. You’ll have 45 minutes to complete this section.
Reading
The OET reading section consists of three parts, totaling 42 questions and lasting 60 minutes. The topics covered are general healthcare-related.
Part A
This part assesses your reading speed and ability to identify specific information. You’ll read four short texts quickly and answer follow-up questions within 15 minutes.
Part B
Part B focuses on careful reading. You’ll read six short passages about healthcare workplaces, such as hospital guidelines, manuals, and policies. This part, including Part C, takes 45 minutes.
Part C
This final part, a continuation of Part B, presents two passages about healthcare professions. You’ll identify details, meanings, and opinions within the given context.
Speaking
The OET speaking subtest is a role-play activity lasting 20 minutes. You’ll be given healthcare-based scenarios to act out. An interviewer will be present, and you’ll have three minutes to prepare for each role-play.
Understanding Your English Skills
Before taking the OET, it’s crucial to assess your strengths and weaknesses in English. Are you proficient in writing? Do you struggle with speaking? Identifying your areas of focus will help you prepare effectively for the exam.