Occupational English Test
The English test designed exclusively for healthcare professionals
Quick Stats
What is OET?
OET (Occupational English Test) is designed for healthcare professionals seeking registration or employment in English-speaking countries. Unlike general English tests, OET uses medical and healthcare contexts throughout. Writing and Speaking are profession-specific — you take the test relevant to your healthcare discipline (medicine, nursing, pharmacy, dentistry, etc.).
Test Format
| Section | Parts | Questions | Duration | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Listening | 3 | 42 | ~40 min | Part A: Consultation notes. Parts B & C: Short extracts and lecture. |
Reading | 3 | 42 | 60 min | Part A: Skimming 4 texts simultaneously. Parts B & C: Longer passages. |
Writing | 1 | 1 | 45 min | Profession-specific referral/discharge/transfer letter. 180–200 words. |
Speaking | 2 | 2 | ~20 min | Two role-play consultations. Profession-specific. 3-min prep per role-play. |
Scoring System
OET uses a A–E (0–500) scale. Each skill (Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking) is scored individually, then combined into an overall score.
A (450–500)
Equivalent to IELTS 8.0–9.0
B (350–440)
Equivalent to IELTS 7.0–7.5
C+ (300–340)
Equivalent to IELTS 6.0–6.5
C (200–290)
Equivalent to IELTS 5.0–5.5
D / E (0–190)
Below minimum threshold
Who Accepts It
United Kingdom
- NMC Registration (Nursing)
- GMC Registration (Medicine)
- GPhC (Pharmacy)
Australia
- AHPRA Registration
- All healthcare professions
New Zealand
- MCNZ (Medicine)
- Nursing Council
- Other healthcare regulators
Ireland
- NMBI (Nursing)
- Medical Council
Singapore
- Singapore Medical Council
How to Register
- 1
Register at occupationalenglishtest.com
- 2
Select your profession and test date
- 3
Choose in-person or OET@Home (online proctored)
- 4
Pay the fee (approx. AUD $587)
- 5
Prepare case notes/materials provided 2 weeks before the Writing task
- 6
Results available within 16 business days
Test Day Tips
The Reading Part A requires reading 4 texts simultaneously to complete matching tasks. Practise rapid, selective reading.
Writing is a real clinical letter — use formal clinical language and maintain appropriate structure (referral, discharge, or transfer).
Speaking role-plays are about professional communication, not just English. Focus on empathy, listening, and explanation clarity.
Bring your passport and any profession-specific ID required by your registration board.
Frequently Asked Questions
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