OCCUPATIONAL ENGLISH TEST - OET

                                                                                                                                                      The Occupational English Test also known as OET, is a language assessment tool used to evaluate the English language competency of foreign-trained healthcare professionals who wish to register and work in an English-speaking setting.

The test is recognised by organisations all around the world, including for migration and licensing in Australia, New Zealand, the USA and UK.

OET is recognised by regulatory healthcare boards and councils in countries around the world, including Australia, New Zealand, United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Ireland, Dubai, Singapore, Namibia and Ukraine.

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. In addition, OET is recognised by the Australian Department of Home Affairs, Immigration New Zealand,UK Visas and Immigration and some US states for visa categories where an English test may be required.

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FOUR PARTS OF OET

The OET exam syllabus consists of four sections

1. LISTENING

Candidates are required to demonstrate that they can follow and understand a range of health

-related spoken materials such as patient consultations and lectures.

2. READING

Candidates are required to demonstrate that they can read and understand different types of text on health-related subjects

3. WRITING

The task is to write a letter, usually a referral letter, but it could also be a letter of transfer or discharge. For some professions, a different type of letter is required: eg. a letter to advise or inform a patient, carer, or group, or respond to a complaint

4. SPEAKING

The Speaking sub-test is delivered individually, and the candidate takes part in two role-plays. In each role-play, the candidate takes his or her professional role while the interlocutor plays a patient, a client, or a patient’s relative or carer. For veterinary science, the interlocutor is the owner or carer of the animal.
 
Each section has a different format and duration, testing different skills and healthcare topics.

SCORING

For each of the four sub-tests that make up OET, candidates receive a score from 0-500 in 10-point increments eg. 350,360, 370. The numeric score is mapped to a separate letter grade, ranging from A (highest) to E (lowest). There is no overall grade for OET.

TIMING & RESULTS

OET is available up to 24 times per year and can be taken at test venues around the world. 
For OET on Paper results are published online approximately days after the test OET on Computer and OET@Home results are available approximately 10 days after the test. Official statements of results are available to download the release of online results.There is no overall grade – candidates receive separate grades for each sub-test.
 
Most organisations that recognise OET results typically require candidates to get a B grade or higher in all four sub-tests and consider scores valid for up to two years. Additionally, these organisations usually expect candidates to achieve the necessary grades in a single attempt. However, it’s important for candidates to verify the current requirements with the recognising organisation.