The Occupational English Test (also known as OET) is the English language test for healthcare professionals. It assesses the language communication skills of healthcare professionals who wish to register and practise in an English-speaking environment.
OET is available for the following 12 professions: dentistry, dietetics, medicine, nursing, occupational therapy, optometry, pharmacy, physiotherapy, podiatry, radiography, speech pathology, and veterinary science.
OET is recognised by regulatory healthcare boards and councils in Australia, New Zealand, United Kingdom, USA, 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 and Immigration New Zealand for all visa categories where an English test may be required.
Each recognising organisation determines which grade results mean that candidates meet the language competency standards to function in their profession. A full list of regulatory organisations that accept OET can be seen on the official website.
Modes Exam Delivery
OET is available in three different delivery modes. OET on Paper at a Test Venue, OET on Computer at a Test Venue and OET at Home. The test tasks, format and level of difficulty remain the same for all the OET tests regardless of the mode of exam delivery.
OET on Paper at a Test Venue
The OET paper test is the exam delivery mode for OET students for over 30 years. OET tests, in general, has 4 components (Reading, Writing, Speaking, Listening).
OET on Computer at a Test Venue
OET test on the Computer (at test venues) has the same exam format. The test will be evaluated by the highly-trained examiners who mark paper-based OET.
OET at Home
OET at Home is for candidates to attend the exam from their own home. OET at home will have the same format, timing and difficulty as a test in the OET test venue. A reliable desktop/laptop with a good internet connection is the basic requirement.