About OET

What is OET? 

OET is the world’s only international English language test specifically for healthcare professionals. The test provides a valid and reliable assessment of all four language skills – listening, reading, writing and speaking – with an  emphasis on communication in healthcare professional settings.

Test materials are developed in consultation with subject matter experts and replicate the English language skills  required in healthcare settings to deliver high quality care and patient safety.

For more information, go to: www.occupationalenglishtest.org

Who is OET for? 

OET tests healthcare professionals from the following 12 professions:

Dentistry Occupational Therapy Podiatry

Dietetics Optometry Radiography

Medicine Pharmacy Speech Pathology

Nursing Physiotherapy Veterinary Science

What’s in the test? 

The test is divided into four sub-tests:

  • Listening
  • Reading
  • Writing
  • Speaking.

For detailed information about the test, go to: https://www.occupationalenglishtest.org/test-information/

Who uses OET as proof of English proficiency? 

OET is used as proof of English proficiency by:

  • Healthcare regulators in the UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, Namibia, Dubai, Malta, Singapore and Ukraine • The Australian Department of Home Affairs and Immigration New Zealand
  • Leading health educators
  • Royal colleges in the UK

In the UK, doctors, nurses and dentists who have sat OET to mee the English language requirement of their healthcare  regulator do not need to take any other English test when applying for Tier 2 (General) visas.

For an up to date list of organisations that accept OET, go to: https://www.occupationalenglishtest.org/test information/who-recognises-oet/

How to prepare for OET 

What preparation support does OET provide to candidates? 

OET’s Preparation Portal contains a wide range of preparation materials to help you study for the test, including many  hours’ worth of free practice resources.

To see the OET Preparation Portal, go to https://www.occupationalenglishtest.org/preparation-portal/

We also recommend that you follow OET social media for daily preparation tips, guides and inspiration. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OfficialOET

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/officialoet/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8gQK5jHSrVzDXeOFY5Lk_g

Test dates and how to book to sit OET 

When and where is OET available? 

OET is available regularly at venues world-wide. For up to date details on test dates and locations, go to:  https://www.occupationalenglishtest.org/test-information/test-dates-locations/

How to book OET 

You can book and pay for the test online at www.occupationalenglishtest.org/apply-oet/

 

Test day information 

Where is the test venue? 

OET is held at: Academia Argüello and Universidad Blas Pascal

Test day format 

The three written tests will take approximately 3 hours. In addition, a speaking test is also scheduled on the same day.  For more detail on the test day format, go to: https://www.occupationalenglishtest.org/test-information/

When you arrive, you will need to: 

  • Sign the candidate register
  • Show the valid ID document you used when you applied for OET (Link to more information about accepted ID) • Get your digital photograph taken

Rules and regulations 

For test rules and regulations, including information about what you need to bring with you, what you can, and cannot,  bring into the test room, download OET Test Regulations, including the withdrawal and deferral policy at:  https://www.occupationalenglishtest.org/test_regulations/