OET Intro

The Listening sub-test has three parts, and a total of 42 question
items. The topics are of generic healthcare interest and so all OET
professions do the same test.




This section takes around 40 minutes. You hear each recording once and write or choose your answers while listening.




Part A - consultation extracts
24 note completion questions

Part B - short workplace extracts
6 multiple-choice questions

Part C - presentation extracts
12 multiple-choice questions

The Reading sub-test has three parts and a total of 42 questions. The
whole test takes 60 minutes to complete (15 minutes for Part A, 45
minutes for Parts B and C). The topics are all healthcare-related and
therefore accessible to candidates across all professions.




Part A - expeditious reading task
20 questions (matching, sentence completion and short answer)

Part B - careful reading
6 multiple-choice questions

Part C - careful reading
16 multiple-choice questions

The Writing sub-test takes 45 minutes and is profession-specific.
There is one task set for each profession based on a typical workplace
situation and the demands of the profession.




The task is to write a letter, usually a referral, transfer or discharge letter. 



5 minutes reading time (to read case notes)
40 minutes to write
Scored on 6 criteria
Marked by at least 2 trained OET Assessors

The Speaking sub-test is delivered individually and takes around 20
minutes. In each Speaking test, your identity and profession are checked
by the interlocutor and there is a short warm-up conversation about
your professional background. Then the two role-plays are introduced one
by one.



2 role-plays (3 minutes to prepare each)
Approximately 5 minutes each
You take your professional role (e.g. as a nurse or pharmacist)
The interlocutor takes the patient, client, patient's relative/carer role. (If taking OET as a vet, the interlocutor is the owner/carer of the animal.)
Scored on 9 criteria (4 Linguistic and 5 Clinical Communication Criteria)
Your Speaking test is recorded and marked by at least 2 trained OET Assessors (not by the Interlocutor)