Understanding OET exam format

Are you considering the OET (Occupational English Test) to advance your career in healthcare or apply for a visa abroad from Cambodia?

Understanding its exam format and suitability to your professional goals is the key to unlocking avenues and opportunities overseas. Whether you're a nurse aiming for international registration or a healthcare professional in Cambodia looking to work in a new country, the OET assesses your English proficiency within a medical context.

The OET exam format is specifically designed to evaluate the English language skills of healthcare professionals. It consists of four sub-tests: Speaking, Writing, Reading, and Listening. Each test section assesses different aspects of communication essential for registering, practising, and working in an English-speaking healthcare environment.

OET Speaking test format

The Speaking section of the OET evaluates your ability to communicate effectively in English within a healthcare context. It is around 20 minutes long and includes role-plays where candidates interact with an interlocutor playing the role of a patient, colleague, or in the case of veterinary science, an animal’s owner or caretaker. This tests your ability to convey information clearly, provide advice, and demonstrate empathy.

OET Writing test format

In the Writing section of the OET, test-takers are required to write a letter based on a given case note within 45 minutes. The letter types vary depending on the profession (e.g. Veterinary Science, Pharmacy, Nursing, Dentistry) but typically include referral letters, discharge letters, or letters of advice. This section assesses your ability to organise and present information coherently, using appropriate medical terminology.

OET Reading test format

The Reading section of the OET is split across three parts that assess your ability to understand and interpret medical texts. Part A is 15 minutes long and involves skimming and scanning short texts for specific information quickly in order to answer a set of questions. Parts B and C have a combined time of 45 minutes; Part B involves reading six short workplace-related extracts to answer one question per extract; while Part C requires test-takers to read two longer professional-grade articles before answering eight questions.

OET Listening test format

The OET Listening section is approximately 40 minutes long and comprises 42 questions across three parts: consultations, workplace dialogues, and presentations. Test-takers listen to recordings of healthcare scenarios and answer questions to demonstrate their ability to comprehend spoken English in various medical contexts.

Tasks

In the OET Writing section, test-takers are tasked with composing a letter based on a clinical scenario. This could involve writing a discharge letter, transfer note, or a letter of advice, depending on the profession. For example, a nurse may have to write a discharge letter for a hypothetical patient under their care, whereas a physiotherapy may have to write a transfer letter to occupational therapy.

Tips and strategies

To excel in the OET Writing section, practice writing letters using OET sample materials. Familiarise yourself with the format of different letter types and ensure your responses are clear, concise, and accurate. Use medical vocabulary and terminology relevant to your profession to enhance your communication effectiveness.

Letter writing tips and templates

Utilise OET preparation materials that provide structured templates for different types of letters. Practice under timed conditions to simulate exam conditions effectively, ensuring you can manage time and complete tasks within the allocated time frame.