Overview of the OET English Test in Singapore

The OET exam assesses the English language proficiency of healthcare professionals in Singapore seeking to register and practise in an English-speaking setting. Designed to meet the communication needs of medical professionals in the workplace, the OET provides a valid and reliable assessment of language skills.

This means that the test uses real healthcare scenarios relevant to your profession. The OET is specifically tailored for healthcare professionals, with versions available for 12 different professions:

• Dentistry

• Dietetics

• Medicine

• Nursing

• Occupational Therapy

• Optometry

• Pharmacy

• Physiotherapy

• Podiatry

• Radiography

• Speech Pathology

• Veterinary Science

The Occupational English Test (OET) is a widely recognised English proficiency exam, particularly popular among healthcare professionals such as nurses in Singapore. If you’re exploring healthcare opportunities overseas and are curious about the OET exam, this guide will provide a comprehensive overview.

We will cover what the OET exam entails, its significance, and the specific requirements for the OET exam. This information will help you determine if the OET is the right English proficiency test for you, ensuring that you meet the language standards required by healthcare institutions globally.

The OET was created in the late 1980s by Professor Tim McNamara, under the guidance of the Australian National Office for Overseas Skills Recognition (NOOSR). Initially administered by NOOSR, the test was developed to address the specific language proficiency needs of medical professionals seeking to work in English-speaking environments. 

Recognising the importance of keeping the test relevant and accurate, the University of Melbourne's Language Testing Research Centre and Cambridge Assessment English have since undertaken the responsibility of developing the test through continuous research. This ongoing development ensures that the OET exam remains aligned with the latest theories and practices in language assessment.

The combined efforts of the prestigious institutions - Cambridge English and Box Hill Institute, have solidified the OET's reputation as a reliable and relevant English proficiency test tailored specifically for the healthcare sector. As a result, the OET exam continues to be widely recognised and trusted by healthcare regulators, employers, and educational institutions around the world.

OET results are accepted as proof of English language proficiency worldwide. Here are some examples of countries and institutions that accept this test:

Australia:

• Department of Home Affairs 

• Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency Boards:

  • Chinese Medicine Board of Australia

  • Dental Board of Australia

  • Medical Board of Australia

  • Physiotherapy Board of Australia

  • Podiatry Board of Australia

• Other Boards and Councils:

  • Australasian Veterinary Boards Council

  • Australian Dental Council

  • Australian Institute of Medical Scientists (AIMS)

  • South Australian Medical Education and Training

  • Speech Pathology Australia

• Queensland Police Service

• Major Universities, Tafes, and Higher Education Institutions:

  • Curtin University

  • ALACC Health College, Australia

  • Australian College of Nursing

  • TAFE SA 

  • UOW College Australia

Canada

• Healthcare Boards & Colleges:

  • College of Dental Surgeons of Alberta

  • College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta

  • College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia

  • Saskatchewan College of Pharmacy Professionals

  • The College of Speech and Hearing Health Professionals of British Columbia (CSHBC)

• Practice Ready Assessment Programs:

  • Practice Ready Assessment – British Columbia

  • Practice Ready Assessment – New Brunswick

  • Practice Ready Ontario

• Academic and Medical Residency Programs:

  • Alberta Health Services

  • AIMGA

  • Dalhousie University

  • The Alberta International Medical Graduate Program

  • Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry at Western University

  • McMaster University- Postgraduate Medical Education- Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine

New Zealand

• Healthcare Boards and Councils:

  • Dental Council of New Zealand 

  • Dietitians Board of New Zealand 

  • Medical Council of New Zealand

  • Podiatrists Board of New Zealand

  • Veterinary Council of New Zealand 

• Universities and Education:

  • AGI Education Ltd

  • Ara Institute of Canterbury

  • Aspire2 International

  • WINTEC

  • UP Education 

Singapore

• Singapore Dental Council 

• Singapore Medical Council 

• Singapore Pharmacy Council 

• Allied Health Professions Council (AHPC) professions:

  • AHPC – Occupational Therapy 

  • AHPC – Physiotherapy 

  • AHPC – Speech-language Therapy 

  • AHPC – Radiation Therapy 

  • AHPC – Diagnostic Radiography

United Kingdom

• Healthcare Boards and Councils:

  • Academy of Medical Royal Colleges  

  • ENT UK

  • General Medical Council

  • The Royal College of Pathologists  

  • The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh  

• Universities and Education:

  • Aston University

  • Brunel University London

  • Canterbury Christ Church University

  • University of the West of Scotland 

  • Veterinary Management Group

• NHS Hospitals and Trusts:

  • Airedale NHS Foundation Trust

  • Alder Hey Children's NHS Foundation Trust

  • Ashford and St Peter's Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

  • Yorkshire Ambulance Service NHS Trust

  • York & Scarborough NHS Foundation Trust

• Employers:

  • Bupa Group Health Insurance

  • New Victoria Hospital 

  • Ramsay Health Care

  • Skyline Medical & Aesthetic Clinic

  • Stow Healthcare

• Recruitment:

  • 360Medicare Personnel

  • Adevia Health

  • Advanta Healthcare

  • The Placement Group

  • Willow Recruitment London Ltd

United States of America

• National healthcare regulators and credentialing organisations*:

  • Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) - a member of Intealth

  • CGFNS International

  • Josef Silny and Associates, Inc 

  • International Education Evaluations

  • SpanTran: The Evaluation Company

And more.

*The requirements for obtaining a licence to practice differ in each jurisdiction and are subject to change. Hence, you should confirm the licensing processes and requirements of the state/territory you're applying to.

Do note that this list is not exhaustive. For the full list of organisations and institutions that accept this test, candidates should check the OET site. 

The OET exam format is available in two forms: the OET Full Format, which can be taken as a paper-based or computer-based test, and the OET@home. Both formats are identical in content and structure. The OET@home was introduced during the pandemic to provide flexibility, allowing candidates to take the test from their homes. It is the same test conducted at designated OET test centres in Singapore.

For the paper-based OET, you can book your test 24 days in advance of the test day, and you will receive your results after 17 days. Meanwhile, for the computer-based OET, you can book your test as close as seven days in advance of the test day, and you will receive your results in just 10 days. 

For OET@home, you also have the option to book your test seven days in advance of the test day, and you will receive your results in just 10 days. This home-based format provides the ultimate flexibility, allowing you to take the test from the comfort of your own home while still adhering to the same content and structure as the other formats. 

However, you should note that the OET@home is currently available only for Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy, and Physiotherapy. Furthermore, not all institutions recognise the OET@home test in the same way as the full format test. Therefore, it is crucial to check that the organisation you are submitting your results to accepts OET@home before booking your OET exam in Singapore. 

Preparation is crucial to scoring well on the OET exam. The official OET site offers specialised introductory courses, free mock tests, and paid tests for each section, providing a comprehensive overview of what to expect in the exam. Additionally, practice videos on YouTube can offer valuable insights and tips from other OET test-takers and educators, helping you understand common challenges and effective strategies.

For those seeking more in-depth preparation, various tutors and educational institutions in Singapore offer paid classes and courses. These courses often include practice tests, detailed reviews, and interactive sessions, which can be incredibly beneficial for mastering the OET. Investing in thorough preparation can significantly enhance your confidence and performance on test day, making it a worthwhile consideration.

There is no minimum educational qualification or age requirement to take the OET exam in Singapore. However, to be eligible for the OET, you must be a healthcare professional qualified to register and practise in one of the 12 OET-accepted professions. Additionally, you must possess a valid passport or other government-issued ID and have the ability to communicate effectively in English. This ensures that all candidates have the necessary professional background and identification to undertake the test.

Before committing to the OET, you might want to consider other test options like the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). The IELTS is a widely recognised English proficiency test used by international students and professionals across various industries. It assesses your abilities in listening, reading, writing, and speaking and is accepted by numerous organisations worldwide. Here are the reasons why the IELTS might be a better option for you:

Cost

The IELTS is generally more affordable than the OET test fee in Singapore. This can be crucial for candidates, especially those on a tight budget, as it lowers the financial barrier to taking the test. the official IELTS site also offers a wealth of free resources such as mock tests, videos, webinars, and articles to help you prepare without additional expenses.

Test availability in Singapore

The OET test dates are typically available once a month, varying by location, while the IELTS is available 48 fixed times per year for the paper-based test and up to 7 days a week for the computer-based test in Singapore. Furthermore, the OET allows unlimited retakes but with restrictions on frequency, whereas the IELTS generally permits immediate unlimited retakes. 

Global Recognition

Another reason you might want to consider the IELTS over the OET is that, IELTS covers a broader range of topics, including social trends, the environment, education, and cultural values. 

Furthermore, the IELTS is recognised by over 12,500 organisations globally, including government bodies, regulatory agencies, and educational institutions, for education, career, and migration purposes. 

Passing scores

The OET test results require a Grade B in each component to pass, while the IELTS requires a score of 7.0 in each component. However, different institutions might have varying requirements for the grades, so it is important to check the specific criteria of the institution or organisation you are applying to.

Ease of test

In general, neither test is inherently easier as their contents differ quite significantly. However, the IELTS exam is generally shorter in all sections. For example, the listening section of IELTS requires you to listen to four recordings and answer questions based on them. Meanwhile, the OET has three parts which require longer period, such as completing notes from two patient consultation extracts and answering multiple-choice questions on healthcare communication.