OET exam score vs IELTS band score comparison

Embarking on a journey towards academic or professional success often involves proving your English language proficiency. For healthcare professionals in Thailand, the two prominent tests to consider are the Occupational English Test (OET) and the International English Language Testing System (IELTS).

But how do these tests compare in terms of scoring and result interpretation? This article provides a comprehensive comparison of the OET and IELTS scoring systems to help you make an informed decision about which test best suits your needs.

The OET English test is specifically designed for healthcare professionals and assesses your English language proficiency across four key skills: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. Each section is scored on a scale from 0 to 500 in increments of 10, with scores being reported as grades ranging from A to E. Here is a breakdown of the OET scoring system:

• Grade A (450-500): Indicates a very high level of proficiency. Test-takers with this score can communicate very effectively with patients and healthcare professionals.

• Grade B (350-440): Represents a high level of proficiency, suitable for working in healthcare settings.

• Grade C+ (300-340): Demonstrates a good level of English that may require some improvement.

• Grade C (200-290): Indicates moderate proficiency, suitable for limited use in healthcare contexts.

• Grade D (100-190): Reflects a low level of proficiency, not suitable for professional registration.

• Grade E (0-90): Indicates very limited proficiency.

OET exam scores are valid for two years, giving test-takers ample time to use their results for professional registration or migration purposes. The test is designed to replicate real healthcare scenarios, making the OET highly relevant for those in the medical field.

Each OET exam format assesses specific skills essential for effective communication in healthcare environments:

OET Listening

In the OET Listening section, test-takers listen to healthcare-related dialogues and monologues. The exam is divided into three parts, each designed to evaluate your ability to understand and respond to a variety of healthcare-related audio materials. Scores are awarded based on the ability to grasp specific information and context.

OET Reading

The OET Reading section is divided into three parts: Part A tests your ability to skim and scan short texts for specific information; Part B assesses understanding of short workplace texts; and Part C evaluates the comprehension of longer healthcare-related passages. It involves healthcare-related texts and assesses your ability to understand and interpret written material.

OET Writing

The OET Writing exam requires test-takers to produce formal letters based on a typical workplace scenario. Scores are based on the ability to convey information clearly and accurately, using appropriate tone and register. Test-takers must demonstrate their ability to organise content logically, use precise language, and adhere to professional writing standards.

OET Speaking

The OET Speaking section involves role-plays based on healthcare scenarios, with scoring focused on communication effectiveness, clarity, and the ability to convey information appropriately. This section assesses your ability to engage in meaningful conversations, provide clear instructions, and respond empathetically to patient concerns.

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is one of the most widely recognised English proficiency tests globally. Compared to the OET’s grade-based pattern, it uses a band score system to evaluate proficiency across four skills: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. Scores range from 0 to 9, with each band representing a different level of proficiency. Here is a detailed explanation of the IELTS band scores:

• Band 9 (expert user): Has full operational command of the language.

• Band 8 (very good user): Has fully operational command with only occasional unsystematic inaccuracies.

• Band 7 (good user): Has operational command of the language, with occasional errors.

• Band 6 (competent user): Has generally effective command despite some inaccuracies.

• Band 5 (modest user): Has partial command of the language, coping with overall meaning in most situations.

• Band 4 (limited user): Basic competence is limited to familiar situations.

• Band 3 (extremely limited user): Conveys and understands only general meaning in very familiar situations.

• Band 2 (intermittent user): No real communication is possible except for the most basic information.

• Band 1 (non-user): Essentially has no ability to use the language.

• Band 0: Did not attempt the test.

IELTS exam scores are also valid for two years. The test is widely accepted by over 12,000 organisations worldwide, including universities, employers, and immigration authorities. Each IELTS section evaluates specific language skills essential for effective communication in various contexts:

IELTS Listening

The IELTS Listening section, the same for both Academic and General Training versions, assesses your ability to understand the main ideas, detailed information, opinions, purposes, and attitudes of speakers. The test includes four recordings, whereby you will answer 40 questions, including multiple-choice, matching, plan/map/diagram labelling, and completion tasks.

IELTS Reading

The IELTS Reading section, differing between Academic and General Training tests, assesses your ability to understand and interpret written texts. The section also contains 40 questions, with scores awarded for correct answers. Test-takers must demonstrate proficiency in reading and interpreting complex texts to achieve high band scores.

IELTS Writing

The IELTS Writing section evaluates your ability to express yourself in written English. The test format varies between the Academic and General Training tests. You will have 60 minutes to complete both tasks, with an advised allocation of 20 minutes for Task 1 and 40 minutes for Task 2. Scoring is based on coherence, cohesion, lexical resource, grammatical range and accuracy, and task response.

IELTS Speaking

The IELTS Speaking test is a face-to-face interview with a certified examiner, and it is the same for both the General Training and Academic versions. The test assesses your use of spoken English and consists of three parts. It is scored based on fluency and coherence, lexical resource, grammatical range and accuracy, and pronunciation.

When comparing OET and IELTS exam scores, it's important to understand how each test's scoring system translates to real-world English proficiency. Below is a side-by-side comparison of OET and IELTS scores:

Historically, both OET and IELTS have maintained high passing rates, reflecting their effectiveness as English proficiency assessments. However, IELTS boasts a longer history and broader acceptance globally, particularly among institutions and employers.

Understanding the differences in scoring and the contexts they are applied to can help you make a more informed decision about which test to take. Whether you choose OET for its healthcare focus or IELTS for its broad applicability, both tests are recognised as reliable measures of English language proficiency in Thailand.

When it comes to institutional and employer preferences, IELTS is often seen as the gold standard due to its long-standing reputation and broad acceptance. IELTS is recognised by over 12,000 organisations worldwide, providing test-takers with extensive opportunities for work, study, and migration.

The transparent scoring system and predefined descriptors help institutions and employers interpret scores with clarity, ensuring that test-takers with the necessary language skills are selected for various opportunities.

OET, while highly specialised and valuable for healthcare professionals, is accepted by a growing number of healthcare boards and councils. However, its recognition is more limited than the global acceptance of IELTS.

When choosing between OET and IELTS in Thailand, it's important to look at the success stories of individuals who’ve leveraged their exam results to successfully pursue their academic and career aspirations overseas.

• Yulia Chelyakova from Russia

• Lydia from Brazil

• Namrata Patil from India, now Permanent Resident in Australia

Ready to take the next step in achieving your professional and academic goals? Whether you're considering the OET or IELTS, IDP is here to guide you through every step of the process. From understanding IELTS entry scores to knowing when to opt for IELTS over other English tests, our experienced education consultants provide expert advice, free practice tests, and personalised support to help you achieve your target scores.

Reach out today and call us at TEL: 02 011 8688 LINE: @ieltsthailand to get started on your journey to success.