The Occupational English Test (OET) is a reputable and widely accepted assessment for demonstrating your English language proficiency as an international doctor seeking a career in the United Kingdom. This test is accepted for various purposes, such as applying for General Medical Council registration or submitting an application for foundation training with the United Kingdom Foundation Programme Office.
Getting to Know the OET: What is it?
The Occupational English Test is an English language proficiency test that assesses the language and communication skills of healthcare professionals, ensuring their competence in their respective fields. Thesehealthcare professionals might belong to any of the following fields:
- 👨⚕️💼 Occupational Therapy
- 👓 Optometry
- 🦷 Dentistry
- 🏋️♂️ Physiotherapy
- 📷 Radiography
- 👩⚕️ Nursing
- 🗣️ Speech Pathology
- 💊 Pharmacy
- 🍎 Dietetics
- 🦶 Podiatry
- 🐶 Veterinary Science
- 👨⚕️ Medicine
Our exclusive focus is on the👨⚕️ Medicine version, as it is the requirement for your General Medical Council Registration in the United Kingdom. We will discuss it in detail to provide you with all the necessary information.
Paving the Way to Your UK Healthcare Career: Where OET Can Help You Succeed?
It’s hard to miss the fact that it can be used just about everywhere.
Ready to take your NHS career to the next level? If you’re already working in a non-training role (like a clinical fellow, trust grade doctor, or SHO) and want to apply for training, we’ve got great news. You can use your UK consultant’s testimony as proof of your English language proficiency.
Get in the Know: The Lowdown on the Exam Format
While both IELTS and OET evaluate listening, reading, writing, and speaking, OET puts more emphasis on the medical and healthcare aspects of these skills.
- 👂 Listening
- 📖 Reading
- 📝 Writing
- 🗣️ Speaking
Listening
The listening test is divided into two parts, each lasting approximately 25 minutes.
In Part A, you listen to a simulated consultation between a health professional and a patient and take notes. The notes should be organized under appropriate headings.
In Part B, you listen to a health professional’s talk on a health-related topic and answer a series of open-ended and multiple-choice questions.
Reading
The reading test is divided into two parts, namely Part A and Part B, which lasts for an hour.
In Part A, candidates have to read three or four short texts and then fill in the missing words in a summary paragraph.
On the other hand, Part B takes 45 minutes, and it involves reading two passages on general healthcare topics, followed by answering 8-10 multiple-choice questions for each text.
Writing
During the writing section, you will be given 45 minutes to write a letter (usually a referral letter) that must include thecase notesprovided to you.
Speaking
The Speaking Test is designed to assess your communication skills through a one-on-one conversation with an interlocutor.
The test will last approximately 20 minutes and consists of a warm-up interview and two role plays. Each role-play is based on typical interactions between healthcare providers and patients and requires you to take on the role of a doctor.
Prior to each role play, you will be given 2-3 minutes to prepare, and during the five-minute interaction, you must effectively communicate and explain relevant information to your patient.
To learn about each exam section and what to expect. Visit the OET’s Official Website.
Unlocking Your Medical Career: What OET Score Do You Need for PLAB and GMC Registration?
Your eligibility for GMC consideration is contingent upon receiving a grade of ‘B’ in each individual module of the exam. However, it’s important to understand the exact requirements that come with earning a ‘B’ grade. Here is a break-down of the OET Result Scores and their IELTS Equivalent Scoring:
After taking the exam, you can access your results via the OET website’s online portal in about 16 days. Additionally, the official document will be mailed to you within 10 working days.
For more information on the results, refer to this link.
What is the cost of this Exam?
The Occupational English Test is organized by an Australian-based company, so you will need to pay $587 AUD (~396 USD). The application portal provides the option to view the cost in your local currency. Payment can be made with a credit card (Visa or MasterCard) or via bank check/money order. However, if you choose to pay with a bank check or money order, it must be in AUD and drawn from an Australian bank.
Documents of Identification Required By The OET
It’s important to remember that when you take your exam, you’ll need to provide a valid, original photo ID that includes a photo. If you’re taking the exam in Australia, the only acceptable form of ID is a passport.
However, if you’re taking the exam outside of Australia, you may use an equivalent national ID card as long as you are taking the exam in your home country.
If you’re taking the exam elsewhere, you will need to use your passport as proof of identity.
An Insight Into the Availability of Exam Dates
If you’re interested in taking the OET exam, you’ll be glad to know that it is administered 12 times a year at more than 40 international centers. You can find the specific dates and locations for booking on this website.
What to study for OET?
Visit OET’s Main website to access a variety of complimentary materials and sample tests. Additionally, there are materials available for purchase through various links on the official website. Upon registering for the exam, candidates gain access to theStart for Success preparation package for a period of six weeks.
In addition to the OET materials that you can access through the website, we would like to inform you that here are further resources available here that you may find helpful in your studies.
If you are having issues downloading files from MEGA on your phone, it is suggested that you use a standalone browser like Chrome or Firefox and open the desktop site to optimize your experience. To learn more about how to download from MEGA on your phone using Chrome browser, refer to this comprehensive guide.
Battle of the Language Tests: IELTS vs OET – Which One Should You Take?
Take a closer look at the comparison below to gain an understanding of the distinctions between IELTS, OET, and UKNARIC.
If you’re deciding between IELTS and OET, there are several crucial comparison points to consider. For starters,
- IELTS is generally more affordable than OET and is administered in a more extensive range of countries.
- However, OET’s focus on medicine and healthcare may make it a more accessible option for some individuals, even though it’s administered less frequently than IELTS.
Discover more about IELTS, as well as IELTS for UKVI and UKNARIC, by checking out our discussion inEnglish Language Proficiency for PLAB, GMC registration and Skilled Worker Visa.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is OET compulsory for acquiring GMC registration?
Negative. OET represents an alternate avenue for demonstrating English linguistic aptitude in conjunction with IELTS. To acquire GMC certification, either IETLS or OET suffices, provided GMC stipulations are met. Possessing both remains unnecessary.
If I take OET, will I have to take IELTS?
No. OET is accepted all the way from your PLAB to GMC registration to skilled worker visa as well.
I have been trying for IELTS, but should I take OET instead?
That’s totally up to you. But remember to not take an exam that expensive like a walk in the park.Prepare well.
Is OET accepted for training post application?
Yes, alongside IELTS, OET is now accepted for training post applications as well. But NOT for UKFPO training (as of the date of updating this article). Please note – you will only need to try for UKFPO if you have not finished anyGMC-acceptable internshipfollowing your graduation.
Is OET easier than IELTS?
If you are struggling with IELTS a few times, any English language exam will seem easy to you at that point. But if you are taking OET for the first time, I would definitely suggest not to take it lightly.
Upon opting for OET, is IELTS obligatory?
Absolutely not. From PLAB through GMC enrollment to the skilled worker visa, OET remains a viable option.
Having endeavored for IELTS, should OET be considered?
The choice remains yours. However, it is imperative not to approach an expensive examination with a casual mindset. Adequate preparation is vital.
Does OET gain recognition for training post applications?
Indeed, OET, much like IELTS, is now acknowledged for training post applications. However, it does not apply to UKFPO training (current at the time of this article’s update). Note that UKFPO attempts become necessary only if a GMC-acceptable internship remains uncompleted post-graduation.
Does OET present fewer challenges compared to IELTS?
If IELTS attempts have been numerous, any English language examination may appear less daunting. Nonetheless, for first-time OET takers, underestimating its complexity is inadvisable.
I trust I have addressed all significant details concerning the OET examination. Should you harbor additional inquiries or apprehensions regarding the OET and its application for GMC registration, feel free to ask.
Best of fortune to you for your Occupational English Test Journey!