OET is an exclusive English language test that has been designed for health care professionals. Since 2013, the OET exam has been conducted by CBLA or Cambridge Boxhill Language Assessment which is a venture between Cambridge English and Boxhill Institute.
Who is eligible for OET?
OET offers 12 versions of the test for different healthcare professions; nurses, doctors, dentists, pharmacists, optometrists, podiatrists, occupational therapists, vets, speech pathologists, dieticians, physiotherapists, and radiographers. The Reading and Listening sections are the same for both.
Who Recognises OET
OET is trusted by regulators, hospitals & universities in the UK, the US, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, Dubai and Singapore as proof of ability to communicate effectively.
Assessment Structure
OET covers all four language skills with an emphasis on communication in a healthcare environment.
Listening
Approx. 45 minutes
Same content for all healthcare professions.
Follow and understand a range of health-related spoken materials such as patient consultations and lectures
Reading
60 minutes
Same content for all healthcare professions.
Read and understand different types of text on health-related subjects
Writing
45 minutes
Specific to profession, based on typical workplace situations.
The task is to write a letter, usually a referral letter. Sometimes, especially for some professions, a different type of letter is required: e.g. a letter of transfer or discharge, or a letter to advise or inform a patient, carer, or group.
Speaking
Approx. 20 minutes
Specific to the profession, based on typical workplace situations.
In a private room, you will take part in two role-plays. You take your professional role (as a healthcare professional) while the interlocutor plays a patient or client, or sometimes a relative or carer.
Why choose OET?
OET is recommended by healthcare professionals. Gain confidence, new skills and
career benefits.
Preparing for your OET Test
Our preparation portal contains everything you need.
