Occupational English Test for Nurses
OET for Nurses
The demand for the Occupational English Test has been dramatically increasing, however, a lot of people do not know much about it.
We have perceived from people who have taken the test that the OET is more achievable than the IELTS test, nonetheless, we hear a lot of questions like “What is the OET anyway?” and “What is the best way to study for the OET?” from people in medical professions. OET (The Occupational English Test) is an English Proficiency Test that concentrates on 12 healthcare professions including Nursing. In order to become a registered nurse in English-speaking countries, people are required to submit an IELTS score or an OET score to show English Competency.
Preparation for the OET is really important as not only are you revising your English skills in the four main areas as you would do for any English proficiency test, you need to find resources specific to the OET as the test is all based on a medical context.
How to be prepared for OET?
Firstly, you need to give yourself time to prepare for the different parts of the test. Even though you will find the context of the test familiar, you shouldn’t assume you can apply for the test and ace it the first time around if you haven’t taken the time to prepare. Of course, it depends on your current level of English but even candidates whose language level is test ready still need to take time to prepare properly. After all, successful candidates will be responsible for the health and safety of patients. At Mentor Merlin, we know OET is life-altering to many people. So, we will support and guide you to achieve this.
You can check your current base of OET skills through our OET capability checker, This will tell you how to begin and where to focus your efforts to complete this high stake English test, As it’s good to know your strengths but it’s much more important to know your weaknesses.
Assessment criteria
The OET assesses the four main language skills shown below:
| Skill Area: | Content: | Demonstrates their ability to: |
| Listening | Common to all professions | Follow and understand a range of health-related spoken materials such as patient consultations and lectures |
| Reading | Common to all professions | Read and understand different types of text on health-related subjects |
| Writing | Profession Specific | Write a letter in a clear and accurate way that is relevant to the reader |
| Speaking | Profession Specific | Effectively communicate in a real-life context through the use of role-plays |
Each sub-test is scored independently. Each sub-test can receive a grade of A, B, C, D, or E on each sub-test. ”A” is the highest score; ”E” is the lowest. Most employers expect a score of at least a ”B” band. You will be able to view your results online approximately within 16 business days. Also, you’ll receive a hard copy of your scores in the mail about one month after the test.
Strengthen your skills
Once you get a clear understanding of your strengths and weaknesses, spend time working to improve them. However preparing for the OET allows nurses to practice highly valuable professional skills that may look slightly different in a Western context, like bedside manner expectations and appropriate follow-up questioning procedures.
At Mentor Merlin, we will share knowledge of what you need to improve, which will enable a clearer understanding of how to apply eminent strategies they include. You can avail our OET course. After that each student gets a personalized study plan with individual attention from the tutor. Once you begin the course, you can monitor your progress from day 1 through your profile. All sessions will be handled by the tutors in real time across convenient video conferencing platforms. Hence, they will evaluate your daily performance and update your profile.
People also ask
What is OET test for nurses?
OET is specifically designed for nurses and it allows nurses to prove their English skills and work and live in an English-speaking environment. OET uses language taken from healthcare workplaces, like hospitals and clinics, to test each of the four English skills.
What is the OET score for UK nurses?
At least a grade of C+ in the writing section, and at least a grade of B in the reading, listening, and speaking sections.
Is OET easier than IELTS?
No. The level required from each examination by Regulatory Authorities in the UK is the same. OET portrays to be easy because it assessed the skills that they were more familiar with
How much is OET exam fee?
The test costs $587 AUD / $455 USD (US pricing only for those sitting OET on computer in the USA). For individual sub-test fees (only available for OET on paper):
• AUD $587.00 – To sit all four OET sub-tests, including the AUD $7 online booking
• AUD $477.50 – To sit three OET sub-tests, including the AUD $7 online booking
• AUD $339.00 – To sit two OET sub-tests, including the AUD $7 online booking
• AUD $200.50 – To sit one OET sub-test, including the AUD $7 online booking
What is OET exam fees in India?
OET test fees in Indian currency is Rs. 30,000(approximately). For individual sub-test fees:
• Rs. 31,917 – To sit all four OET sub-tests, including the AUD $7 online booking
• Rs. 25,963 – To sit three OET sub-tests, including the AUD $7 online booking
• Rs. 18, 432 – To sit two OET sub-tests, including the AUD $7 online booking
• Rs. 10,902 – To sit one OET sub-test, including the AUD $7 online booking
Is OET hard to pass?
Even though the purpose of OET is to assess your English skills, the exam format as well as the structured approach to writing and speaking modules. With the right way of tutoring, planning, and preparation students can pass OET with flying colors.
How many years is OET valid for?
Generally, OET results are valid for 2 years but there are some organizations that may accept OET test results that are more than 2 years old, subject to certain conditions.
Can I work in UK without OET exam?
You require an OET certificate for applying for a nurse job. However, you can work in UK with a 7.0 score in IELTS.
What are OET passing marks?
Most recognizing boards and councils require candidates to score at least 350 in each of the four sub-tests. But to make sure you’re up-to-date with requirements, always check with the relevant boards and councils that regulate your profession.
How can I prepare for OET?
One of the best ways to start preparing for OET is:
1. Start early & give yourself time to prepare for the different parts of the test.
2. Be realistic with yourself. Take sample test and assess where you are standing
3. Know your weak points & sections and start working from that.
4. Understand the assessment criteria very well
5. In the clear knowledge of strengths and weakness, try and improve your skills.
6. Don’t rush and apply only when you are ready.
What is the benefit of OET?
OET is widely recognized as proof of English proficiency for registration, study and work in the healthcare sector, as well as for visas in some countries. OET helps you develop language skills for success in your career
Which part of OET is difficult?
The writing part is usually the most challenging, and it is advisable to do more practice before the actual exam.
Which is better for UK IELTS or OET?
For many people, IELTS is a better choice. This is because it covers more countries and provides you with a better understanding of complex English. On the other hand, for healthcare professionals, OET is considered as a better option because it uses profession-specific content.
How do I get OET in first attempt?
To pass OET one should do thorough preparation and planning beforehand and should be well versed in all 4 sections English language assessment. For more preparation details check OET Preparations.
How do I pass my OET? (Tips)
Some tips for passing OET include:
1. Start by joining an institution that best fits for your criteria
2. Learn about the test overview and structure
3. Create a scheduled study plan
4. Sharpen your skills daily
5. Take mock tests on regular basis
6. Review yourself on the go
7. Relax and understand your current skill position
8. Make use of OET course guides
Is OET C+ accepted in UK?
UK will accept an OET examination certificate that confirms you achieved at
least a grade C+ in the writing section, and at least a grade B in the reading,
listening and speaking sections.
How To Get Good Grades in OET
1. Learn about the test overview and structure
It is important to feel comfortable with the test content. A big part of that is fully understanding each section of the exam and what it is assessing.
If you know what to expect on the test, you can go into test day able to focus on the questions and task themselves.
2. Create a study plan
If you want to score well, you cannot squeeze all of your study time into one week. Look at how many days you have until you take OET, what your goals are and how much time you will realistically be able to dedicate to revising every day and then create a study plan.
Remember that if you have worked all day, you may not have the energy to learn new strategies. Instead, use your study time to revise the parts of the test you have already mastered, and save the more challenging parts for when you are fresh and rested.
3. Sharpen your skills
If you like working in a group, enrol in a preparation course from a certified preparation provider. If you prefer to prepare on your own, find an online course or preparation book that will provide you with exercises and key strategies for correctly answering each part of OET.
You can also practise your English informally by making it part of your everyday speaking. Chat to a friend or a neighbour and try to work on the parts you struggle with! The more you use it, the more confident you will feel.
4. Take practice tests
After practising the strategies for OET, you should use official OET sample tests as a test run for the real thing.
It is always a good idea to take multiple sample tests throughout your preparation. Not only will it familiarize yourself with the OET, but it will also give you ideas of your strong areas and where you need to improve. You can then adapt your studies to target your weaknesses.
5. Review everything
Go over the test overview again to review the key strategies. It’s also a good time to practise those sections of the test where your performance is weakest.
Recheck your OET application to make sure everything is in order and contact the OET help desk if there are any problems.
Check the location of the test centre and how long it will take you to get there so you don’t feel rushed on actual test day.
6. Rest and Relax
Before test day, it is important to take some time to yourself to absorb all the information you have learned and to calm any test anxiety you might have.
Think of something you enjoy doing that relaxes you and do that instead! Don’t try to sit and do any last-minute cramming the night before. It will just cause added stress when you go into test day.
It is always a good idea to prepare everything you will need for Test Day the night before (like your ID).
7. Get the Official OET Course Guide
Kaplan has created the first and only guide book endorsed by CBLA. It is designed to prepare you for the updated OET and help you achieve the highest possible score. A great addition to your OET preparation, whether you are taking a classroom course or just studying on your own.
The Official OET Course Guide provides:
- A thorough overview of what to expect in the test
- Easy-to-learn strategies
- Relevant test-taking tips
- A weekly study planner
- Listening tracks
- Sample Writing answers
- Full-length Practice Test (with Nursing and Medicine specific Writing and Speaking sub-tests).
All the practice questions included in the Official Guide are CBLA reviewed, ensuring they are true to the test, so you get the most realistic practice
Bottom line is, if you go into the test having fully prepared and understood exactly what to expect, there will be no surprises and you will have the best chance of getting your target score. Good luck and happy studying!
For more OET Preparation advice, make sure you check out the OET Preparation Portal.
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Summary The demand for the Occupational English Test has been dramatically increasing, however, a lot of people do not know much about it. We have perceived from people who have taken the test that the OET is more achievable than the IELTS test, nonetheless, we hear a lot of questions like “What is the OET anyway?” and “What is the best way to study for the OET?” from people in medical professions. OET (The Occupational English Test) is an English Proficiency Test that concentrates on 12 healthcare professions including Nursing. In order to become a registered nurse in English-speaking countries, people are required to submit an IELTS score or an OET score to show English Competency.
