Introduction
You may have heard about the Occupational English Test (OET), and you are probably wondering what it is and if you need to take it.
If you are planning to take up a healthcare role in an English-speaking country, then you most likely need to take the OET. This blog post aims to cover everything you need to know about the test, how to prepare for it and what to expect on test day.
What is the Occupational English Test?
The Occupational English Test (OET) is an English language test for healthcare professionals who want to work in an English-speaking environment. The test is designed to measure the language skills needed for professional purposes.
The OET, similar to IELTS, is available in four skill areas: reading, writing, listening and speaking. Each skill area consists of three tasks: a reading task, a writing task, and a listening task. The speaking task is a one-to-one interview with a test examiner.
Who Is the OET Test For?
The Occupational English Test, or OET, is a test designed for healthcare professionals who want to work in an English-speaking environment.
The test assesses your ability to use English in a professional setting and is based on real-life workplace scenarios. This means you will not just be tested on your language skills, you will also be tested on your knowledge of medical terminology and the healthcare industry.
So, if you are a healthcare professional who wants to work in an English-speaking country, the OET is the test for you.
What Is the Format of the Test?
The format of the OET is very straightforward. It comprises four sections: listening, reading, writing, and speaking.
The listening and speaking sections are both done face-to-face with a real person, while the reading and writing sections can be done either online or offline.
The test is scored on a banding system from A to D, and you need to score B or above in all four sections to pass.
How Is the OET Test Scored?
How your Occupational English Test (OET) is scored may come as a surprise to you. Unlike other exams, where the raw score is converted to a scaled score, the OET is marked out of 400, with each task worth 100 marks.
This may seem unfair at first, but it is designed to measure your ability to use English in a professional context. This is why the tasks are based on real-life scenarios that you might encounter in the workplace.
Your mark for each task is based on how well you complete it, so it is important to read the instructions carefully and make sure that your answers are clear and concise.
The passing score for the OET is at the B2 level on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). This means that you must be able to understand and communicate effectively in English at a level equivalent to that of a high-intermediate student.
How To Prepare for the Test?
When it comes to preparing for the Occupational English Test, you need to know what to expect. The test comprises three parts: reading, writing, and speaking. You will be given a task to complete in each section, and you will have 45 minutes to finish it.
The good news is that there is no right or wrong answer, the important thing is that you show your understanding of the task. So how can you prepare for the test? Well, the best way is through constant practice.
Conclusion
The Occupational English Test (also known as OET) is an English language test for healthcare professionals recognised by various regulatory healthcare bodies. It assesses the language communication skills of healthcare professionals who wish to register and practise in an English-speaking environment.
OET is available for the following 12 professions: dentistry, dietetics, medicine, nursing, occupational therapy, optometry, pharmacy, physiotherapy, podiatry, radiography, speech pathology, and veterinary science.
Money should not stop your OET Exam! At SabiTeach, we will train and register you for the exam while you pay later. This opportunity allows you to prepare and take your exams while you pay in instalments. Start preparing for your OET exam today.
If you are looking to take the OET, this guide will tell you everything you need to know about the test, including how to register, what the test consists of, and how to prepare for it.
