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OET Full Form- Occupational English Test

Updated on 07 March, 2024

upGrad Abroad Team

upGrad Abroad Team

upGrad abroad Editorial Team

What is OET? The full form of OET is the Occupational English Test. The Occupational English Test, or OET, is developed to specifically address the English language requirements of the healthcare industry. It evaluates the linguistic skills of medical professionals who want to work in an English-speaking setting. 
All four language proficiency levels are evaluated, and speaking and writing assessments are offered in twelve different healthcare specialties. Every candidate takes the identical listening and reading assessments. OET is recognized as evidence of English proficiency for registration in 12 healthcare professions in the UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, Dubai, Namibia, and Singapore. 
Cambridge Boxhill Language Assessment Trust (CBLA) is the owner of OET. Box Hill Institute and Cambridge English are partners in the endeavor.

Recognition of OET

Around the world, including Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, Ireland, Dubai, Singapore, Namibia, and Ukraine, OET is accepted by regulatory healthcare boards and councils. OET is widely used by numerous institutions, such as colleges, hospitals, and universities, to verify a candidate's capacity for effective communication in a high-stress healthcare setting. 

The Four Parts of OET Test

  • Reading
  • Writing 
  • Speaking 
  • Listening

Reading: It is mandatory for candidates to exhibit their ability to read and comprehend various kinds of health-related content.

Writing: Writing a letter is the task; it might be a letter of transfer or discharge, but it is typically a letter of recommendation. Certain professions demand a distinct kind of letter, such as one that advises, informs, or guides a patient, caregiver, or group, or addresses a grievance.

Speaking: The candidate participates in two role-plays and receives individual instruction for the Speaking subtest. Each role-play involves the applicant acting in the capacity of their professional job (such as a nurse or pharmacist) and the interlocutor acting in the capacity of a patient, client, or caregiver. The owner or caregiver of the animal serves as the interlocutor in veterinary science.

Listening: It is necessary for candidates to show that they can follow and comprehend a variety of spoken materials relating to health, including lectures and patient consultations.

OET vs IELTS

For non-native English speakers, there are language competence exams called OET and IELTS. OET only provides one version designed for healthcare professionals, whereas IELTS offers four other test forms, including Academic and General Training. IELTS is a better choice for people looking for academic or general work prospects because it is more flexible and serves a wider range of goals.

The OET test evaluates candidates' language proficiency in speaking, listening, reading, and writing using scenarios and content unique to the healthcare sector. IELTS allows test takers to improve their English language proficiency outside of the healthcare industry by allowing each section of the exam to cover a different topic that may or may not be linked to healthcare.

There are three test kinds that offer OET. OET at Home, OET on Paper, and OET on Computer The exam lasts for approximately three hours and thirty minutes. It assesses a test taker's reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills, much like the IELTS, but with a focus on the healthcare industry.

In comparison, IELTS offers a far more adaptable test style that accommodates a variety of test takers, such as those who are employed, studying, or relocating. There are two versions available: General Training and Academic. The test takes about two hours and forty-five minutes to complete and is divided into four sections: speaking, writing, reading, and listening. 

Compared to OET, IELTS has been in use for a longer period of time, and its validity and reliability have been the subject of substantial research and ongoing development. These are crucial elements in assessing the impartiality of any examination. Transparent procedures and guidelines for administering, scoring, and reporting tests have been created over time, guaranteeing more accuracy and dependability in the outcomes.

upGrad Abroad Team

upGrad abroad Editorial Team

We are a dedicated team of study-abroad experts, ensuring intensive research and comprehensive information in each of our blogs. With every piece written, we aim at simplifying the overseas education process for all. Our diverse experience as journalists, content writers, editors, content strategists, and marketers helps create the most relevant and authentic blogs for our readers.

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