OET Quick Guide for Healthcare Professionals

What is the OET?

The Occupational English Test (OET) is a specialised English language proficiency exam designed for healthcare professionals. Unlike general English tests, it uses real clinical scenarios to assess your communication skills in a professional healthcare context.

Test Structure

Speaking (20 minutes): Profession-specific role-plays (e.g. nurse-to-patient consultations).
Writing (45 minutes): A professional healthcare letter — typically a referral or discharge summary.
Listening (45 minutes): Understanding clinical consultations and healthcare lectures.
Reading (60 minutes): Locating specific information and interpreting complex healthcare texts.

Required Scores (NMC Standard)

To register as a nurse or midwife with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) in the UK, you generally need:
Grade B in Listening, Reading, and Speaking.Grade C+ in Writing.

Key Facts

Results: Available online within approximately 6 days (OET on Computer or OET@Home) or 12 days (OET on Paper).

Validity: Results are valid for 2 years from the test date.

Re-marking: Applications must be submitted within 5 days of results being released.

Score Combining: Scores from two tests taken within 6 months may be combined, provided all four sub-tests are sat each time and no individual score falls below C+.

For up-to-date information and to book your test, visit the official OET website: https://oet.com/test/oet-test

Ready to start your OET journey? We're here to help you prepare with confidence. Don't hesitate to get in touch — we'd love to support you every step of the way.