The Occupational English Test (OET) is a specialized English proficiency exam for healthcare professionals seeking to work in English-speaking countries such as the UK, UAE, New Zealand, Australia, and Singapore. Created in Australia in the late 1980s by Professor Tim McNamara, the OET is tailored for various medical fields, including dentistry, dietetics, medicine, nursing, occupational therapy, optometry, pharmacy, physiotherapy, podiatry, radiography, speech pathology, and veterinary science. Unlike general English tests like IELTS or TOEFL, OET assesses language skills specific to healthcare settings.
Administered by the University of Melbourne, the test evolves to meet current medical industry requirements. Since September 2018, OET scores candidates on a scale of 0 to 500, replacing the previous E to A grading system. Scores between 450 and 500 indicate a candidate can communicate very fluently and effectively in a healthcare environment. The test costs AUD $587 and is offered 14 times a year in 40 countries, with limited monthly availability for each profession.
OET is recognized by numerous healthcare governing bodies, educators, employers, and immigration departments worldwide. Key organizations accepting OET include the General Medical Council (UK), Medical Board of Australia, Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia, Medical Council of New Zealand, and the Singapore Medical Council. The Australian and New Zealand immigration authorities also recognize OET for visa applications.
The OET consists of four sub-tests: Reading, Listening, Writing, and Speaking. While the Reading and Listening tests are the same for all professions, the Writing and Speaking tests are tailored to specific healthcare fields. This design ensures the exam accurately reflects the language skills needed in professional healthcare environments.
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