OET Exam 2025: Eligibility, Test Format, Dates & Preparation Tips

Have you ever dreamed of going abroad to advance your career or pursue higher studies? Or at least considered it at some point? You’re not alone! Millions of people share the same aspiration, and many have already set off for their dream destinations. However, with numerous standardized tests, such as IELTS, PTE, and TOEFL, you might wonder which one is best for healthcare professionals.

The answer is simple: OET!

The Occupational English Test (OET) is a specialized English language assessment designed for healthcare professionals aiming to work or study in English-speaking environments. Since its inception in 1980 by the Australian National Office for Overseas Skills Recognition (NOOSR), the OET has become a benchmark for evaluating the language proficiency of healthcare practitioners. Administered by Cambridge Boxhill Language Assessment, a collaboration between Cambridge Assessment English and Box Hill Institute, the OET continues to uphold its reputation for excellence.

What is the OET Exam?

The Occupational English Test (OET) is specifically designed to assess the English language skills of healthcare professionals across 12 disciplines, including Dentistry, Dietetics, Medicine, Nursing, Occupational Therapy, Optometry, Pharmacy, Physiotherapy, Podiatry, Radiography, Speech Pathology, and Veterinary Science. The exam evaluates candidates in four key areas—Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking—ensuring they can communicate effectively in real-world healthcare settings.

Who Needs to Take the OET?

Healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, dentists, pharmacists, physiotherapists, and other medical specialists, take the OET to demonstrate their English proficiency when applying for jobs or further studies in countries like Australia, the UK, the USA, Ireland, Canada, and New Zealand.

OET Exam 2025 Eligibility

Candidates must meet the OET eligibility criteria before registering for the exam. Without fulfilling these requirements, registration cannot be completed.

Educational Qualification

The OET conducting body (CBLA) has not set specific educational requirements for applicants. As long as a candidate aims to work or study in the healthcare sector, they are eligible to take the exam. OET is accepted in Australia, Canada, Ireland, Maldives, Malta, Namibia, New Zealand, Philippines, Qatar, Singapore, Spain, Ukraine, the UK, UAE, and the USA.

Age Limit

There is no age restriction for the OET exam. Candidates can register and take the test regardless of their age if they plan to work or study in countries that recognize OET.

OET Exam 2025: Modes, Test Centers, and Fees

The OET exam is conducted twice a month, totaling 24 test dates per year. Candidates in India can select from multiple test centers in major cities while registering. The OET exam fee for Indian test-takers is AUD 587 (INR 33,164 approximately). Candidates can register for up to three upcoming test dates at a time.

OET Exam Formats

OET is available in three different modes to cater to diverse candidate needs:

1. OET on Paper at a Test Venue – A traditional, paper-based test conducted at designated centers.
2. OET on Computer at a Test Venue – A computer-based test administered at official test centers.
3. OET at Home – A computer-based test taken remotely from the candidate’s home.

What is OET at Home?

OET at Home is identical to the test center version but taken remotely. This option is currently available for Medicine and Nursing, with more professions being added. The computer-based format ensures accessibility for healthcare professionals aiming to study or work abroad.

Currently, OET on Computer and OET at Home are available for Pharmacy, Medicine, Nursing, and Physiotherapy. Other professions will be added once approved by relevant healthcare councils and boards.

OET Exam Structure

The OET exam consists of four sub-tests, each evaluating a specific language skill essential for healthcare professionals.

Listening Test in OET

The OET Listening sub-test assesses candidates' ability to understand spoken English in healthcare contexts. It consists of three parts with 42 questions based on different healthcare situations. The recordings are played only once and last approximately 40 minutes in total.

• Duration: 40 minutes
• Structure: 3 parts, 42 questions covering general healthcare topics relevant to all professions.

Reading Test in OET

The OET Reading sub-test evaluates candidates' ability to comprehend and analyze healthcare-related texts. It consists of three parts with 42 questions and covers a wide range of medical topics.

• Duration: 60 minutes
• Structure:
  • Part A: Four short interrelated texts.
  • Part B: Six short texts.
  • Part C: Two longer texts (~800 words each).

Writing test in OET

The OET Writing sub-test focuses on grammatical accuracy, sentence structure, and clarity in professional writing. Candidates are required to write a profession-specific letter based on case notes. The most common type is a Referral Letter, but Transfer and Discharge Letters may also be included.

• Duration: 45 minutes
• Structure: One profession-specific letter (Referral, Transfer, or Discharge).

Speaking test in OET

The OET Speaking sub-test evaluates fluency, pronunciation, and interaction in a healthcare setting. Candidates participate in two profession-specific role-plays, where they take on the role of a healthcare professional, while the interlocutor acts as a patient, caregiver, or pet owner (for veterinary science).

• Duration: 20 minutes
• Structure: Two role-plays simulating real-life medical interactions.

OET Exam Pattern 2025

The OET exam is divided into four sections, each assessing a specific language skill required in healthcare settings. The Listening section lasts 45 minutes and includes three parts. The Reading section is 60 minutes long and also consists of three parts. The Writing section is profession-specific, requiring candidates to write a letter based on case notes in 45 minutes. Lastly, the Speaking section, lasting 20 minutes, involves two role-plays simulating real-life healthcare scenarios.

OET Paper Pattern 2025

OET Exam Dates 2025

The OET exam is conducted twice a month at various test centers worldwide, including IH Bristol in central Bristol. Candidates must register for the test through the official OET website, where they can select a venue based on their location. Most test centers offer OET on the same dates, but availability may vary. Early registration is crucial, as booking must be completed 3–4 weeks before the test date.

OET 2025 Test Dates

OET Scoring and Grading