OET Exam Pattern 2026:
Complete Test Structure
Designed specifically for healthcare professionals. Learn how OET assesses your English through real clinical communication tasks.
OET exam pattern in 2026 — The total test time is approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes across 4 sub-tests: Listening (~40 min, 42 items), Reading (60 min, 42 items), Writing (45 min, 1 task), and Speaking (~20 min, 2 roleplays). Scores range from 0-500 mapped to grades A through E, with Grade B (350+) being the most common regulatory requirement. OET is specifically designed for 12 healthcare professions, including nurses, doctors, dentists, and pharmacists. Conducted by Cambridge Boxhill, score validity is 2 years. Registration fee is approximately $455 AUD.
Listening
42 Items3 parts based on healthcare scenarios. Part A: Consultation extracts for note completion. Part B: Short workplace extracts. Part C: Extended presentations.
Reading
42 Items3 parts using health-science texts. Part A: Speed reading of 4 short texts (15 min). Part B: 6 workplace extracts (multichoice). Part C: 2 long articles...
Writing
1 TaskProfession-specific letter writing. Referral letters, discharge summaries, or transfer letters based on case notes. Minimum 180-200 words depending on...
Speaking
2 RoleplaysTwo roleplay scenarios with an interlocutor. Each simulates a real healthcare interaction. You are assessed on intelligibility, fluency, appropriateness,...
OET Question Types
Master the healthcare-specific tasks that make OET unique.
Consultation Note-Taking
Listen to a consultation between a healthcare professional and patient. Complete notes using information from the recording.
Workplace Multiple Choice
Listen to short extracts from team briefings, handovers, or announcements. Answer multiple-choice questions on the content and implied meaning.
Extended Presentation MCQs
Listen to a detailed presentation or interview on a health topic. Answer multiple-choice questions testing inference, attitude, and detailed understanding.
Reading Part A - Skim & Scan
Quickly read 4 related texts (guidelines, policies, articles) and answer 20 questions. Tests speed reading and information retrieval.
Writing: Referral Letter
Write a formal referral letter based on case notes. Must include patient history, clinical findings, and reasons for referral in a clear, structured format.
Writing: Discharge Summary
Produce a discharge summary for a patient, covering admission details, treatment provided, and follow-up recommendations.
Speaking: Patient Roleplay
Interact with a patient roleplayed by the interlocutor. Demonstrate empathy, gather history, explain a diagnosis, or provide management advice.
Speaking: Carer Roleplay
Communicate with a family member or carer. Provide updates, explain procedures, and address concerns in plain language.
Understanding
A-E Grading
OET uses a numeric score from 0-500 mapped to grades A through E. Each healthcare regulator sets its own minimum grade requirement, typically Grade B (350+) across all sub-tests.
Grade B (350+) is the most common regulatory requirement.
Speaking is assessed on clinical communication, not just language.
Grade Scale
Official Resources
OET Pattern & Rules FAQ
Everything healthcare professionals need to know before test day.
Q. What is the total duration of the OET exam?
OET takes approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes plus breaks. Listening (40 min), Reading (60 min), Writing (45 min), and Speaking (20 min).
Q. Is OET only for doctors?
No. OET is available for 12 healthcare professions including nurses, dentists, pharmacists, physiotherapists, veterinarians, radiographers, and more.
Q. What grades do I need to pass OET?
Most healthcare boards require a Grade B (350+) in each sub-test. Some accept Grade C+ (300+) for certain professions. The scoring ranges from 0-500 in 10-point increments.
Q. What is different about OET Writing compared to IELTS?
OET Writing is profession-specific. Nurses write referral letters, doctors write discharge summaries or referral letters, and other professions write discipline-appropriate correspondence.
Q. How does OET Speaking work?
You participate in two roleplays with an interlocutor who plays the patient or client. Each roleplay lasts approximately 5 minutes and is based on a healthcare scenario relevant to your profession.
Q. Can I use abbreviations in OET Writing?
Standard medical abbreviations are acceptable, but it is safer to spell out terms on first use. The key is clarity and appropriateness for the reader.
Q. How is OET scored?
Each sub-test is scored from 0-500 in 10-point increments. Grades range from E (0-90) to A (450-500). Most regulators require Grade B (350+) across all four sub-tests.
Q. How long are OET results valid?
OET results are valid for 2 years from the test date.
Q. Can I take OET from home?
Yes. OET at Home (OET@Home) is available for all sub-tests except Speaking, which must still be taken via video call with a live interlocutor.
Q. What is the Listening section structure?
Listening has 3 parts: Part A (consultation extracts with gap-fill, 24 marks), Part B (short workplace extracts with MCQs, 6 marks), and Part C (longer presentations with MCQs, 18 marks).
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