OET for Nurses
January 25, 2023 2023-01-26 12:32OET for Nurses
The demand for the Occupational English Test has been dramatically increasing, however, a lot of people do not know much about it.
We have perceived from people who have taken the test that the OET is more achievable than the IELTS test, nonetheless, we hear a lot of questions like “What is the OET anyway?” and “What is the best way to study for the OET?” from people in medical professions. OET (The Occupational English Test) is an English Proficiency Test that concentrates on 12 healthcare professions including Nursing. In order to become a registered nurse in English-speaking countries, people are required to submit an IELTS score or an OET score to show English Competency.
Preparation for the OET is really important as not only are you revising your English skills in the four main areas as you would do for any English proficiency test, you need to find resources specific to the OET as the test is all based on a medical context.
How to be prepared for OET?
Firstly, you need to give yourself time to prepare for the different parts of the test. Even though you will find the context of the test familiar, you shouldn’t assume you can apply for the test and ace it the first time around if you haven’t taken the time to prepare. Of course, it depends on your current level of English but even candidates whose language level is test ready still need to take time to prepare properly. After all, successful candidates will be responsible for the health and safety of patients. At Mentor Merlin, we know OET is life-altering to many people. So, we will support and guide you to achieve this.
You can check your current base of OET skills through our OET capability checker, This will tell you how to begin and where to focus your efforts to complete this high stake English test, As it’s good to know your strengths but it’s much more important to know your weaknesses.
Assessment criteria
The OET assesses the four main language skills shown below:
| Skill Area: | Content: | Demonstrates their ability to: |
| Listening | Common to all professions | Follow and understand a range of health-related spoken materials such as patient consultations and lectures |
| Reading | Common to all professions | Read and understand different types of text on health-related subjects |
| Writing | Profession Specific | Write a letter in a clear and accurate way that is relevant to the reader |
| Speaking | Profession Specific | Effectively communicate in a real-life context through the use of role-plays |
Each sub-test is scored independently. Each sub-test can receive a grade of A, B, C, D, or E on each sub-test. ”A” is the highest score; ”E” is the lowest. Most employers expect a score of at least a ”B” band. You will be able to view your results online approximately within 16 business days. Also, you’ll receive a hard copy of your scores in the mail about one month after the test.
Strengthen your skills
Once you get a clear understanding of your strengths and weaknesses, spend time working to improve them. However preparing for the OET allows nurses to practice highly valuable professional skills that may look slightly different in a Western context, like bedside manner expectations and appropriate follow-up questioning procedures.
At Mentor Merlin, we will share knowledge of what you need to improve, which will enable a clearer understanding of how to apply eminent strategies they include. You can avail our OET course. After that each student gets a personalized study plan with individual attention from the tutor. Once you begin the course, you can monitor your progress from day 1 through your profile. All sessions will be handled by the tutors in real time across convenient video conferencing platforms. Hence, they will evaluate your daily performance and update your profile.
People also ask
OET is specifically designed for nurses and it allows nurses to prove their English skills and work and live in an English-speaking environment. OET uses language taken from healthcare workplaces, like hospitals and clinics, to test each of the four English skills.
At least a grade of C+ in the writing section, and at least a grade of B in the reading, listening, and speaking sections.
No. The level required from each examination by Regulatory Authorities in the UK is the same. OET portrays to be easy because it assessed the skills that they were more familiar with
The test costs $587 AUD / $455 USD (US pricing only for those sitting OET on computer in the USA). For individual sub-test fees (only available for OET on paper):
• AUD $587.00 – To sit all four OET sub-tests, including the AUD $7 online booking
• AUD $477.50 – To sit three OET sub-tests, including the AUD $7 online booking
• AUD $339.00 – To sit two OET sub-tests, including the AUD $7 online booking
• AUD $200.50 – To sit one OET sub-test, including the AUD $7 online booking
OET test fees in Indian currency is Rs. 30,000(approximately). For individual sub-test fees:
• Rs. 31,917 – To sit all four OET sub-tests, including the AUD $7 online booking
• Rs. 25,963 – To sit three OET sub-tests, including the AUD $7 online booking
• Rs. 18, 432 – To sit two OET sub-tests, including the AUD $7 online booking
• Rs. 10,902 – To sit one OET sub-test, including the AUD $7 online booking
Even though the purpose of OET is to assess your English skills, the exam format as well as the structured approach to writing and speaking modules. With the right way of tutoring, planning, and preparation students can pass OET with flying colors.
Generally, OET results are valid for 2 years but there are some organizations that may accept OET test results that are more than 2 years old, subject to certain conditions.
You require an OET certificate for applying for a nurse job. However, you can work in UK with a 7.0 score in IELTS.
Most recognizing boards and councils require candidates to score at least 350 in each of the four sub-tests. But to make sure you’re up-to-date with requirements, always check with the relevant boards and councils that regulate your profession.
One of the best ways to start preparing for OET is:
1. Start early & give yourself time to prepare for the different parts of the test.
2. Be realistic with yourself. Take sample test and assess where you are standing
3. Know your weak points & sections and start working from that.
4. Understand the assessment criteria very well
5. In the clear knowledge of strengths and weakness, try and improve your skills.
6. Don’t rush and apply only when you are ready.
OET is widely recognized as proof of English proficiency for registration, study and work in the healthcare sector, as well as for visas in some countries. OET helps you develop language skills for success in your career
The writing part is usually the most challenging, and it is advisable to do more practice before the actual exam.
For many people, IELTS is a better choice. This is because it covers more countries and provides you with a better understanding of complex English. On the other hand, for healthcare professionals, OET is considered as a better option because it uses profession-specific content.
To pass OET one should do thorough preparation and planning beforehand and should be well versed in all 4 sections English language assessment. For more preparation details check OET Preparations.
Some tips for passing OET include:
1. Start by joining an institution that best fits for your criteria
2. Learn about the test overview and structure
3. Create a scheduled study plan
4. Sharpen your skills daily
5. Take mock tests on regular basis
6. Review yourself on the go
7. Relax and understand your current skill position
8. Make use of OET course guides
UK will accept an OET examination certificate that confirms you achieved at
least a grade C+ in the writing section, and at least a grade B in the reading,
listening and speaking sections.
