Before getting started with the content of OET, let’s look at some background
information about the test.
-WHAT IS OET?
The Occupational English Test (OET) was developed to test healthcare
professionals’ English communication abilities. OET tests English language
ability in four areas: Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking. Test-takers will
need to demonstrate their ability to understand and answer questions about general healthcare consultations and presentations, in addition to texts in a
general healthcare setting. Test-takers are required to write accurate,
professional letters with the aid of prompts and use speaking prompts to
carry out appropriate and effective conversations with patients, relating to
specific healthcare professions.
-WHO PRODUCES OET?
OET was developed by Professor Tim McNamara at the University of
Melbourne. It has been owned and produced by Cambridge Box Hill Language
Assessment Trust – a venture between Cambridge English and Box Hill
Institute – since 2013.
-WHEN WAS OET UPDATED?
In September 2018, Cambridge Boxhill Language Assessment launched an
updated format of OET in the Reading and Listening sections of the text, to
more accurately assess the English language abilities of test-takers in a
healthcare setting, and create additional assessment criteria for the Speaking
Test.
-HOW TO APPLY FOR OET?
You can apply to take OET by visiting Http://www.occupationalenglishtest.org/apply-oet/.
When you register to take OET, you might only be able to select from the next two available test dates, so you
should aim to begin revising for the test before applying. To apply online, you
will need to refer to an identification document and upload a colour passport
photograph of yourself.
Written by Kaplan Publishing, a division of Kaplan, Inc.