OET (Occupational English Test)
The Occupational English Test (OET) is an international English language test designed specifically for healthcare professionals. Recognised by healthcare regulators in Australia (AHPRA), the UK (NMC, GMC), Ireland, New Zealand, and Singapore, OET assesses all four language skills in a healthcare context. Teacher Changchang provides expert preparation with profession-specific materials, clinical role-play scenarios, and targeted strategies to help you achieve the Grade B required for registration.
What's covered
Listening
The listening sub-test is the same for all healthcare professions. It consists of three parts: consultation extracts with note-taking, a short workplace-related talk, and a longer presentation or interview with multiple-choice and short-answer questions.
- •Part A: Consultation extracts - note completion (2 extracts)
- •Part B: Short workplace talk - multiple choice (6 questions)
- •Part C: Presentation or interview - multiple choice (6 questions)
- •Gap-fill and note completion
- •Multiple-choice questions on gist, detail, and opinion
Reading
The reading sub-test is the same for all professions. It contains three parts testing skimming, scanning, and detailed comprehension of healthcare-related texts such as workplace policies, clinical guidelines, and research summaries.
- •Part A: Expeditious reading - skimming and scanning (15 questions, 15min)
- •Part B: Careful reading of short workplace texts (6 questions)
- •Part C: Careful reading of longer texts - 2 passages (8 questions each)
- •Multiple-choice, matching, and short-answer formats
- •Understanding factual information, opinion, and inference
Writing
The writing sub-test is profession-specific. Candidates receive case notes and a task (typically a referral, discharge, or transfer letter). The letter must be accurate, appropriately organised, use correct register, and demonstrate clinical communication skills.
- •Referral letter to a specialist or service
- •Discharge summary letter to a GP or care provider
- •Transfer letter to another facility or department
- •Selecting relevant information from detailed case notes
- •Using appropriate medical terminology and register
- •Organising information clearly and concisely
Speaking
The speaking sub-test is profession-specific. It consists of two role plays, each lasting about 5 minutes, with 2-3 minutes preparation time. The candidate takes their professional role while an interlocutor plays the patient, carer, or relative. Assessment covers clinical communication, rapport building, and language use.
- •Role play 1: clinical scenario (5 minutes)
- •Role play 2: different clinical scenario (5 minutes)
- •Breaking bad news sensitively
- •Explaining treatment options and procedures
- •Gathering patient history and symptoms
- •Demonstrating empathy and active listening
- •Managing patient concerns and questions
Lesson Plan
12-Week Plan
| Week | Focus |
|---|---|
| Week 1 | Introduction to OET Complete overview, diagnostic testing, and goal setting |
| Week 2 | Healthcare English Foundations Clinical vocabulary, medical terminology, and professional communication |
| Week 3 | Listening - Part A Mastery Consultation listening, note-taking, and abbreviation strategies |
| Week 4 | Listening - Parts B & C Excellence Multiple-choice strategy for workplace talks and presentations |
| Week 5 | Reading - Speed and Scanning Part A expeditious reading and information location strategies |
| Week 6 | Reading - Careful Comprehension Parts B & C detailed reading, inference, and analysis |
| Week 7 | Writing - Foundations and Structure Letter format, content selection, and organisation |
| Week 8 | Writing - Language and Accuracy Grammar, register, cohesion, and achieving the Grade B standard |
| Week 9 | Speaking - Foundations and Framework Role-play structure, card analysis, and clinical communication basics |
| Week 10 | Speaking - Advanced Scenarios Complex clinical scenarios, sensitive topics, and fluency |
| Week 11 | Integrated Practice and Mock Test 1 Full practice test with detailed review and gap analysis |
| Week 12 | Final Mock Exam and Exam Readiness Final mock under full exam conditions with grade prediction |
4-Week Plan
| Week | Focus |
|---|---|
| Week 1 | OET Intensive - Listening and Reading Listening and reading strategies, time management, and practice |
| Week 2 | OET Intensive - Writing Mastery Letter writing: structure, content selection, register, and accuracy |
| Week 3 | OET Intensive - Speaking Excellence Role-play preparation, clinical communication, and fluency |
| Week 4 | Full Mock Exam and Final Preparation Complete OET mock test under exam conditions with detailed analysis |
8-Week Plan
| Week | Focus |
|---|---|
| Week 1 | OET Foundation and Diagnostic Understanding OET, diagnostic assessment, and personalised study plan |
| Week 2 | Listening Skills Development Note-taking, prediction, and listening comprehension in clinical contexts |
| Week 3 | Reading Skills Development Speed reading, scanning, and detailed comprehension of healthcare texts |
| Week 4 | Writing - Letter Foundations Letter format, structure, content selection, and clinical register |
| Week 5 | Writing - Advanced Techniques Complex case notes, grammar accuracy, and achieving Grade B criteria |
| Week 6 | Speaking - Clinical Communication Role-play structure, clinical communication frameworks, and empathy |
| Week 7 | Speaking - Complex Scenarios and Fluency Handling difficult scenarios, improving fluency, and pronunciation |
| Week 8 | Full Mock Exam and Exam Readiness Complete OET simulation with grade prediction and final strategies |
Ready to start OET (Occupational English Test)?
Book a free 15-minute consultation to talk about goals and a plan that fits.