Everything about OET, in plain English.
We wrote these guides for healthcare professionals who don't have hours to read forum threads. They cover the official OET test rules — what bands mean, how Speaking is scored, which countries accept the test, and what a sensible study plan looks like — distilled down to what actually changes how you prepare.
How to prepare for OET: a realistic study plan
There is no shortcut to OET, but there is a study plan that works. Here is what 8–12 weeks should look like — daily practice load, what to focus on in each phase, and which last-minute moves give you the best return.
How to re-sit OET (the right way)
About 40% of candidates re-sit at least one sub-test. Here is the practical playbook — when to book, partial vs full, aggregation, and what actually moves your band on the second attempt.
OET cost 2026: AU$587 wherever you sit it
OET bills one fee everywhere outside the United States: AU$587, roughly US$417. What that converts to in your currency, what the US exception is, and what clearing OET actually costs once prep and a likely re-sit are counted.
OET grades explained: 0–500 to A, B, C+, D
OET reports two scores per sub-test: a number from 0 to 500 and a letter grade. Here is how the mapping works, what most regulators require, and what a borderline score actually means for you.
OET Listening tips: how to score Grade B
OET Listening is the most predictable sub-test — and the one most candidates leave easy marks on. Here are the tactics that actually move bands.
OET Reading tips: section-by-section strategy
OET Reading is timed at 60 minutes for 42 questions across 3 parts. Most candidates leave 4-6 marks behind in Part A because they read in order. Here is the section-by-section playbook that fixes that.
OET Speaking sub-test format and scoring
Two role-plays. Five minutes each. Nine criteria scored simultaneously. Here is exactly what the OET Speaking sub-test looks like — and what most candidates miss.
OET test dates and how to book
OET runs about 16 times per year, in test centres and online via OET@Home. Here is how the schedule works, how to book, and the lead time you need to plan around.
OET vs IELTS for healthcare professionals
OET tests English in a healthcare context; IELTS tests general academic English. For most healthcare professionals, OET is the easier scoring path — but not always. Here is the full comparison.
OET Writing format: referral letter structure
The OET Writing task is one letter, 45 minutes, profession-specific. Here is the structure that consistently scores Grade B — paragraph by paragraph.
OET Writing samples: Grade A vs Grade B letters
Two complete referral letters at different band levels, side by side, plus the examiner reasoning that explains why one scored higher.
OET@Home vs test-centre: which to pick
OET runs in two formats: at a test centre or online via OET@Home. Both are accepted by most regulators. Here is the honest comparison — and the case where one is clearly better than the other.
Registration vs visa: two OET requirements
Meeting your regulator does not settle your visa. They are separate applications with separate thresholds, and in several countries the visa route asks for a higher OET grade than the registration board does — which is the direction that costs people a re-sit they thought they had avoided.
What is OET? Plain-English guide
The Occupational English Test is the English-language test built for healthcare professionals. Here is what it covers, who needs it, and why a clinical context makes it harder than it looks.
Which countries accept OET? Full 2026 list
OET lists 610 organisations that accept the test, but only about a quarter of them decide whether you may practise. Here is every regulator and government body, by country, with the grade each requires per sub-test.
Which OET sub-test is hardest to pass?
Regulators do not treat the four sub-tests equally. Counted across all of them, Speaking is held at Grade B far more often than any other sub-test and Writing is relaxed to C+ more often than any other — which is the reverse of how most people ration their preparation.
Want the app, not just the docs? It's on the App Store.
The fastest way to actually pass OET Speaking is to practise with feedback on every one of the nine criteria.
On Android, Windows or a Mac? The app is iPhone-only for now — but you can hear a full role-play, scored turn by turn, right here.
Listen to a scored role-play
iPhone · iOS 16 or later. Android is not out yet.
Not installing today?Want the 60 minutes waiting when you do get an iPhone? Leave your email — 60 free practice minutes (≈ 12 role-plays) go on the account you create.