The Occupational English Test (OET) is designed for healthcare professionals aiming to work in countries where English is the primary language. It began in Australia in the late 1980s. The OET tests skills in reading, listening, writing, and speaking. It covers 12 healthcare fields like medicine, nursing, pharmacy, and physiotherapy. Regulatory bodies in the UK, Australia, New Zealand, and Singapore recognise it for healthcare registration and visas. In 2022, over 40,000 people took the OET exam. Don’t forget to consider the OET exam fee when planning to take the test.
Key Takeaways
- The OET test covers 12 fields, including medicine, nursing, pharmacy, and physiotherapy. The exam assesses abilities in reading, listening, writing, and speaking. It uses roleplays and real-life healthcare scenarios. This helps candidates prepare for communication tasks in English-speaking healthcare settings.
- The OET exam fee is AUD 587 (INR 32,381.06). Fees for all the test modes are the same worldwide but may change slightly with exchange rates. You can get a partial refund if you withdraw on time. Deferring the exam also has specific fees.
- Different countries have specific requirements for healthcare professionals. UK nurses need at least a C+ in Writing. They also need a B in other subtests. UK doctors require a B in all four subtests. The grading scale matches IELTS equivalents. This ensures a standardised measure of English proficiency for healthcare professionals.
Exam Fee For OET
The OET exam costs AUD 587. In Indian Rupees, that’s INR 32,381.06.
The OET exam price stays the same most of the time. They don’t change often, rather they are updated annually. The fees for the OET exam are listed in Australian Dollars (AUD). In other countries, like India, the fees may differ a bit. This difference is due to exchange rate changes. But the core fees in AUD stay the same.
To stay updated about the Occupational English Test fees, you can also contact the team at UniScholars.
Fees For Individual Subtests
Fees For Different Exam Modes
You can take the OET exam in different ways.
- Paper-based exam
- Computer-based exam at a test venue
- OET@home (computer-based exam taken at home)
The fees for all exam modes are the same. It’s AUD 587 (INR 32,381.06) for the full exam
OET Exam Fees: Refund & Withdrawal Process
The refund of OET exam fees depends on when you withdraw. The non-refundable booking fee is AUD 7. This fee will always be deducted from any refund.
| Withdrawal Timing | Refund Amount |
| Before OET closing date | AUD 467 (AUD 587 – AUD 120 withdrawal fee) |
| 1 week before test (before Sunday midnight) | AUD 387 (AUD 587 – AUD 200 withdrawal fee) |
| Less than 1 week before test (after Sunday) | No refund |
| Booking fee | Non-refundable (AUD 587) |
OET Exam Withdrawal Process
Enter into your myOET account because it eases the OET exam withdrawal process. Find your booking and click “Withdraw”. Once you process the withdrawal, it can’t be undone.
OET Exam Deferral Process
Instead of withdrawing, you can defer your OET exam. Log into myOET and select “Defer”. The deferral fees match the withdrawal fees. You can defer up until the exam day itself. Just make sure you haven’t started the registration process at the test venue.
OET Exam Dates And Availability 2024
OET tests happen around twice a month for paper-based exams. For computer-based tests, they occur up to 11 times a month. The registration for each test starts on August 25, 2023. It ends 24 days before the paper-based test date. For computer-based tests, registration closes 7 days before the test date.
The available professions change with each test date. You can choose from 12 healthcare fields. These include Nursing, Medicine, and Dentistry. Others are Dietetics, Occupational Therapy, and Optometry. Pharmacy, Physiotherapy, and Podiatry are also available. Radiography, Speech Pathology, and Veterinary Science round out the list. These professions are offered on select dates throughout the year.
OET Test On Paper Dates 2024
| Test Date | Registration Window | Results Available | Professions Available |
| 13 Jan, 27 Jan, 10 Feb, 24 Feb, 9 Mar, 23 Mar, 6 Apr, 20 Apr, 4 May, 18 May | 25 Aug 2023 – 24 Apr 2024 | 31 Jan – 4 Jun 2024 | Nursing, Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy, Physiotherapy, Radiography |
OET Test On Computer Dates 2024
| Test Date | Registration Window | Results Available | Professions Available |
| 12 Jan, 26 Jan, 9 Feb, 23 Feb, 8 Mar, 22 Mar, 5 Apr, 19 Apr, 3 May, 17 May, 31 May | 25 Aug 2023 – 7 May 2024 | 31 Jan – 19 Jun 2024 | Nursing, Medicine, Dentistry, Dietetics, Occupational Therapy, Optometry, Pharmacy, Radiography, Physiotherapy, Podiatry, Veterinary Science, Speech Pathology |
OET Exam Scoring
The OET exam has four parts: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. Each section is scored on a scale ranging from 0 to 500. Scores increase by 10 points, like 350, 360, or 370.
- Trained OET assessors mark the Listening and Reading subtests. They use a detailed guide for marking. Part A is marked by at least two assessors. Parts B and C are scored by computer.
- The writing subtest is scored by at least two assessors. They use six criteria, each scored from 0 to 6. All criteria are equally weighted. To get a score of 350 (grade B), you need to perform well in all areas.
- Two assessors score the speaking subtest. They use nine criteria: four linguistic and five clinical communications. The linguistic criteria have scores from 0 to 6. The clinical communication criteria have scores from 0 to 3.
Grading Scale
| OET Score | IELTS Equivalent | Level of English |
| 450-500 (A) | 9 | High level of proficiency, able to communicate fluently and accurately |
| 350-440 (B) | 7.5-8 | Able to communicate effectively with some minor inaccuracies |
| 300-340 (C+) | 6.5-7 | Able to communicate adequately despite occasional errors |
| 200-290 (C) | 6 | Understands standard input but might need clarification |
| 100-190 (D) | 5 | Capable of interacting and understanding simple tasks, but with frequent mistakes |
| 0-90 (E) | 0-4 | Able to understand only basic phrases, significant communication difficulties |
Passing Scores Required
- The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) in the UK has specific requirements. You need a minimum of C+ for the Writing test. For the other three subtests, you must score at least a B.
- To practise medicine in the UK, doctors must achieve at least a B in all four subtests of the OET. This is mandated by the General Medical Council.
- Candidates should check with their country’s healthcare council. Each country may have different specific requirements.
Benefits Of The OET Exam
- OET uses roleplays to stimulate healthcare settings. They help you practise patient communication. It’s a safe and controlled way to learn.
- OET’s test materials assess your skills. They cover listening, reading, speaking, and writing.
- This helps you get ready for communication tasks in an English-speaking healthcare job.
- OET is made for healthcare professionals. It uses industry-specific language. This helps you learn the correct terminology for your job.
- OET has real-life healthcare scenarios. You might talk to a “patient” or write a discharge letter. This helps you gain useful skills for the job.
Healthcare Professions Covered By The OET Exam
The Occupational English Test (OET) includes 12 healthcare professions:
- Dentistry
- Dietetics
- Medicine
- Nursing
- Occupational Therapy
- Optometry
- Pharmacy
- Physiotherapy
- Podiatry
- Radiography
- Speech Pathology
- Veterinary Science
FAQ
What Is The Full Cost Of The OET Exam?
The OET exam costs AUD 587 or INR 32,206. This price covers all four sections: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking.
Can I Take Only A Few OET Sub-Tests?
Yes, candidates can take 3, 2, or even just 1 sub-test of the OET exam. The fees will be adjusted accordingly.
Are There Any OET Exam Cancellation Fees?
Cancellation fees are AUD 460 if you cancel before the booking closes. After the booking closes, the fee drops to AUD 380.
How Often Can I Take The OET Exam?
Candidates can take the OET exam multiple times. It is available twice a month.
What Are The Documents That You Should Bring For the OET Exam?
Bring a valid passport, a national identity card, or an Aadhar card for the OET exam.
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