Question 1

When should I start to prepare for the OET?

Accepted Answer

"Ideally, about 3-4 weeks prior to the test date. Obviously, your availability and workload are also factors to take into consideration."

Question 2

How much time will I need to allocate to independent work between sessions?

Accepted Answer

"In total, I would say about 6 hours per week, but this can vary according to language level as well as the ability to take on feedback and meet the assessment criteria."

Question 3

How many sessions will I need?

Accepted Answer

"From experience, the average amount I generally recommend for good coverage of the test materials would be to write 3 letters, 3 sessions to address writing and speaking needs, followed by a simulated speaking test. Again, this can vary – some students need less, and others may need more, but in my experience, this would be a typical average package per doctor to ensure readiness to take the OET."

Question 4

Do all registration boards accept 4 x B grades?

Accepted Answer

"For the most part, yes (350+/500 = B). ECFMG registration generally allows for a C+ grade
(300+/500) in the Writing sub-test only. However, in certain instances requirements may be higher (400+/500), so you should always check with the medical board you are looking to register with."

Question 5

Is it better to take the OET@home or in a test centre?

Accepted Answer

"It’s a personal preference and will also depend on your location and ease of access to a test centre in your country."

Question 6

Will I be penalised for incorrect spellings?

Accepted Answer

"In the Writing sub-test, spellings are one of the language areas that will be assessed.
In Listening Part A, there is an expectation that common words will be spelled correctly, but there is flexibility regarding errors with more difficult words, as long as they are ‘recognizable’. There is, however, no flexibility with a failure to distinguish between singular and plural nouns.

In Reading Part A, all answers MUST be spelled correctly as per the texts.

Both Listening and Reading Part A are marked by a human examiner unlike the multiple-choice sections for Parts B and C."

Question 7

What happens if my letter is over the OET word count?

Accepted Answer

"The OET guideline for the letter is approximately 180-200 words for the body of the letter. If your word count is under the 180 words, you may need to revisit the case notes and include other details, which are relevant or helpful for the reader of your letter. If, on the other hand, the word count is over the 200 words, this is not necessarily an issue provided that the content is relevant and is expressed in a reasonably concise manner without repetition."

Question 8

Do I need perfect grammar for the Writing and Speaking sub-tests?

Accepted Answer

"Clear communication is the most important thing in these sub-tests.

To clarify, if the letter is full of basic mistakes, which makes the letter difficult to read, that will impact your score. However, a few errors here and there which do not hamper communication, will not prevent you from passing the test if you have sufficiently reflected the other criteria for writing the letter.

Similarly, in the Speaking sub-test, communication must be clear and effective and demonstrate an awareness of adjusting for a non-medical person (a relative or patient)."

Question 9

What happens if I don’t complete all the tasks in the role play?

Accepted Answer

"It is not necessary to complete all the tasks, but you should be able to cover most of the bulleted tasks within the 5 minutes, to demonstrate competency under the linguistic and clinical communication criteria."

Question 10

Can I make notes on paper during the test?

Accepted Answer

"In the Writing sub-test, you can ONLY read and analyse the case notes in the initial 5 minutes, after which, you can make notes or put a plan together before writing – this is strongly recommended.

In the Speaking, you are welcome to make notes during the 3-minute preparation time."

Question 11

Will I be able to use a highlighter function?

Accepted Answer

"For details, please watch these videos for the specifics of when you can use a highlighter function in addition to other functions available for the computer-based test interface."

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lkTgmrD8OfA&ab_channel=OfficialOET

https://www.youtube.com/watchv=bEthEEvouz0&list=PLppcHUiUqIgSQH2lkg5VJ8sQwfy5mJW5c&ab_channel=OfficialOET

https://www.youtube.com/watchv=jkOCwoiygjg&ab_channel=OfficialOET

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cSY5k-S7cqI&ab_channel=OfficialOET

Frequently asked questions

When should I start to prepare for the OET?

How much time will I need to allocate to independent work between sessions?

How many sessions will I need?

Do all registration boards accept 4 x B grades?

Is it better to take the OET@home or in a test centre?

Will I be penalised for incorrect spellings?

What happens if my letter is over the OET word count?

Do I need perfect grammar for the Writing and Speaking sub-tests?

What happens if I don’t complete all the tasks in the role play?

Can I make notes on paper during the test?

Will I be able to use a highlighter function?

Ethical English Office hours:

9am – 6pm UK local time (Please expect a response within 24 hours)

Sign up here for free grammar test!

Frequently asked questions

When should I start to prepare for the OET?

How much time will I need to allocate to independent work between sessions?

How many sessions will I need?

Do all registration boards accept 4 x B grades?

Is it better to take the OET@home or in a test centre?

Will I be penalised for incorrect spellings?

What happens if my letter is over the OET word count?

Do I need perfect grammar for the Writing and Speaking sub-tests?

What happens if I don’t complete all the tasks in the role play?

Can I make notes on paper during the test?

Will I be able to use a highlighter function?

Ethical English Office hours:

9am – 6pm UK local time (Please expect a response within 24 hours)

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Sign up here for free grammar test!