As an international doctor hoping to pursue a career in the UK, the Occupational English Test (OET) is now widely recognized as valid documentation of your English language ability. OET is recognized by UKFPO as a valid test for applications for GMC registration as well as foundation training.
What is the OET?
An evaluation of the language and communication abilities of healthcare professionals is done through an English language proficiency exam.
- Dentistry
- Dietetics
- Medicine
- Nursing
- Occupational Therapy
- Optometry
- Pharmacy
- Physiotherapy
- Podiatry
- Radiography
- Speech Pathology
- Veterinary Science
We will be discussing Medical version because it is what the GMC requires to be registered
Where can I use OET ?
- GMC registration
- UKFPO Foundation Training (If eligible and interested)
- FY2 Standalone Training (If eligible and interested)
- Tier 2 Visa (as now it only requires you to have GMC Registration)
- Training Applications (If you are directly applying without any NHS experience)
You can use your UK consultant's testimony as evidence of your English language ability if you are already employed by the NHS in a non-training post (clinical fellow, trust grade doctor, SHO, etc.) and desire to apply for training.
Structure of the exam
OET evaluates your speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills, much like IELTS, however it places more of an emphasis on the medical and healthcare fields.
- Listening
- Reading
- Writing
- Speaking
Listening
The two parts of the listening exam each last for about 50 minutes. You must pay attention to a mock consultation between an expert and a patient in Part A. Additionally, you must make notes with the proper titles.
You will hear a health expert speak briefly on a health-related subject in Part B. After that, you'll have to respond to a number of multiple-choice and open-ended questions.
Reading
The hour-long reading exam is divided into two parts. During the 15-minute Part A, candidates are required to peruse three or four brief texts and then fill in the blanks to finish a summary paragraph.
Section B lasts for 45 minutes. You must study two passages on a subject related to general healthcare and respond to eight to ten multiple-choice questions for each passage.
Writing
You have 45 minutes to complete the writing assignment. You must create a message as directed (usually a referral letter). Case notes will be provided to you, and you must include them in their response.
Speaking
You will need about 20 minutes to complete the speech portion. You will be required to have a one-on-one discussion with an interlocutor. A brief introduction about your work background will come first. There will be two character plays following this.
For each part play, you will have two to three minutes to get ready. Role plays are based on the typical interactions between a health worker and a patient and last for about five minutes. As the patient's doctor, you will be required to explain or help them comprehend any material from the role-playing task that is pertinent.
If you want more information regarding each section of the exam and what more you can expect, please look here.
Required OET score for PLAB & GMC Registration
You will need to get a ‘B’ in each module of the exam in order to be considered eligible in the eyes of the GMC.
From the day of your exam, it will take you roughly 16 days to access the online portal on the OET website and view your results. Within ten working days, the official paperwork will be mailed to you.
For further information regarding the results, look here.
What are the charges of OET Exam?
The fee for this exam is fixed in Australian dollars because it is based in Australia (AUD). It will therefore cost you $587 AUD (or roughly £332 GBP). You may view the price in your native currency on the application portal. Just Visa and MasterCard are accepted as forms of payment for credit cards, bank checks, and money orders. The bank check or money order you choose to use for payment must be in Australian dollars (AUD) and be drawn from an Australian bank.
Required ID Documents
Another crucial thing to realise is that the regulation regarding the national identification card only applies if you are taking the exam in your country of residence. You need to bring a passport if you're taking it somewhere other than your home nation. You may bring your Indian national identification card as identification if you are an Indian citizen taking the test in India, for instance. In contrast, if you are an Indian national taking the test in Bangladesh, you must present identification documentation such as your passport.
Whatever form of identification you present, it needs to be authentic and current on the day of the test. These identity documents must have pictures on them.
The law governing the national identity card only applies if you are sitting for the test in your country of residence, which is another essential realisation. If you're travelling outside of your home country, you must have a valid visa with you. If you are an Indian citizen taking the test in India, for example, you may bring your Indian national identity card as identification. However, if you are an Indian national taking the test in Bangladesh, you must present identification proof such as your passport.
Any form of identification you provide must be legitimate and up to date on the day of the test. There must be images on these identification papers.
When and where will this test be offered?
Over 40 foreign centres offer the OET 12 times a year. Please check this page to see the available days and to see if your nation is hosting the exam.
There are some free materials and sample tests you can find at the main website. There is also a website there where you can buy the materials. When you register for the exam, you will also receive six weeks access to a preparation package known as Start for Success.
Additional OET resources are available here as well.
If you are having trouble downloading files from MEGA in your phone, Use any standalone browser like Chrome, Firefox etc and open the desktop site. Click here to see how to download from MEGA in your phone using Chrome browser.
Is OET mandatory to obtain GMC registration?
No. Together with IELTS, this is just another method of demonstrating English language competency. When either of these two—IETLS or OET—meets GMC requirements, you can utilize either one to gain GMC registration. Both of these are not necessary.
If I take OET, I have to take IELTS also?
No, OET is approved from your PLAB to GMC registration and beyond, including for a skilled worker visa.
I've been attempting the IELTS, but should I instead take the OET?
That is all up to you. But keep in mind that you shouldn't treat a pricey exam like a stroll in the park. Plan beforehand
Is OET accepted for post-application training?
Yes, OET is now recognized together with IELTS for applications to training positions. but NOT for training in the UKFPO (as of the date of updating this article). Please be aware that you will only need to apply for the UKFPO if you have not already completed a GMC-acceptable internship after graduating.
Is OET easier than IELTS?
After failing the IELTS a few times, any English language test will appear simple to you. However if this is your first time taking OET, I would strongly advise against taking it lightly.
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