Occupational English Test (OET)

The International English language test that assesses the language and communication skills of healthcare professionals who seek to register and practice in an English-speaking environment.

OET logo

This test for the healthcare sector provides a valid and reliable assessment of all four language skills – listening, reading, writing and speaking – with an emphasis on communication in health professional settings.

OET tests international health practitioners in the following 12 professions:

  • Dentistry
  • Dietetics
  • Podiatry
  • Occupational Therapy
  • Nursing
  • Radiography
  • Medicine
  • Optometry
  • Speech Pathology
  • Pharmacy
  • Physiotherapy
  • Veterinary Science

Contact OET direct

What do I need to know?

OET tests are scheduled every two months at our Newnham campus.

Please note that online registration opens 7 weeks prior to the test date and closes approx 3 weeks prior to the test.

Test date Results released by 5pm AEST
Saturday 2 December 2023 21 December 2023
Saturday 10 February 20241 March 2024
Saturday 6 April 202425 April 2024
Saturday 1 June 202420 June 2024
Saturday 3 August 202422 August 2024
Saturday 26 October 202414 November 2024
Saturday 23 November 202412 December 2024

Apply for the OET test online directly with OET.

Online registration opens 7 weeks prior to the test date. Bookings close 3 weeks before the scheduled test and late applications are not accepted.

To apply, you will require:

  • Credit card or payment details
  • Your identification document
  • A digital passport photo

Apply for the OET test online

How OET gave Zambian nurse Muulo confidence
Doctor Tin Mi shares why she chose OET

English Language Centre OET Preparation program

The English Language Centre at the our Newnham campus can provide OET Preparation Courses for groups of 6 or more.  The teachers at the ELC can provide you with the knowledge and tools needed to achieve the results you require in your OET test.

OET Masterclass

The OET Masterclass can help you prepare for the reading, writing, speaking and listening tests. This online webinar helps you to understand how the test is assessed and will provide some tips and common mistakes to avoid

Find out more about the OET Speaking test

Learn about the OET Reading test

Results are available online approximately 16 days after the test. Results are mailed within 5 days of the online publication of results.

When are OET test results available?

Paper results will be available 3 weeks after you sit for the test. Results are available online approximately 16 business days after the test. Statements of Results are mailed within 5 business days of the online publication of results.

How will I get my OET results?

You will be able to view your OET results by logging in to the OET website and clicking on My Details, approximately 16 business days after the OET administration date.

Your official Statement of Results will be posted to the address found on your My Details page approximately 5 business days after the online publication of your OET results.

Please allow adequate time for delivery, OET is not responsible for the delivery of orders once they are with Australia Post.

Please note: Under no circumstances do we provide OET results by email, fax or over the phone.

What if I disagree with my OET test results?

You can request a re-mark of one or more sub-tests if you believe your sub-test results are not accurate. Re-mark requests must be made within 5 days from the date your results are published online. Re-marking and appeal charges will be refunded in full if your sub-test grade(s) change as a result of your appeal. View OET’s full Re-marking Policy here.

Can I get additional copies of my OET test results?

Yes, to order an additional OET Statement of Results, please log in to the OET website with your username and password click Candidate Information, then Statement of Results.

Each additional Statement of Results costs AUD35.00 and can take up to 2 weeks to be posted from Melbourne. Additional postage charges may apply

How much does the test cost?

$587AUD including GST

Can I resit one module?

Yes, AHPRA allows some professions to re-sit sub-tests. Please consult with AHPRA for further information.

Do you have special arrangements for test takers with disabilities?

We support test takers with disabilities. Please contact us for details on what we can provide you.

How long are OET results valid for?

This can vary. Contact the Authority e.g. AHPRA for details on what they accept.

Is it possible to combine grades from different sittings?

This is determined by the English Language Proficiency requirements set down by your regulatory authority. Please contact them for details.

Can I request a remark?

You can request a re-mark of one or more sub-tests if you believe your sub-test results are not accurate. Re-mark requests must be made within 5 days from the date your results are published online. Re-marking and appeal charges will be refunded in full if your sub-test grade(s) change as a result of your appeal. View OET’s full Re-marking Policy.

What happens if I am sick on test day?

You can withdraw from the exam either before or on test day. You will be charged an administration fee to transfer to another test day. For more information, visit OET.

I need information about test results

Please read our Test Results section on this page for detailed information.

OET is delivered at a secure test centre at the English Language Centre, University of Tasmania, Newnham campus of the University of Tasmania. Please take time to read the important information below, so that you can be prepared for your exam.

How long is the test?

The written test is approximately 3 hours followed by a 20 minute speaking test.

Identification ID

You must bring the ID document you used when you applied for OET for identification purposes. Unless you have an authorisation letter from OET, you will not be able to sit the test without it.

What can I bring into the test room?

  • Passport
  • Pens, pencils and erasers (no mechanical pens)
  • Water in a clear bottle

What can’t I bring into the test room?

  • Digital devices including mobile phones, i-pods
  • Watches
  • Bags, wallets and keys
  • Jackets, hoodies, scarves, gloves
  • Baseball caps, beanies, hats or hoods
  • Cases for pens or glasses
  • Dictionary or papers
  • Highlighters or correction fluid.

On test day you will be asked to hand over any of the above items which will be securely locked away.

The University of Tasmania accepts no responsibility whatsoever for the loss of, or damage to, your personal property left here on examination days and recommends that candidates leave all valuables at home.

Test day format

There are four sub-tests:

Listening (approx. 50 minutes)

Same content for all healthcare professions
Part A: recorded, simulated professional/patient consultation with note-taking questions
Part B: recorded talk or lecture on health-related topic, with range of short and multiple choice answers

Reading (1 hour)

Same content for all healthcare professions
Part A: skim and scan short health-related texts and complete a summary paragraph by filling in missing words.
Part B: read longer health-related texts and answer multiple-choice questions

Writing (45 minutes)

Specific to profession, based on typical workplace situations.
The task is to write a letter, usually a referral letter. Sometimes, especially for some professions, a different type of letter is required. E.g. a letter of transfer or discharge, or a letter to advise or inform a patient, carer or group.

Speaking (approx. 20 minutes)

Specific to profession, based on typical workplace situations.
In a private room you will take part in two role plays. You take your professional role (as a healthcare professional) while the interlocutor plays a patient or client, or sometimes a relative or carer.