OET for All 12 Professions: Which Parts of the Test Are the Same and Which Differ
The OET is offered for 12 healthcare professions. See the full list, which sub-tests are common to all and which are profession-specific, and how to choose your practice material.
The Occupational English Test (OET) is available for 12 healthcare professions. Knowing which parts are shared helps you choose the right practice material.
The 12 OET Professions
- Dentistry
- Dietetics
- Medicine
- Nursing
- Occupational Therapy
- Optometry
- Pharmacy
- Physiotherapy
- Podiatry
- Radiography
- Speech Pathology
- Veterinary Science
What Is the Same for Every Profession
| Sub-test | Same or different? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Listening | Same | About 45 minutes; 42 questions in three parts |
| Reading | Same | 60 minutes; 42 questions in three parts |
| Writing | Different | A letter based on a case in your own profession; 45 minutes |
| Speaking | Different | Two role-plays in your own profession; about 20 minutes |
Scores
Each sub-test is scored from 0 to 500. Many regulators ask for a B (350 to 440) in each sub-test. Requirements vary by profession and country, so check with your regulator.
What This Means for Your Practice
- Listening and Reading: any good OET practice test helps, whatever your profession.
- Writing and Speaking: use material for your own profession. Nursing, pharmacy and physiotherapy tasks are quite different from medicine tasks.
Read profession guides: OET Medicine and OET Nursing. For the full preparation path, see the OET preparation guide.
Practise With Real-Format Tests
OET Practice on HighYield has full-length Listening and Reading tests in the real format, Writing letters with model answers and Speaking role-plays. Try the free Listening test to see how it works.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many professions can take the OET?
Twelve healthcare professions, from dentistry to veterinary science.
Is the OET Listening test the same for all professions?
Yes. Listening and Reading are common to all professions. Writing and Speaking are profession-specific.
Can I use medicine practice tests if I am a nurse?
For Listening and Reading, yes, because the tests are the same format for everyone. For Writing and Speaking, use nursing material.
Where do I check the exact rules?
On the official OET website and with the regulator or employer who requires the test.
More OET Guides
- OET preparation: the complete guide
- OET practice: how to practise each sub-test
- OET Medicine: what the test looks like
- OET Nursing: format and preparation
- OET for all 12 professions
- OET vocabulary: phrases for consultations and letters
- OET speaking: a worked role-play example
- Common OET mistakes
- OET for doctors: complete guide · 8-week study plan · free listening test
Ready to practise for the OET?
Listening, reading, writing and speaking practice for 12 healthcare professions, with a free listening test to start.
Explore OET Practice