College of NETA Recommends Occupational English Test (OET) for Overseas Qualified Nurses

By NETA Aug 9, 2024

 

The Occupational English Test (OET) is an English language test designed specifically for healthcare professionals. It assesses the language communication skills of healthcare professionals who seek to register and practise in an English-speaking environment. OET is trusted by regulators, hospitals and universities in Australia and other English-speaking countries as proof of ability to communicate effectively.

  1. Unlike other English tests, the OET is designed specifically for health care professionals. This means the test scenarios are directly relevant to nursing such as nurse/patient consultation or medication documentation.
  2. OET helps nurses' English communication skills in real life healthcare settings which helps nurses to build confidence for the OSCE exam.
  3. Clear and effective communication is crucial in OSCE stations, where you need to demonstrate your ability to interact with patients, explain procedures, and provide clear instructions. The OET Test helps you sharpen these skills by using healthcare-specific tasks that mimic real-life clinical scenarios.
  4. The OET Test incorporates tasks that require you to engage in patient consultations, manage conversations, and respond to patient concerns. This practice helps you build the confidence and competence needed to pass OSCE exam.

Most people who take the OSCE also need to take an English proficiency test. As the OET Test is the leading English test for healthcare professionals, and recognised by organisations such as AHPRA and governments worldwide, it has a lot in common with the OSCE. This means that when you can effectively prepare for both the OET Test and OSCE exam preparation at the same time, saving you time, money and energy.

OET covers all four language skills with an emphasis on communication in a healthcare environment:

  • Listening (approximately 45 minutes)
  • Reading (60 minutes)
  • Writing (45 minutes)
  • Speaking (approximately 20 minutes)

Fees: $587 including GST (For up-to-date fees, please visit OET Official website)

Start Dates: Click here to view dates on the OET website 

If you are considering sitting the OET, we highly recommend completing OET Preparation provider affiliated to College of Nursing Education & Training Australia (NETA):

 

OET locations can be searched via OET official website: How do I book an OET Test and where can I book | OET

Results

You will receive a Statement of Results which shows your score for each of the four sub-tests, on a scale from 0 to 500. Each of the four sub-tests is assessed in a specific way.

You can see an overview of your latest test scores via your online profile on the OET website, approximately 16 business days after each test day. Official copies of Statements of Results can be downloaded from your online profile. You can choose which test administration you wish to download a Statement of Results for and this will list the scores you obtained in that particular test administration. You can also give access to OET partnered institutions to check and verify your results from your online profile.

For Overseas Qualified Nurses minimum required OET score is B Grade.

You can register for the test by visiting: My OET Registration Page

Contact Us if you need guidance for OET exam booking or for the preparation program via our website:

Contact Us | NETA (nursingeta.com)

If you require more information regarding this test, including test bookings, results, and test preparation, please visit the OET website 

 

Enroll in Fast Track  (Nursing)

Enroll in Regular Course (Nursing) 

Enroll in Intensive Course (Nursing)