Delivery modes

It is a new delivery mode of OET. The Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking sub-tests can now be taken on a computer, rather than pen and paper.  Listening, Reading and Writing are taken on computer at a test venue and the Speaking sub-test is taken via Zoom, on a computer or tablet at home or other suitable location.

The test tasks, format and timings will remain the same as with OET on paper. The only difference is that you will take the test on computer.  It is the same test and the level of difficulty will also remain the same.

Yes, you can still take OET on paper if there is a venue offering paper-based testing near you. OET is now offered in three different delivery modes: 

1. OET on paper at a test venue – the test of choice for healthcare professionals for the past 30 years .
2. OET on computer at a test venue – the same test you know and love but on computer .
3. [email protected] – the same test you know and love but on computer in your own home.

Yes, as long as: 

1)The organisation that you want to apply to accepts results from OET on computer at a test venue and
2)you have a computer or tablet for the OET Speaking Test Online and can access Zoom. Download the OET Speaking Test Online User Guide.

OET on computer at a test venue will run on all the same test dates as OET on paper. See test dates.

Yes, you may change your booking from one delivery mode to another. However, please note that you will need to pay a deferral/ rescheduling fee.

To reschedule from OET on paper to OET on computer

1. Withdraw your booking in myOET. How to withdraw your booking.
2. Make a new OET on computer booking.

To reschedule from OET on computer to OET on paper

Please contact our Support team for assistance.

The test costs the same as OET on paper.

No, the test tasks, format and timings are the same as with OET on paper.  It is the same test so the level of English assessed will also remain the same.

It is the same test, so it is no harder or easier.  The test will be marked according to the same assessment criteria.

OET on computer is currently only available for Medicine and Nursing. We will introduce the test for other professions once this test delivery mode is accepted by the relevant healthcare boards and councils.

No, the test will be the same to ensure both are a reliable and valid measure of a candidate’s skills in each skill area.

OET on computer at test venues is currently accepted by ECFMG for doctors going to the USA and the UK’s General Medical Council and Nursing and Midwifery Council. We are working closely with other healthcare regulators to get them to accept results from OET on computer at test venues.

We advise that before taking OET you check the requirements with the organisation you wish to apply to.

No, it is not. If you wish to apply to Ahpra, you must take OET on paper. We will advise you if this changes.

No, you must take all four sub-tests.

Please check with the organisation to which you plan on applying.

Please book your test via the OET website (click on the Book button at the top of this page).

It is currently available in 196 cities around the world, and the list of citiies is constantly growing. See our test dates and locations page.

No, the test involves the same test tasks, format, timings and level of English assessed. Therefore, your preparation for the test does not need to change according to whether you are taking OET on paper or OET on computer.

We do, however, recommend that you try an OET on computer sample test so that you are familiar with the look and feel of the test and there are no surprises on test day.

Yes, you can find free OET on computer sample tests here. There are two for Nursing and one for Medicine, however the Listening and Reading sub-tests are the same across all professions so feel free to try all three, whether you will be taking Nursing or Medicine.

Yes, if you choose, you may take a break of 10 minutes after Reading Part A. However, please note that if you step away from your screen during the break, you will need to complete the security check again before you can proceed with the test.

Yes, however you can only go back and check your answers within the same section i.e. if you have completed Reading Part A and already started  Reading Parts B and C, you will not be able to go back to Reading Part A.

There is an option to highlight text by clicking and dragging over the desired words and confirming by clicking the highlight button that appears (and the same in reverse to remove highlighting).

You may only take a blank piece of paper into the Speaking test on which to make notes.

Yes, we can. We make every effort to provide reasonable testing accommodations to give each OET candidate an equal and fair chance to succeed. Requests are assessed on a case-by-case basis before a decision is made, and you will need to provide supporting documentation, such as a medical certificate.

To arrange a testing accommodation, tick ‘yes’ during the booking process where you asked if you need any testing accommodations, and then put some details of what you require and why into the space provided.

The Prometric System that runs OET on computer has a wide range of accessibility features. Please note, however, that not all accommodations can be provided in all countries; accommodations vary by location.

If you require any testing accommodations, you will need to arrange these with OET and provide supporting documentation, such as a medical certificate. When booking your test, you will be asked if you require any testing accommodations. Tick yes and then put some details of what you need and why into the space provided.

We strongly suggest that you book early to enable us to make testing accommodations for you.

The Speaking sub-test will involve an interlocutor conducing the role plays as they do with OET on paper.  The only difference will be that the interaction is done via Zoom, similar to the way many medical consultations have moved online in response to the coronavirus.

You will need a laptop, desktop or tablet (i.e. no mobile devices) and to download and install Zoom before test day.

For full details about accepted devices, see the Speaking Test Online User Guide.

No, you are not allowed to use a headset or earphones.

For full details of what is and is not allowed, see the Speaking Test Online User Guide.

No, you will need a desktop, laptop or tablet. Your tablet should be large enough for you to comfortably view the Speaking role play card.

For full details about accepted devices, see the Speaking Test Online User Guide.

No, you can also use a desktop, laptop or tablet. Your tablet should be large enough for you to comfortably view the Speaking role play card.

For full details about accepted devices, see the Speaking Test Online User Guide.

That's not a problem. All of the Speaking Test slots that you are shown when you make your booking are treated by regulators as part of the same test administration, even if they are a day or so before or after your Listening, Reading or Writing test.

Do not take OET on computer if you don't have awebcam because you will need it to take the test at home over Zoom. Only Listening, Writing and Reading take place at a test venue.

Our focus is on testing your English language skills, not your computer skills. However, if you are not familiar with using a computer or type very slowly, it may affect your performance and results. We suggest that you try a sample test in both paper and computer formats to see which one works best for you. You can then decide whether to book a paper-based or a computer-based test.

As with OET on paper, OET on computer results are released 14 business days after the test, as per the usual OET results release schedule.

Yes. Learn more about OET results and assessments.

The test will be marked by the very same highly trained assessors who mark OET on paper.

Bookings close ten (10) days before the test administration date e.g. if your preferred test date is 11 November, bookings will close on 1 November.