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.

We'll start delivering OET on computer in late September.

You do not need to do anything. We will prioritise and invite those candidates who have been deferred longest.

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, but your ability to do so will depend on three conditions: 

1. The organisation that you want to apply to accepts results from OET on computer at a test venue or [email protected]
2. That you have a computer or tablet for the OET online Speaking test and you can access Zoom. 
3. That you can meet the necessary technical specifications  and pass the system checks contained in the [email protected] User Guide.

Please also note that for the first few months after launching, [email protected] seats will be by invitation only. This is so that we can prioritise seats for candidates who are in locations where it is extremely difficult if not impossible to attend a test venue.

Yes, provided there is a computer-based testing venue near you and you have a computer or tablet for the OET online Speaking test.

See the OET Online Speaking Test User Guide.

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.

They are exactly the same test, with the main difference being where you take the test. With OET on computer you will attend a test venue to take the Listening, Reading and Writing sub-tests, while with [email protected] you will take them remotely (e.g. at home or work) via the Prometric system (ProProctor) and remote proctoring.

For both [email protected] and OET on computer at a test venue, the Speaking sub-test will take place remotely over Zoom, with remote proctoring.

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

However, for the first few months after the test is launched, [email protected] seats will be by invitation only. This is so that we can prioritise seats for candidates who are in locations where it is extremely difficult if not impossible to attend a test venue.

We cannot provide a guarantee as seats will be limited due to COVID-19 restrictions.  We will notify candidates and update our website as more locations and seats become available. At a later stage, as with the paper-based test, candidates will book their OET on computer at a test venue seats on a first-come-first serve basis.

The test costs the same as OET on paper – AU $587.

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 will initially only be 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.

No, you must take all four sub-tests.

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

OET on computer at test venues is currently accepted by ECFMG for doctors going to the USA, AHPRA in Australia 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 and [email protected] and will let you know as soon as we have firm answers from them.

[email protected] is accepted by ECFMG, GMC and NMC.

Please book your test via the OET website. However, in the first few months after launching the test, bookings for OET on computer at a test venue will be by invitation only so that we can prioritise those candidates who have been unable to schedule a test or deferred longest due to Covid-19.

No, there is no way to do this at the moment as the two delivery modes are managed via separate booking systems. We are working to develop this capability and will advise candidates as soon as it is ready.

In the meantime, if you wish to defer from OET on paper to OET on computer, you will need to first book OET on computer and then withdraw from your OET on paper test. To withdraw, login to your myOET candidate profile, click on the small arrow in the Action column under My Applications and click 'Withdraw'. Withdrawals are processed automatically and take just a few days, depending on your individual bank.

Yes, except for in Iran, where due to IT restrictions, we are not able to administer the Speaking test via Zoom.

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 the paper-based or the computer-based test.

We do, however, recommend that you also do the following:

1. Try a computer-based sample test so that you will be familiar with the look of the test and there are no surprises on test day.
2. Download and install Zoom (for the Speaking sub-test).

For full details, please see the Speaking Test Online User Guide.

Yes, you can find a Nursing sample test on computer here. Please note that in the real test, the sidebar on the left of the screen, pictured  in the diagram below,  will not show and pdfs with the texts will open automatically.

We are working to make a Medicine sample test available as soon as possible but in the meantime, please do try the Nursing test - the Listening and Reading sub-tests are the same across all professions. The aim of this sample test is to familiarise yourself with how OET works on computer. For additional test tasks, please see our free sample tests.

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. A Prometric representative will be in touch with you about your request.

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

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. An Prometric representative will be in touch with you about your request.

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 the current OET.  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 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 use a desktop, laptop or tablet are acceptable. 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.

You will not be able to take OET Speaking if you don’t have a webcam because you need 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.

Results are released 14 business days after the test, as per the 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 paper-based OET.