The Listening and Reading tests are the same for all candidates and cover topics of general interest to all healthcare professionals. Writing and Speaking tasks are profession-specific, tailored to nursing scenarios.

No. OET requires clear, accurate, profession-specific vocabulary, not advanced medical jargon. General nursing and healthcare terms are sufficient, along with the ability to use patient-friendly language. Clarity and appropriateness matter more than complex terminology.

Both language accuracy and medical content relevance are equally important. Examiners assess how well you select the correct clinical information from case notes and how clearly, accurately, and appropriately you express it using correct grammar, tone, and organisation.

Role-plays place greater emphasis on fluency and effective communication than on detailed medical accuracy. The focus is on how clearly, confidently, and empathetically you communicate with the patient rather than on precise or advanced medical detail.

OET scores are valid for two years from the test date. Note that OET scores from different sittings cannot be combined, unlike IELTS.

You may use abbreviations only when they are appropriate for the reader. In professional-to-professional communication, common abbreviations (e.g., BP, HR) are acceptable. In patient-facing contexts or when clarity may be affected, writing in full is preferred.

The recommended length is 180-200 words. This guideline exists because the case notes are designed to allow you to write a clear, complete, and satisfactory letter within the 40-minute time limit.

OET is accepted by the NMC (Nursing and Midwifery Council) and other UK nursing councils. For UK NMC registration, nurses must achieve Grade B (350+) in Listening, Reading, and Speaking, and Grade C+ (300+) in Writing.