No candidate can take OET exam without first completing OET eligibility. The OET Test is done by Cambridge Boxhill Language Assessment (CBLA). It is special English language test for healthcare professionals. The main aim of Occupational English Test (OET) is to check your language proficiency and communication skills in healthcare settings like hospitals, clinics and nursing homes. Some people think it is hard but with practice you can manage it well.
Having a valid medical degree is mandatory to practice as a healthcare professional, and it is recognised by OET. Apart from this, there are a few other important points under OET eligibility that you should know before proceeding with OET registration. In this article, we will explore the OET exam eligibility criteria point-by-point.
In a calendar year, the Occupational English Test in paper mode is conducted 24 times. The OET Computer-Based Test is offered on most days of the month, except Sundays and national holidays. So, you can find a suitable date on the official website, according to your convenience and appear in the exam.
Yes, you are eligible to appear in the Occupational English Test (OET) at the age of 18. According to OET eligibility, there is no fixed age limit. The OET does not have a specific age requirement for candidates. However, the test is designed to assess the English proficiency of healthcare professionals who want to work or study in healthcare-related fields. So, if you do not have the same objective then there is no point to appear in OET exam.
Here is the point-wise eligibility for OET exam:
- Age Limit: No age limit has been announced or specified by the CBLA for appearing in the exam.
- Passport: A valid passport is mandatory to have at the time of exam registration.
In case, you are planning to appear in the exam, fulfilling eligibility is mandatory.
- OET Exam 2025 Eligibility Criteria
- OET 2025 Eligibility for Nurses
- OET Exam Pattern
- OET Exam 2025 Preparation Tips
OET Exam 2025 Eligibility Criteria
Candidates looking to appear for the OET exam are required to closely follow the OET eligibility guidelines to be able to register for the OET test. The OET eligibility guidelines require candidates to
- Be qualified to register and practice in one of the 12 healthcare professions that OET accepts.
- Have a valid Indian passport
- Demonstrate English communication skills.
OET Eligibility: Age Requirements
CBLA, the conducting body of the OET exam has not mentioned any age limit for the OET exam. There are no age criteria for candidates wanting to appear for the OET exam. Hence, candidates wanting to go abroad to countries that accept OET are required to register for the OET exam on the official website, here: https://www.occupationalenglishtest.org/book-oet/.
OET Eligibility: Education Qualification
Again, CBLA has not laid down any specific educational qualifications required by the candidate to appear for the OET Exam. Hence, as long as the student is looking to work in the healthcare sector and can speak English he/ she is eligible to take the OET exams. Candidates should just note that the OET exam is accepted by healthcare professionals who are looking to work or study in the healthcare sector in Australia, Canada, Egypt, Ireland, Maldives, Malta, Namibia, New Zealand, Philippines, Qatar, Singapore, Spain, Ukraine, United Kingdom, United Arab Emirates and the United States of America.
Commonly asked questions
OET exam is for healthcare professionals who are looking to work or study in the healthcare sector in Australia, Canada, Ireland, Maldives, Malta, Namibia, New Zealand, Philippines, Qatar, Singapore, Spain, Ukraine, United Kingdom, United Arab Emirates and United States of America. Hence, it is important that all applicants possess in-depth certification in similar fields. There is no set eligibility criteria based on age or school or college level educational requirements, thus, applicants who are eligible to apply for healthcare professions can apply for the OET exam. The OET exam scores will make students eligible to apply for admissions.
To register for the OET exam, you can follow these steps:
- Visit the official website of OET and create an account
- Choose Your Test Format (OET on Computer or OET on Paper)
- Select Your Test Date and Time. You can select OET at home also.
- Pay the Test Fee
- Confirm Your Booking
There is no age limit to appear in OET exam. If you fulfil educational qualification criteria then you can appear for exam. Candidates of any age can apply for OET test. Exam is specifically designed for healthcare professionals. Make sure applicants have a medical degree.
OET 2025 Eligibility for Nurses
As told before OET scores is recognised by many countries for nurses who wants join healthcare sector. Some confusion is there about OET eligibility for nurses. Nursing is part of OET exam made for healthcare professionals. Nurses need score B in OET Listening, Reading and Speaking, and C+ in Writing. Also they need at least 350 out of 500 to become accredited nurses in foreign country. If you want exact OET score requirements you should check official website first then get score in OET exam.
Commonly asked questions
No, there is not any set eligibility for taking OET. The exam conducting body does not set a minimum English level for eligibility to take the test. However, the exam assesses communication skills required for healthcare. That's why, English proficiency is generally necessary to achieve the required scores for nursing registration.
No, you do not need to have any work experience. OET itself does not have a minimum work experience requirement to be eligible to take test. It may happen that the regulatory body or employer you are applying to might have their own experience requirements for registration.
You only need your valid passport, a government approved Photo ID card, passport size photo and payment confirmation slip. All of these documents should be in soft copy and in hard copy at the time of taking the test.
OET Exam Pattern
The OET exam pattern is divided into four sections, the Listening Section, which is for 50 minutes in duration and is made up of 3 parts; the Reading Section, which is for 60 minutes and divided into 3 parts; the Writing Section, which is profession-specific and requires candidates to write a letter of recommendation and is for 45 minutes and finally the last section; the Speaking Section that requires the candidate to enact a setting from the healthcare environment in 20 minutes.
OET Paper Pattern 2025
Below is the OET exam pattern in detail.
| OET Exam Pattern/ Sections |
Test Duration |
OET Test Description |
|---|---|---|
| Listening |
40 minutes |
The Listening subsection is divided into 3 parts that test the candidates' listening capabilities in various formats. |
| Reading |
60 minutes |
The Reading subsection is divided into 3 parts that test the candidate's reading capabilities in various formats. |
| Writing |
45 minutes |
The Writing subsection is profession-specific and requires candidates to write a letter of reference. |
| Speaking |
20 minutes |
The Writing subsection is profession-specific and requires candidates to enact a roleplay from the healthcare environment. |
Also, Read
Commonly asked questions
Occupational English Test, the duration of the OET exam is 2 Hours and 45 Minutes. Here is the detailed OET exam pattern for 2025:
| OET Pattern 2025 | |
|---|---|
| Reading |
|
| Writing | Time: 45 Minutes |
| Speaking | Time: 20 Minutes |
| Listening |
|
In the OET exam, the scores of every sub-test vary between 0 to 500 in increments of 10. it is represented in A, B, C, D, and E. Your numerical score is also converted into a letter grade (A, B, C, D and E). Below, we have mentioned the representation of OET scores:
- A (450-500)
- B (350-440)
- C (250-340)
- D (150-240)
- E (0-140)
There is no negative marking system in OET (Occupational English Test) exam. This means your score won't be deducted for incorrect answers. Try to attempt every question of the exam even if you’re unsure. There is no penalty for guessing. Your score will only be based on the number of correct responses.
OET Exam 2025 Preparation Tips
Similar to other exam prep, students can choose to study on their own or join a coaching centre to prepare for the OET exam. It is important for candidates The decision lies entirely up to the candidate, as you need to see whether you have enough time and resources for both. Newer methods of studying are gaining popularity, like online OET prep classes. It includes both self-studying and coaching class methods. You join a virtual classroom and you learn in the comfort of your home. To choose the best method to prepare for OET you first need to look at your criteria and decide accordingly. Check out our OET preparation plan for beginners on our website.
Commonly asked questions
Today, technology can be your perfect partner during exam preparation. In this case, you can use several online platforms where you can appear in the OET practice test which will give you detailed feedback to identify areas for improvement.
Other than this, multiple language learning apps and online courses are available. Some are free and many of them offer their premium services at minimal fees. Also, you can get personalized support in the form of virtual tutors. In short, technology is helpful for OET preparation.
OET exam for medical professionals who want to work in selected english speaking countries. The major objective of the Occupational English Test is to assess the English language proficiency of healthcare. So, the amount of time required for preparation varies depending your current proficiency in English language. If you have a strong foundation in English language or have studied in any English speaking countries, you might be able to prepare in 2-4 weeks with focused practice on the OET format and specific skills. Other students may need 3 to 6 months for the same.
Here are some of the famous preparation books for Occupational English Test:
- The Official Guide to PET (2nd Edition)
- OET Pulse
- Official OET Ready – Online Course for Medicine
- OET Reading & Listening Skills Builder
- Free Writing Review by Medical English Plus
These books are easily available in the online or offline stores.
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