IELTS and OET are the two most important English language proficiency exams in the world. Deciding between IELTS and OET depends on your higher education goals. OET is specifically designed for healthcare professionals. On the other hand, IELTS offers a broader range of applications.
One of the prerequisites for going abroad to pursue higher education is the possession of an English Language Proficiency exam certificate or score. Oftentimes, students are left in a state of confusion when it comes to appearing for OET or IELTS exams. Since both of these tests measure a student’s English language skills, students usually ponder about which is an easier test – IELTS or OELTS. Before we move on to the topic which is the need of the hour i.e. OET vs IELTS, let us first understand what these tests actually mean.
What is IELTS?
IELTS or International English Language Testing System is an English language exam that is required to be taken by international students who are considering studying or working in a country where English is the main language to communication. The most popular countries where IELTS score is accepted for university admissions are the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. IELTS measures the ability to communicate in the four basic English language skills – reading, listening, writing, and speaking. The IELTS exam is jointly owned and conducted by IDP Education Australia, the British Council, and Cambridge English Language Assessment.
Know more about IELTS here:
What is OET?
OET more commonly referred to as the Occupational English Test is an exclusive English language test that has been designed for health care professionals. Conducted by CBLA or Cambridge Boxhill Language Assessment, Healthcare professionals who are looking to work or study in the healthcare sector in the UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, Ukraine, Dubai, Singapore or Namibia are required to apply for the OET to be able to prove their level of English proficiency to be able to deliver superior healthcare. Nowadays, many organizations including hospitals, universities, and colleges are using OET scores as proof of students’ ability to communicate effectively in a demanding healthcare environment. OET measures all four language skills namely listening, writing, reading and speaking with an emphasis on a healthcare environment.
OET exam has been specifically designed for 12 healthcare professions including Occupational Therapy, Dentistry, Nursing, Radiography, Veterinary Science, Medicine, Speech Pathology, Physiotherapy, Dietetics, Podiatry, Pharmacy, and Optometry.
Know more about OET here:
What is the Difference between OET and IELTS?
Confused between OET and IELTS exams? Given below is a visual comparative representation of OET vs IELTS.
| Criteria |
IELTS |
OET |
|---|---|---|
| Full-Form |
International English Language Testing System |
Occupational English Test |
| Conducted By |
British Council and IDP Education Ltd |
Cambridge Boxhill Language Assessment Trust (CBLA) |
| Accepted By |
Australia, New Zealand, United Kingdom, Canada and the United States of America |
United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, Ukraine, Dubai, Singapore, and Namibia |
| Most popular for |
Candidates looking to study, work and migrate to English speaking countries |
Healthcare professionals looking to work in the healthcare sector |
| Exam Pattern |
The IELTS exam pattern comprises four sections, Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking. The candidates are tested on these four parameters |
The entire OET Exam is divided into four sections, the Listening Section, the Reading Section, the Writing Section, and the Speaking Section |
| Variety | 2 versions of IELTS exam (Academic and General Training) |
12 versions for different healthcare professions like nurses, dentists, doctors, pharmacists, vets, radiographers, occupational therapists, speech pathologists, etc |
| Duration of the Exam |
165 mins (2 hrs and 45 mins) |
170 mins |
| Questions framed from |
Every part of the test can be on a topic that may or may not be related to healthcare |
Each part of the exam is related to real workplace scenarios for healthcare professionals |
| Exam Score Range |
On a scale of 1 (the lowest) to 9 (the highest) |
On a scale of A (Highest) to E (Lowest) |
| Exam Fees |
Rs 17,000 |
$587 AUD (INR 33,033) |
| Exam Validity |
2 years |
2 years |
| Exam Test Dates |
Once a week |
Available every month |
| Availability of results |
Written test: 13 days CBT: 3-5 days after your test |
Varies as per the authorities |
While both exams measure the English language abilities of the candidates. It is important to understand the admission requirements before applying for the test. A lot of times the university/institute could prefer a particular exam over another. This entirely is at the discretion of the university admission guidelines. Candidates should keep in mind that while the OET exam is limited to healthcare professionals, the IELTS exam covers a more generic base of students.
IELTS or OET – Which is Easier?
Now, we know that IELTS and OET are both English assessment tests. If a student’s English level is not up to the required standard, then he/she will not be able to pass either of the tests. In short, if a student’s English level is good enough, then it does not matter which test is easier. As such, there is no evidence that shows which test is easier – IELTS or OET.
Both these tests vary in terms of difficulty. However, many consider OET an easier test. This is because it is specific to healthcare and the test-takers can make use of their healthcare knowledge, vocabulary, and experiences. IELTS, on the other hand, is not specific to the healthcare profession. In IELTS, the topic and content covered as questions will be more general and taken from various sources.
After analyzing all of the above-given points, the better question is which test is more suitable for you. This allows us to move to our next section i.e. What is the difference between IELTS and OET?
Read : IELTS vs TOEFL vs PTE Academic: Which test you should take
FAQs Related OET vs IELTS Exam
Q. Which is better, IELTS or OET?
A. For many people, IELTS is a better choice. This is because it covers more countries and provides you with a better understanding of complex English. On the other hand, for healthcare professionals, OET is considered as a better option because it uses profession-specific content.
Q. Which is cheaper between IELTS exam or OET exam?
A. IELTS is cheaper than OET. The exam fee of IELTS is INR 17,000 and that of OET is AU$ 587 (INR 33,013).
Q. Is OET and IELTS the same?
A. OET and IELTS measure the English language skills of the test takers. These tests the reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills. However, the nature of both of the tests varies. IELTS is designed for you to study, work or migrate to a country where English is the native language. These countries include the UK, USA, Canada, New Zealand and Australia. On the other hand, OET is specifically designed for healthcare professionals who want to practice and register in an English-speaking environment.
Q. Who can take OET?
A. OET has been developed for 12 healthcare professions namely Dentistry, Medicine, Dietetics, Nursing, Occupational Therapy, Optometry, Pharmacy, Physiotherapy, Podiatry, Speech Pathology, Radiograph, and Veterinary Science.
Q. Does the USA accept OET?
A. Yes, the US accepts OET as a language proficiency assessment for healthcare professionals.
Raj Vimal has experience of 7+ years in SEO Content Writing, which includes 5+ years in the Ed-Tech industry. He has written articles about studying abroad, especially in the USA, UK, and other English-speaking coun... Read Full Bio
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