Ultimate OET Prep Guide: How to Ace Your Occupational English Test
If you’re a healthcare professional aiming to work in an English-speaking country, the Occupational English Test (OET) is a crucial step. Proper OET prep can significantly boost your chances of success. In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know to prepare effectively.
Understanding the OET Format
OET assesses English language skills in a healthcare setting through four sections:
Listening (40 minutes): Tests your ability to understand healthcare-related conversations and lectures.
Reading (60 minutes): Evaluates your comprehension of healthcare-related texts.
Writing (45 minutes): Requires writing a referral, discharge, or advice letter based on case notes.
Speaking (20 minutes): Involves role-playing patient interactions with an examiner.
Step-by-Step OET Prep Plan
1. Assess Your Current Level
If you want to find out more about the OET exam, you can visit the Cambridge English website. At Progress English we also offer free English level tests – book an interview today
2. Create a Study Plan
Allocate at least 4-6 weeks for OET prep.
Dedicate time to each section of the test.
Focus on improving both general English and medical English.
3. Practice Each Section
If you join one of our courses, we will focus on each section individually, ensuring you feel confident in your abilities for every single section.
There are also things you can do at home:
Listening: Listen to healthcare podcasts, BBC Health, and official OET listening materials.
Reading: Read medical journals, case studies, and patient information leaflets.
Writing: Learn proper letter structures and practice with past OET writing tasks.
Speaking: Engage in role-plays or record yourself interacting with a patient scenario.
Ready to try a couple of exercises?
Answers below
What are these abbreviations for?
Example: BRSV – bovine respiratory syncytial virus
Now try these:
CCV EEE FIP SIV
Answer key
CCV – canine coronavirus EEE – eastern equine encephalomyelitis FIP – feline infectious peritonitis SIV – swine influenza virus
Task 2
What would you diagnose on the evidence of these symptoms?
Pet – 7 tear-old Persian feline cat, neutered
Symptoms – vomiting, lethargy, anorexia, polydipsia, halitosis
General status – temperature 38C pulse – 180/min respiratory rate 16/min dehydration 8% generalised muscle weakness systolic blood pressure – 180mmhg
Answer key – possible renal failure