The Occupational English Test — or OET — is a global English exam made just for healthcare professionals. It focuses on real-life medical communication, not abstract grammar or textbook English. In this article, we’ll look at what OET is, how it’s structured, and what’s new for the 2026 exam. Check the Test Content Official website: […]
Category Archives: OET Strategies
One of the most common questions I get from OET students is: “Is it worth applying for a remark?” A remark means requesting a re-evaluation of your OET results. If you’re not satisfied with a section score, you can pay AUD 120 to have it reassessed. All sections — including Listening and Reading — can […]
For many test-takers, the most challenging part of the OET exam is the Listening section — especially Part A. For IMGs who have mainly studied “exam-style” English in their home countries, this part can feel nearly impossible on first attempt. The accent, the pace, and the way information is presented can be overwhelming. Unlike American […]
Many candidates experience a puzzling drop in their OET Reading score after initially achieving 350 or higher on their first attempt. Compared to IELTS or TOEFL, OET questions are relatively straightforward and predictable — which can make candidates overconfident. You might think, “Reading shouldn’t be a problem…” But that assumption can backfire. Many IMGs who […]
In this article, we’ll go through the flow after the greeting stage and the essential phrases you should practice. Clinical Communication Criteria Strategies Let’s quickly review the overall flow of a role-play scenario: In this article, we’ll focus on stages two and onward. 2. Patient Emotionally Explains Their Symptoms Once the role play starts, the […]
In continuation from the previous article, this time we’ll focus on practical strategies for raising your score in the OET Speaking sub-test under the Clinical Communication Criteria. Clinical Communication Criteria (Basic Strategies) Let’s begin with a quick review of the five assessment areas: Unlike clinical practice where accurate diagnosis is the ultimate goal, in the […]
“This candidate seems fine for Speaking…” Since around January 2025, it has felt like even candidates who gave the impression of being “okay in Speaking” are not achieving the same success rates as before. Some unofficial sources mention that after January 29, 2025, an “Overall Score” was introduced. However, since this has not been officially […]
For many IMGs, the Occupational English Test (OET) is one of the biggest hurdles to working overseas. Reaching 350+ (Grade B) is the target set by most healthcare regulators, but getting there can feel overwhelming without a clear plan. The good news is that OET is highly predictable once you know how each section works. […]
OET and IELTS are two of the most common English tests required for healthcare professionals looking to work abroad or convert their medical licenses obtained overseas. When given the choice, many IMGs wonder: “Which is easier—OET Grade B (350–440) or IELTS 7.0?” The conclusion, in general, is that OET 350 is slightly easier to achieve […]










