How to Prepare for the OET Examination

November 2023

The Occupational English Test (OET) is a crucial step for healthcare professionals seeking to work in English-speaking countries. Success in the OET exam is not only a testament to your language proficiency but also your ability to communicate effectively in healthcare scenarios. To excel in this exam, thorough preparation is key. In this guide, we will walk you through the steps to prepare effectively for the OET examination.

The OET exam is distinct in its focus on healthcare communication. It consists of four key sections: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking.

Listening

In this section, test-takers are required to listen to a range of healthcare-related audio recordings. These recordings include patient consultations, workplace interactions and medical lectures. Test-takers are assessed on their ability to understand and extract important information from these recordings. They need to answer questions, complete summaries, and take notes, demonstrating their comprehension of spoken English in a medical context.

Reading

The Reading section presents test-takers with texts from various healthcare sources, such as medical journals, patient information leaflets, or hospital policies. They are expected to read and comprehend these texts, answering questions that assess their ability to understand and interpret medical information, including identifying the main ideas, details, and implications of the given text.

Writing

The Writing section evaluates the test-taker’s ability to communicate in writing within a healthcare context. They are required to write a letter based on a set of notes about a patient. The letter should effectively communicate the patient's condition, history, and the reason for the referral to another healthcare professional. It's crucial to use appropriate medical terminology and maintain a professional tone in this section.

Speaking

The Speaking section of the OET is particularly unique and important for healthcare professionals. Test-takers engage in role-play scenarios with simulated patients or healthcare colleagues. They are assessed on their ability to communicate effectively in a medical setting. This involves taking a patient's medical history, explaining a diagnosis or treatment plan, or discussing a medical issue with a colleague. The ability to demonstrate empathy and effective communication skills is vital in this section.

Here are a few tips to keep in mind to help you succeed in attaining the score you need on the OET exam.

• Set Clear Goals: Before diving into OET preparation, set clear, realistic goals. These goals will not only keep you motivated but also help you tailor your study plan to meet your specific needs. Your goals might include target scores for each section and an overall score you aim to achieve.
• Create a Study Schedule: Success in the OET exam requires a disciplined approach to studying. Create a study schedule that suits your daily routine and ensures adequate time for each section. Consistency in sticking to your schedule is key, so plan your study hours wisely.
• Practice, Practice, Practice: Regular practice tests are essential to familiarise yourself with the OET exam format and timing. Take full-length practice tests under exam-like conditions to build your confidence. Review your test results to identify your weaknesses and areas for improvement.
• Seek Professional Tuition: Consider enrolling in an OET preparation course or seeking a tutor. Expert guidance can help you identify your weaknesses and provide strategies to overcome them. These professionals can also offer insights into the exam's nuances. At Babel, we are able to offer a wide range of personalised instruction to assist in your preparation for the OET examination.
• Stress Management and Self-Care: Preparation can be stressful, so don't neglect your well-being. Managing stress and anxiety is vital. Incorporate relaxation techniques and self-care into your routine to maintain a healthy mindset. Taking breaks, staying active, and maintaining a balanced diet can all contribute to your overall well-being.

Choosing the Right Study Materials

Selecting the right study materials is crucial. Textbooks, practice tests, and online resources can be valuable assets. Here are some recommendations for effective self-study and preparation:

The Official OET Website - oet.com

OET’s official website contains a lot of useful information regarding the test itself as well as sample tests and practice papers. There are also events and workshops held virtually that you can take part in.

British Council for Improving your Grammar - learnenglish.britishcouncil.org/grammar

The British Council’s website is a great resource full of explanations, examples and practice activities for improving your grammar.

NHS Website - www.nhs.uk

It might seem like a simple resource to use but the NHS’ website is a great resource to read in order to learn new healthcare-related vocabulary. A good tip is to start a vocabulary book where you write down all of the new vocabulary you learn as you encounter it. This will really help for all sections of the OET examination.

YouTube - www.youtube.com

As well as the official OET YouTube channel, there are a lot of great YouTube channels that you can use to help you prepare for the OET. Some are certainly better than others though and our tutors can guide you towards the best resources to use between classes for self-study.

Preparing for the OET examination is a journey that requires dedication, focus, and a strategic approach. Understanding the exam, setting clear goals, and creating a structured study plan are all key, but nothing can replace the personalised experience of having a dedicated tutor. That’s where Babel comes in. We can help you build a study plan with one of our tutors that fits around your work and personal life, ensuring you have the best coaching possible to excel in the OET examination in the fastest time possible. Contact us now to learn more!