Scoring high in competitive English proficiency tests opens a pathway of opportunities. However, the dilemma of choosing IELTS or OET can confuse an aspirant. There are multiple parameters such as ease of test, content familiarity, test format, and recognition to consider when navigating this decision. While both tests assess your ability to communicate effectively in English, their target audiences and purposes differ significantly. Let’s understand the essence of these tests and then probe if and why one is easier than the other.
What is IELTS?
One of the most common language tests taken worldwide is IELTS or the International English Language Testing System. The IDP Education Australia, Cambridge English Language Assessment, and The British Council jointly own and manage the test.
Whether you wish to study further or work in a native English country such as Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, Canada or the United States of America, achieving a high IELTS score is beneficial. Though there are two formats of IELTS tests, both comprise the same format, reading, listening, writing and speaking.
IELTS Academic: If the candidates aspire to study further in an English-speaking country, IELTS Academic is a preferable choice. It assesses whether the candidate is fluent in the vocabulary common in an academic environment. You can take IELTS Academic if you are seeking admissions in:
- University
- Higher education, or
- Professional registration
IELTS General: If you seek to migrate for work or study at a below-degree level, IELTS General can be a suitable choice. Through this test, the evaluator analyses if you have everyday English language skills, required to navigate social situations and work environments.
What is OET?
OET or Occupational English Test is exclusively designed for healthcare professionals. If you want to work or study in the healthcare sectors of countries like the UK, Australia, Ireland, Ukraine, Singapore, USA or New Zealand, the OET score is a highly regarded credential. It’s managed and conducted by the CBLA or the Cambridge Boxhill Language Assessment and has a similar pattern as that of IELTS. So, in OET also, you will need to score in four categories; listening, writing, reading and speaking.
The OET assesses English communication skills specifically within a healthcare setting. This ensures that healthcare professionals can effectively communicate with patients, colleagues, and other healthcare providers. The test itself is tailored to the following twelve different healthcare professions, with content and scenarios relevant to each specific field.
- Occupational Therapy
- Dentistry
- Nursing
- Radiography
- Veterinary Science
- Medicine
- Speech Pathology
- Physiotherapy
- Dietetics
- Podiatry
- Pharmacy, and
- Optometry
Difficulty Levels: IELTS vs. OET
So, which test is easier – IELTS or OET? The answer, as you might expect, isn’t straightforward. Both tests require strong English language skills.
Here’s a breakdown to help you decide:
Content
IELTS: Focuses on academic English. This includes writing essays, following lectures, understanding academic articles, and discussing diverse topics like the environment, education, and social trends.
OET: Targets healthcare-specific English. You must communicate effectively in medical scenarios, write referral or discharge letters, understand patient consultations, and follow medical journal texts.
Preparation
IELTS: Requires a broad academic vocabulary across various subjects. Preparation involves building comprehension skills for academic texts and lectures, discussing abstract ideas, and writing detailed essays and reports. Learning complex grammar structures, advanced writing styles, and exam techniques is crucial.
OET: Demands a strong foundation in healthcare terminology and profession-specific language. Preparation focuses on understanding and participating in clinical scenarios, medical texts, and talks. You’ll hone your ability to write high-level healthcare letters and master exam techniques for efficient test-taking.
Scoring
IELTS: Uses a 9-band scale with half-point increments, providing separate scores for each section.
OET: Employs a letter grading system (A-E) with equivalent numerical scores for a more nuanced assessment. Healthcare regulatory bodies typically require an advanced C1 level (around a 7 in IELTS and a B in OET) for healthcare professionals.
IELTS vs OET: Which is Easier?
Both IELTS and OET test your English skills but in different ways. If your English isn’t strong, you must improve regardless of the test. The difficulty depends on your background. OET might feel easier for healthcare workers because it uses familiar medical terms and situations. IELTS covers a wider range of topics, like science or history, which could be unfamiliar. Instead of focusing on “easier,” think about which test best fits your goals. Do you need English for healthcare work? Then OET is the way to go. Are you aiming for university or general immigration? IELTS might be a better choice.
Concluding Words
While both IELTS and OET assess English proficiency, they cater to distinct goals. Choosing the “easier” test depends on your background and aspirations. If you’re a healthcare professional seeking work abroad, OET’s familiarity with medical scenarios might be advantageous. For general academic or immigration purposes, IELTS with its broader recognition might be the better fit. Ultimately, the best test is the one that aligns with your specific needs and helps you unlock the door to exciting opportunities.
Remember that preparing well for either of the tests is the key to your dreams. You can choose to practise through EnglishWise. With our vast library of resources and AI-scored practice mock tests, you can efficiently prepare for the tests and achieve scores that will take your career to the desired heights
