Are you a nursing professional planning to do your stint abroad? If yes, you must be busy securing a fail-proof entry point for yourself. To move overseas and make a space for yourself in the healthcare sector within an English-speaking country, you must prove your eligibility on diverse fronts. Beyond your academic qualifications and professional skills, you must establish your ability to communicate effectively in the native language, i.e., English. That’s where a language proficiency exam like OET for nurses comes into the picture.
To help you out in this journey, today we will take you through everything you need to know about the OET exam for nurses –
- What is OET
- OET exam fees
- OET eligibility requirements
Here’s our complete guide.
What is the OET Exam for Nurses?
- OET, or Occupational English Test, is an English language proficiency test that tests your ability to communicate well in English, both verbally and in written modes.
- This test is specifically meant for healthcare professionals, including nurses, and is a key requirement for anyone planning to build a career in an English-speaking country.
To enter the healthcare workforce in any country with English as its native language, knowing the language is essential – it determines your ability to perform everyday tasks and function without being limited by any language barriers. If you are unable to speak to your patients or fellow medical professionals and understand what they are saying, none of your skills can be put to use. That’s why you will surely need an OET score to back up your language skills to enter an English-speaking environment as a healthcare professional.
OET Grading: Score Levels
- A: Very high level of English proficiency
- B: High level of English proficiency
- C: Moderate proficiency
- D: Below expected standard
- E: Poor proficiency
Most international regulatory bodies require you to secure at least a “B” grade in your OET exam for nurses.
OET Exam Fees for Nurses
The OET exam fees vary from country to country, i.e., the location you appear for the test. For instance,
- Australia: AUD 587
- United States: USD 455
- India: INR 31,830
- UAE: AED 1,500
These are approximate costs and can vary from time to time. So, you must check the official OET website for your specific country and determine the actual fee structure. Note that this fee applies for a single attempt; to sit for the exam again, you must make a fresh payment.
OET for Nurses Eligibility Criteria: Who Can Sit for the Exam?
As the OET exam for nurses is meant explicitly for healthcare professionals planning to work abroad, you must meet certain eligibility requirements to sit for the exam.
- You must be a qualified nurse licenced to practise in your home country.
- You must be in any English-speaking country like the UK, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, Canada or Singapore.
There are no age or nationality restrictions when it comes to OET eligibility. Any nurse planning to work abroad can sit for the exam.
OET Test Format: Know What Awaits You
The OET exam tests your language skills on four fronts: speaking, listening, reading and writing.
- Listening: 50 minutes
You will have to listen to several dialogues related to healthcare environments and answer several questions. - Reading: 60 minutes
This section will test your ability to read and comprehend written information and will cover general healthcare topics. - Writing: 45 minutes
The OET writing sections test your ability to articulate information in written form. You must write a letter based on a typical healthcare scenario, like a referral letter. - Speaking: 20 minutes
In the speaking section, you must engage in role-plays typical of healthcare environments and display your ability to communicate effectively with patients.
You have to perform well in all sections to achieve the desired score.
Other Key Points to Know About the OET Exam For Nurses
- You can register for the exam via the official OET website and find all the necessary details, including test dates, centre availability, etc.
- The OET exam occurs 12 times yearly, but this number can vary. So, check any related updates and do not miss out on your chance to sit for the exam during the desired period.
- OET scores are valid for two years – plan your test accordingly and ensure you don’t have to attempt the exam again.
- The OET exam for nurses can be taken online and offline (on a computer or on paper at a test centre). You can choose any mode depending on your comfort and convenience. Also read Is OET easier than IELTS?
Prepare Right with EnglishWise
Appearing for the OET exam for nurses can be a significant step towards your dream career. So, make sure you prepare right and secure your dream score. At Englishwise, we can help you prepare and ensure you pass the exam with flying colours. Our certified trainers will first determine your language proficiency level and offer tailored support to help you sit for the exam with confidence. Connect with us today and learn how we can help you in your OET preparatory journey.