You’re a qualified healthcare worker ready to take your career to the next level. Whether you’re a nurse, doctor, or allied health professional, the OET (Occupational English Test) is your gateway to working in English-speaking countries.
But let’s be honest—prepping for the OET isn’t a walk in the park. This isn’t just about reading textbooks or memorizing random medical terms. It’s about showing that you can communicate professionally and compassionately in a clinical setting. That means handling real-world patient interactions, writing clinical letters, and understanding complex health texts—all in English.
The good news? With the right strategies, preparation, and support, you can absolutely pass the OET—and even score above the B grade.
In this article, we’ll explore practical, expert-level tips to help you master each section of the OET: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. You’ll discover how to train your ear for various English accents, write polished referral letters, perform under time pressure, and avoid common pitfalls. Plus, we’ll introduce how Spring International Training College (SITC) can support your OET journey every step of the way.
A Detailed Explanation of What It Takes to Excel in the OET
Excelling in the OET means proving that you’re not just fluent in English, but professionally competent in a healthcare setting. It evaluates your ability to understand, process, and communicate clinical information effectively. That includes patient care scenarios, documentation, and professional discussions. Here’s how to position yourself for success.
Know the Test Inside Out
What Exactly Is the OET?
The OET is an international English language test designed specifically for healthcare professionals. Unlike generic tests like IELTS or TOEFL, the OET focuses on real medical scenarios you’ll actually face in practice.
The test is divided into four sub-tests:
- Listening (45 mins)
- Reading (60 mins)
- Writing (45 mins)
- Speaking (20 mins)
Each sub-test simulates situations from real healthcare settings and is tailored to your specific profession (nursing, medicine, physiotherapy, etc.). Understanding the format and scoring criteria is the first step to excelling.
Why It’s Different from Other English Exams
Most English exams test grammar, vocabulary, and reading speed. The OET, however, goes a step further—it tests your ability to:
- Interpret patient complaints
- Write referral or discharge letters
- Engage in sensitive conversations
- Use formal clinical language
So, don’t just prepare like it’s another English test. Prepare like it’s a simulation of your job.
Master the Vocabulary of Care
Learn Medical Terms in Context
Memorizing lists of medical words won’t help much if you don’t know how to use them correctly. For example, understanding the term “tachycardia” is helpful, but knowing how to explain it to a patient in layman’s terms is what the OET is looking for.
You need to train in:
- Clinical terms: diagnosis, treatment, symptoms
- Patient-friendly language: non-technical explanations
- Natural connectors: “Let’s begin with,” “It’s important that you…”
Resources That Work
- Clinical journals and case studies
- Podcasts like “2 Docs Talk” or “BMJ Talk Medicine”
- Official OET vocabulary builder tools
- Live role-play sessions with instructors or classmates
Simulate the Real Exam Environment
Train Like It’s the Real Thing
Imagine trying to perform surgery after only watching YouTube videos. Doesn’t work, right? Same thing with the OET. You must simulate test conditions consistently.
- Set a timer and take full-length practice exams
- Use real OET sample materials—not just random English worksheets
- Practice Listening with a focus on different accents (Australian, British, American)
Why Simulation Helps
- Trains you to stay calm under pressure
- Helps you discover which section you struggle with most
- Familiarizes you with the pacing of each sub-test
Writing Isn’t About Fancy English—It’s About Clinical Accuracy
The Referral Letter Trap
In the OET Writing sub-test, you’ll often be asked to write a referral, discharge, or transfer letter using provided case notes. The key? Organize, summarize, and prioritize information.
Most students fail because they:
- Include irrelevant patient history
- Miss key symptoms or diagnoses
- Use informal or vague language
Writing Tips That Work
- Always write in formal, professional tone
- Stick to the 3 Cs: Clear, Concise, Clinical
- Practice structuring letters with an introduction, key findings, action taken, and recommendations
A good letter isn’t long—it’s accurate, relevant, and easy to read.
Speaking: It’s Not a Test, It’s a Conversation
Understand the Speaking Structure
The Speaking sub-test simulates a real-life patient consultation. You’ll role-play with an interlocutor acting as a patient. Scenarios might include:
- Explaining a medication plan
- Giving lifestyle advice
- Handling a patient’s fear or non-compliance
You’re judged on:
- Fluency and Clarity
- Empathy and Reassurance
- Appropriateness of Language
Practice Makes Perfect
- Record yourself doing role-plays
- Listen for filler words (“um,” “like”) and awkward pauses
- Work on tone, empathy, and maintaining professionalism
Listening: More Than Just Hearing
Develop Listening for Clinical Detail
In the Listening sub-test, you’ll hear consultations, workplace discussions, and presentations. You need to pick up on both explicit and implied information.
It’s easy to miss details if you’re not focused—especially with various accents or background noise.
How to Train Your Ears
- Watch documentaries or medical reality shows (with subtitles, then without)
- Practice summarizing consultations from audio
- Focus on “trigger phrases” like: “the patient mentioned,” “I noticed,” “we’ll need to…”
Reading: Don’t Just Skim—Strategize
Know the Parts of the Reading Test
The Reading sub-test has three parts:
- Part A: Expedited reading (short texts, quick answers)
- Part B: Workplace extracts (emails, manuals)
- Part C: Opinion-based articles (longer texts)
Each part demands a different approach.
How to Prepare Smart
- Practice identifying main ideas and tone quickly
- Highlight transition words like “however,” “therefore,” “although”
- Work on synonym recognition—OET often paraphrases
Time Management: The Secret Skill
The most successful OET candidates all have one thing in common: excellent time management.
- Use the first 30 seconds to understand the task, not panic
- Don’t overthink questions—your instinct is usually right
- Practice speed-reading and summarizing under a timer
Great English won’t help if you run out of time halfway through the test.
Stay Consistent, Stay Confident
Consistency beats talent in test prep. Study a little every day, not everything in one night. Build a habit.
- Set weekly goals: “This week I’ll master Part A Reading”
- Review past mistakes often
- Reward yourself for improvements
Confidence comes from preparation. The more you practice, the more second-nature your responses will feel.
Also read:How to Balance OET Prep with Work Responsibilities
How Spring International Training College Helps You Succeed in the OET
At Spring International Training College, our OET course is designed to give students a career-launching advantage. Here’s why our program stands out:
- Accredited by TVET Authority, Ministry of Education, and British Council
- Expert trainers specialized in healthcare English
- Realistic mock exams and personalized feedback
- Focused preparation on each sub-test, not just generic grammar
- Affordable tuition for students in Nairobi and surrounding regions
We support you from the moment you enroll until you confidently walk into your test center—and beyond.
Need more info? Call us:
📞 Westlands Campus: 0741098157
📞 Nairobi CBD: 0748698566
📞 Kilimani Campus: 0722728350
📧 Email: Info@sitc-tvet.ac.ke
Let’s help you speak the language of healthcare fluently and professionally.
FAQs – OET Exam and Preparation
- Is OET harder than IELTS?
It depends. OET is more focused on healthcare English, making it easier for medical professionals. - What’s a good OET score?
Most boards accept a B grade (350/500) in each module. - How do I register for the OET?
Through the official OET website: www.occupationalenglishtest.org - How long is the OET valid?
Most authorities accept results for 2 years. - Does Spring International offer online classes?
Yes, we offer flexible, online OET prep classes for remote learners. - Do I need to be a nurse to take the OET?
No. The OET is available for 12 healthcare professions, including doctors, dentists, and pharmacists. - How can I improve fast?
Join a professional prep program, do daily practice, and get expert feedback. - Is the OET recognized worldwide?
Yes, by healthcare regulators in the UK, Australia, Ireland, New Zealand, and more. - Can I retake just one section?
Yes. As of 2023, OET offers modular retesting for individual sub-tests. - When should I start preparing?
Ideally, at least 6–8 weeks before your intended test date.
Passing the OET isn’t just about scoring well—it’s about proving you can communicate confidently in a real healthcare environment. With the right strategy, consistent effort, and expert guidance from Spring International Training College, you’re more than capable of acing the OET and launching your international career.
Your future patients are waiting. Now’s your time.
