What is OET and Why It Matters?

The Occupational English Test (OET) is the world’s leading English language test for healthcare professionals. Unlike general English tests like IELTS, OET focuses specifically on healthcare communication, making it the preferred choice for:

• Nurses seeking registration in Australia, New Zealand, UK, Ireland, and Singapore
• Doctors applying for medical council registration
• Allied Health Professionals including physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and more

OET vs IELTS: Why Choose OET?

💡 Pro Tip: Most healthcare professionals find OET easier than IELTS because the content relates directly to their professional experience.

12-Week OET Study Plan Overview

Our comprehensive OET study plan is designed by experts and tested by thousands of successful candidates. Here’s your roadmap to success:

Phase 1: Foundation & Assessment (Weeks 1-2)

Goal: Understand your starting point and set realistic targets

✅ Week 1: Take diagnostic test, understand OET format
✅ Week 2: Baseline assessment, gather resources, create study routine

Phase 2: Skill Building (Weeks 3-6)

Goal: Master each subtest with targeted practice

✅ Week 3: Listening skills and note-taking strategies
✅ Week 4: Reading comprehension and time management
✅ Week 5: Professional writing techniques
✅ Week 6: Speaking confidence and role-play mastery

Phase 3: Practice & Application (Weeks 7-10)

Goal: Intensive practice with real test conditions

✅ Week 7-8: Timed practice tests and weak area focus
✅ Week 9-10: Mock examinations and strategy refinement

Phase 4: Final Preparation (Weeks 11-12)

Goal: Test readiness and confidence building

✅ Week 11: Final mock tests and review
✅ Week 12: Test day preparation and mindset optimization

📊 Success Rate: Students following this plan show an average score improvement of 50-100 points across all subtests.

Daily Study Schedules for Every Lifestyle

Choose the study schedule that fits your lifestyle and commitments:

🟡 Light Schedule: 1 Hour Daily (Perfect for Busy Professionals)

Monday-Friday (45 minutes):

• 20 min: Rotating subtest focus
• 15 min: Medical vocabulary building
• 10 min: Quick review and notes

Weekend (90 minutes):

• 60 min: Practice test section
• 30 min: Review and planning

Best for: Working healthcare professionals, parents, part-time preparation

🔵 Moderate Schedule: 2 Hours Daily (Recommended)

Daily Structure:

• 30 min: Listening/Reading practice
• 30 min: Writing exercises
• 30 min: Speaking role-plays
• 30 min: Vocabulary and review

Weekly Focus:

• Mon/Wed/Fri: Receptive skills (Listening + Reading)
• Tue/Thu/Sat: Productive skills (Writing + Speaking)
• Sunday: Full practice test (3 hours)

Best for: Dedicated full-time preparation, balanced approach

🔴 Intensive Schedule: 3-4 Hours Daily (Fast-Track Success)

Morning Session (2 hours):

• 45 min: Listening with diverse materials
• 45 min: Reading with timed exercises
• 30 min: Vocabulary building

Afternoon Session (1.5-2 hours):

• 45 min: Writing practice with feedback
• 45 min: Speaking role-plays and recording
• 30 min: Mock test sections and review

Best for: Full-time students, career transition, urgent deadlines

Complete OET Subtest Breakdown

Master each section with our detailed study modules:

🎧 Listening Subtest (40 minutes, 42 questions)

Part A: Consultation Notes (24 questions)

What to expect: Fill gaps in patient consultation notes
Study focus:

• Medical terminology and abbreviations
• Note-taking while listening
• Understanding patient symptoms and medical history

Practice materials:

• Doctor-patient consultation recordings
• Medical podcast transcripts
• Symptom description exercises

Part B: Workplace Extracts (6 questions)

What to expect: Short workplace conversations with multiple choice
Study focus:

• Identifying main points quickly
• Understanding workplace healthcare contexts
• Professional communication patterns

Part C: Presentation/Interview (12 questions)

What to expect: Longer healthcare presentations with detailed questions
Study focus:

• Following complex medical arguments
• Understanding opinions and attitudes
• Inferring meaning from context

🔥 Listening Pro Tips:

1. Practice note-taking shorthand for medical terms
2. Focus on stressed words and intonation for key information
3. Use elimination method for multiple choice questions
4. Build familiarity with various English accents (British, Australian, American)

📖 Reading Subtest (60 minutes, 42 questions)

Part A: Summary Gaps (20 questions, 15 minutes)

What to expect: Complete summary using 4 short texts
Strategy: Scan all texts first, then fill gaps systematically

Part B: Workplace Texts (6 questions, 22-23 minutes)

What to expect: 6 short texts (emails, memos, guidelines) with 1 question each
Strategy: Read question first, then scan for specific information

Part C: Academic Texts (16 questions, 22-23 minutes)

What to expect: 2 longer medical articles with 8 questions each
Strategy: Skim for main ideas, then read carefully for details

📚 Reading Success Strategies:

1. Time management is crucial: Stick to suggested timings
2. Develop scanning skills: Find information quickly without reading everything
3. Build medical vocabulary: Know common terms, prefixes, suffixes
4. Practice skimming: Get main ideas in 30-60 seconds

✍️ Writing Subtest (45 minutes, 1 task)

Task: Write a professional letter (usually referral, discharge, or transfer)

Letter Structure Template:

1. Opening (30-40 words): Purpose and context
2. Body (120-150 words): Relevant medical information from case notes
3. Closing (20-30 words): Next steps and contact information

✅ Writing Checklist:

•  All relevant case note information included
•  Appropriate professional tone maintained
•  Clear paragraph structure with logical flow
•  Correct letter format and layout
•  Grammar and spelling accuracy
•  Word count: 180-200 words

🎯 High-Score Writing Tips:

1. Plan before writing: Spend 5 minutes organizing case note information
2. Use professional language: Avoid contractions, use formal vocabulary
3. Be concise: Include only relevant information
4. Proofread: Save 3-5 minutes for final review

🗣️ Speaking Subtest (20 minutes, 2 role-plays)

Format: Two 5-minute role-plays with healthcare scenarios

Role-Play Structure:

1. Preparation time: 2-3 minutes to read scenario
2. Interaction: 5 minutes conversation with interlocutor
3. Assessment criteria: Communication effectiveness, not language perfection

Common Scenarios:

• Taking patient history
• Explaining test results or procedures
• Discharge planning
• Health education and advice
• Dealing with patient concerns

🌟 Speaking Excellence Framework:

Information Gathering:

• Ask relevant, empathetic questions
• Show active listening
• Follow logical sequence

Information Giving:

• Explain clearly in simple language
• Check patient understanding
• Provide appropriate reassurance

Relationship Building:

• Show empathy and respect
• Maintain professional but warm tone
• Handle emotions appropriately

Essential OET Resources (Free & Paid)

🆓 Free Resources

• OET Practice Tests – Full-length mock exams
• OET Writing Samples – Scored sample letters
• BBC Learning English Health Unit
• TED Talks Health Playlist
• Medical English podcasts
• NHS patient information leaflets

💰 Premium Resources

1. EnglishEy OET Membership – ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.9/5)
   • 12-week structured program
   • Expert feedback on writing and speaking
   • 20+ full practice tests
   • Profession-specific modules
2. E2Language OET Course – ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.3/5)
   • Online video lessons
   • Live classes available
   • Good for self-paced learning
3. BenchMark Education – ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.2/5)
   • Comprehensive material bank
   • Regular updates with new content

Recommended Books:

• Official OET Practice Books (by profession)
• Kaplan OET Review – Good for additional practice
• Cambridge OET Preparation – Academic approach

Week-by-Week Study Guide

Week 1: Foundation Setup

Goals: Understand OET format, take diagnostic test, set targets

Day 1-2: Complete diagnostic test

• Take full OET practice test
• Record scores in all subtests
• Identify strongest and weakest areas

Day 3-4: OET format familiarization

• Study test structure and timing
• Review assessment criteria
• Watch orientation videos

Day 5-7: Goal setting and planning

• Set target scores for each subtest
• Create personalized study schedule
• Gather all study materials
• Set up study environment

📋 Week 1 Checklist:

•  Diagnostic test completed and scored
•  Target scores set based on requirements
•  Study schedule created and printed
•  Study materials organized
•  Study space set up

Week 2: Baseline Assessment

Goals: Establish current skill levels, begin skill building

Day 1-3: Individual subtest assessment

• Complete practice sections for each subtest
• Time yourself on each section
• Analyze error patterns

Day 4-5: Vocabulary building begins

• Start medical terminology list
• Learn 20 new words daily
• Practice with flashcards or apps

Day 6-7: Study routine establishment

• Test your daily study schedule
• Adjust timing if needed
• Begin consistency tracking

Week 2 Progress Markers:

•  Baseline scores recorded for each subtest
•  Medical vocabulary list started (100+ words)
•  Daily study routine established
•  Error patterns identified

Weeks 3-6: Skill Building Phase

Week 3: Listening Mastery

Focus: Note-taking, medical terminology, accent familiarity

Daily activities:

• 30 min: Consultation listening practice
• 15 min: Medical terminology building
• 15 min: Note-taking technique practice

Resources to use:

• Medical consultation recordings
• Healthcare podcasts
• Patient interview videos

Week 4: Reading Excellence

Focus: Speed reading, comprehension strategies, time management

Daily activities:

• 30 min: Timed reading practice (all parts)
• 15 min: Medical article reading
• 15 min: Vocabulary in context

Key techniques:

• Skimming for main ideas
• Scanning for specific information
• Time allocation per part

Week 5: Writing Proficiency

Focus: Letter structure, professional tone, case note analysis

Daily activities:

• 30 min: Letter writing practice
• 15 min: Case note analysis
• 15 min: Grammar and style review

Practice focus:

• Different letter types (referral, discharge, transfer)
• Professional language patterns
• Time management (5 min plan, 35 min write, 5 min review)

Week 6: Speaking Confidence

Focus: Role-play scenarios, communication skills, fluency

Daily activities:

• 30 min: Role-play practice
• 15 min: Medical communication phrases
• 15 min: Recording and self-evaluation

Key areas:

• Patient interaction scenarios
• Information gathering techniques
• Empathy and rapport building

Weeks 7-10: Practice & Application Phase

Week 7-8: Intensive Practice

Goals: Apply learned strategies under test conditions

Daily structure:

• 45 min: Full subtest practice (rotating daily)
• 30 min: Weak area focus
• 15 min: Review and error analysis

Weekend: Full 3-hour mock test

Week 9-10: Mock Test Series

Goals: Test readiness, time management, confidence building

Schedule:

• Take 2 full mock tests per week
• Detailed analysis of all errors
• Targeted practice on identified weaknesses
• Speaking practice with feedback

Weeks 11-12: Final Preparation

Week 11: Performance Optimization

Goals: Fine-tune performance, achieve consistent target scores

Activities:

• Final mock tests
• Review all error patterns
• Consolidate key strategies
• Build test day confidence

Week 12: Test Readiness

Goals: Peak performance preparation, stress management

Activities:

• Light review only
• Test day logistics preparation
• Stress management practice
• Final confidence building

Progress Tracking Templates

Weekly Score Tracker

Daily Study Log

Date: ___________
Time studied: ___________
Activities completed:

•  Listening practice (____ minutes)
•  Reading practice (____ minutes)
•  Writing practice (____ minutes)
•  Speaking practice (____ minutes)
•  Vocabulary building (____ minutes)

Today’s achievements:

Tomorrow’s priorities:

Monthly Review Template

Month: ___________

Scores Progress:

• Listening: Started ___ → Current ___
• Reading: Started ___ → Current ___
• Writing: Started ___ → Current ___
• Speaking: Started ___ → Current ___

What worked well:

What needs improvement:

Next month’s goals:

Common OET Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Listening Mistakes

1. Writing too much: Focus on key information only
2. Spelling errors: Practice medical term spellings
3. Missing context: Listen for the complete picture
4. Poor time management: Move on if you miss an answer

❌ Reading Mistakes

1. Reading everything: Learn to skim and scan efficiently
2. Spending too long on Part A: Stick to 15 minutes maximum
3. Not reading questions first: Know what you’re looking for
4. Overthinking: Trust your first instinct on difficult questions

❌ Writing Mistakes

1. Including irrelevant information: Stick to case notes
2. Informal language: Maintain professional tone throughout
3. Poor organization: Use clear paragraphs and logical flow
4. Not proofreading: Always save 5 minutes for review

❌ Speaking Mistakes

1. Memorized responses: Sound natural and conversational
2. Ignoring patient cues: Listen and respond appropriately
3. Being too clinical: Show empathy and warmth
4. Not asking questions: Information gathering is crucial

OET Study Plan FAQ

General Questions

Q: How long should I study for OET?
A: Most students need 8-12 weeks of structured preparation. Your timeline depends on:

• Current English level
• Daily study time available
• Target scores required
• Previous healthcare English experience

Q: Is OET easier than IELTS?
A: For healthcare professionals, yes! OET uses familiar medical contexts, making it more relevant and often easier to understand than general IELTS topics.

Q: Can I prepare for OET without a course?
A: Yes, with discipline and good resources. However, feedback on writing and speaking from experts significantly improves success rates.

Study Plan Questions

Q: What if I can’t follow the 12-week plan exactly?
A: The plan is flexible! You can:

• Extend timeline if you have less daily study time
• Compress phases if you’re studying intensively
• Repeat weeks where you need more practice

Q: Should I focus on my weakest subtest?
A: Balance is key. Spend 40% of time on weakest areas, but maintain other skills. Most registration bodies require good scores in ALL subtests.

Q: How often should I take practice tests?
A:

• Weeks 1-6: One section per week
• Weeks 7-10: One full test per week
• Weeks 11-12: Two full tests per week

Resource Questions

Q: Are free resources enough for OET success?
A: Free resources can work, but success rates are higher with:

• Expert feedback on writing and speaking
• Structured progression through skills
• Access to extensive practice materials

Q: Which OET books are best?
A: Start with official OET materials, then add:

• Profession-specific practice books
• EnglishEy OET guides for comprehensive coverage

Q: How important is speaking practice with others?
A: Very important! Role-play practice with feedback improves scores significantly. Consider:

• Study groups with other OET candidates
• Online speaking partners
• Professional tutoring for speaking skills

Free Downloads & Next Steps {#downloads}

🎁 Free Study Resources

Download your complete OET preparation toolkit:

1. 12-Week Study Planner PDF
   • Printable weekly schedules
   • Progress tracking sheets
   • Goal setting templates
2. OET Vocabulary Checklist
   • 500+ essential medical terms
   • Profession-specific word lists
   • Memory techniques guide
3. Writing Template Collection
   • Letter structure templates
   • Professional phrases bank
   • Sample letters with scores
4. Speaking Role-Play Cards
   • practice scenarios
   • Assessment criteria guide
   • Self-evaluation forms

🚀 Ready to Start Your OET Journey?

Option 1: Self-Study with Free Resources

• Download all free materials above
• Start with Week 1 of the study plan
• Join our free Facebook study group

Option 2: Accelerate with Expert Guidance

• Enroll in EnglishEy OET Membership
• Get expert feedback on writing and speaking
• Access 40+ full practice tests
• Join live Q&A sessions with OET experts

🎯 Final Success Tips

1. Consistency beats intensity: 1 hour daily is better than 7 hours once a week
2. Practice like the real test: Use official timing and conditions
3. Get feedback: Especially crucial for writing and speaking
4. Stay motivated: Connect with other candidates, track progress, celebrate small wins
5. Trust the process: Thousands have succeeded with this plan – you can too!