Students moving to an English-speaking country to study medicine must take an English language proficiency exam, which validates the registration with the General Medical Council. This exam also enables prospective medical students to take the PLAB tests.
Regarding this, there are two exam options, namely OET (Occupational English Test) and IELTS (International English Language Testing System). Both these tests measure the candidate’s ability to converse in English through four sections – reading, listening, writing, and speaking. As a result, many individuals are confused between OET vs IELTS and which test should they opt for. For a clear understanding of students, we have laid down a comprehensive comparison between the two exams. In addition, the following sections also contain a few tips to prepare for IELTS and OET.
What is OET?: OET Full Form
The Occupational English Test has been exclusively designed for individuals wishing to enter the healthcare sector. Cambridge Boxhill Language Assessment or CBLA conducts this test.The OET test is widely accepted across various nations, including some of the most popular study destinations like Australia, Canada, the U.S., the UK, and Singapore. OET evaluates all four language skills and uses test materials reflecting model communication scenarios from the healthcare industry. Furthermore, this exam is designed specifically for 12 healthcare professionals, including:
- Dentistry
- Occupational therapy
- Veterinary science
- Speech pathology
- Dietetics
- Medicine
- Nursing
- Radiotherapy
- Physiotherapy
- Pharmacy
- Podiatry
- Optometry
What is IELTS?
IELTS, or International English Language Testing System, is an English language test that candidates wanting to move to English-speaking countries need to take. There are two types of IELTS – IELTS General Training and IELTS Academic. The academic module is suitable for students wishing to study in a foreign country, whereas the general training module is appropriate for medical professionals to practice in the country. The general version of the exam is generally easier than the academic one and can be taken to gain relevant work experience.
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Differences between OET and IELTS
Although both OET and IELTS are English proficiency tests, they have several differences. For candidates who are confused about these tests, the table below provides the difference between IELTS and OET.
| Criteria | OET | IELTS |
| Full form | Occupational English Test | International English Language Testing System |
| New Zealand, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia. | Cambridge Boxhill Language Assessment Trust (CBLA) | IDP Education Ltd and British Council |
| Accepting countries | Ireland, United Kingdom, Ukraine, New Zealand, Singapore, UAE, Namibia, Canada, Philippines, Maldives, Malta, Qatar, and Spain. | This includes the ability to communicate efficiently in medical scenarios. Candidates are required to write a discharge or referral letter, recognize a patient’s consultation, and follow the next steps. |
| Suitable for | Healthcare professionals wanting to work in the medical sector. | Candidates wanting to study, work, and migrate to English-speaking countries. |
| Exam duration | 2 hours 55 minutes | 2 hours 45 minutes |
| Score range | Evaluated between A and E | Evaluated between 1 and 9 |
| Test dates | Twice a month | Every week |
| Declaration of results | Within 16 business days | Within two weeks |
| Content | This includes the individual’s ability to follow lectures, write essays, and discuss a wide range of topics. | It offers two versions: academic and general training. The listening and speaking sections are the same for both these modules. On the other hand, the reading and writing modules are crafted differently to suit both. |
| Versions | Offers 12 versions. The listening and reading tests are the same for all these versions, whereas the speaking and writing sections are modified according to specific scenarios. | It offers two versions: academic and general training. The listening and speaking sections are the same for both of these modules. On the other hand, the reading and writing modules are crafted differently to suit both. |
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Difference in format of OET and IELTS
There is a substantial difference in format between IELTS and OET. While the former covers many topics, the latter is specifically designed for healthcare professionals. Here is a detailed explanation of the differences between IELTS and OET as per the exam format.
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Format of IELTS
| IELTS sections | Content | Significance |
| Reading (60 minutes) | 3 long texts from journals, newspapers, magazines, and books. These texts can be discursive to descriptive and factual to analytical. | Understanding logical argument, purpose and attitude, reading for details, gist, and ideas. |
| Listening (30 minutes) | Contains three parts:
| Understanding opinions, major ideas and detailed factual information, and following the development ideas. |
| Speaking (11-14 minutes) | The writing section contains two tasks:
| Communicating ideas and opinions in an everyday scenario, speaking at length on a provided topic, justifying and expressing opinions, discussing, speculating, and analyzing various issues. |
| Writing (60 minutes) | The writing section contains two tasks:
| Summarizing and describing opinions, ideas, and information in a precise way, writing a well-organized review, giving examples and evidence, and writing in a formal style. |
Format of OET
| Sections | Content | Significance |
| Reading (60 minutes) | The reading section contains three parts:
| Reading for gist and main ideas, understanding different texts on health and healthcare sector related topics. |
| Listening (50 minutes) | Contains three parts:
| Understanding and following a range of various healthcare-related materials. |
| Speaking (20 minutes) | Contains two parts:
| Explaining, describing, and discussing real-life matters, providing conversation structure, and communicating effectively and efficiently. |
| Writing (45 minutes) | Read case notes and then write a letter. Topic can be related to any profession, like doctor, nurse, etc. | Expanding notes into descriptive sentences, writing effectively and clearly on health-related subjects. |
Similarities between IELTS and OET
Apart from the differences, there are certain similarities between IELTS and OET. Find them below:
- Both these tests contain four sections – reading, writing, speaking, and listening.
- Tests are not graded with a pass or fail remark. Instead, the assessment is done with points and bands.
The scoring system of these exams will help individuals confused about OET vs IELTS get a better grasp.
| OET | IELTS |
| Grade A (450-500 points) | 8-9 band |
| Grade B (350-440 points) | 7-7.5 band |
| Grade C/C+ (200-340 points) | 5.5-6.5 band |
| Grade D (100-190 points) | 4.4-5.5 band |
| Grade E (0-90 points) | 4 band |
- The scores in these tests are similar to the language skills measured under the Common European Framework of Reference. This is specifically a C1 or an even more advanced level.
- Both IELTS and OET were founded in the 1980s. They are also partly-owned by Cambridge Assessment English. OET shares ownership with Boxhill Assessment, and IELTS shares its ownership with the British Council and IDP.
Tips to prepare for IELTS and OET
IELTS preparation requires knowing a huge amount of new words on a wide range of subjects related to academics. Test takers also need to learn the proper way to write reports on a range of essay topics. On the other hand, OET preparation requires knowing a wide range of healthcare-related languages. This is done to determine whether the candidates are knowledgeable enough to understand medical talks and tasks. So, to overcome the confusion of OET vs IELTS, candidates can follow these tips and strategies and root for a better score.
Tips for OET preparation
Reading module
- Practice reading in detail and play word searches to improve word skills
- Practice model tests while reading the questions carefully while focusing on time management.
- Read section by section and practice reading for gist
- Read long texts and develop ideas related to unfamiliar words
- Practice reading according to the perspective of the writer
Writing module
- While writing the letter, keep the imaginary reader in mind and then write the letter as per the reader’s perspective.
- Use the right language. For instance, in the medical scenario, using passive voice can be of much help. In addition, use the correct verb tense in sentences so that the grammar remains on point.
- Practice a lot of OET practice papers and take feedback from someone informed.
Speaking module
- For the role play section, candidates must check the setting where the conversation is happening and then check the purpose and condition of the role play.
- Imagine a real patient and then frame the dialogues.
- Understand the perspective of the patient, explain the information, and then structure the communication.
- The candidate must also listen carefully to build good communication.
Listening module
- Gain familiarity with different aspects of medicine and the healthcare sector
- Read the questions before listening to the audio
- Be verbal if there is any hindrance in hearing
- Familiarize with common abbreviations
- Listen to health videos and podcasts
Tips for IELTS preparationWriting module
- Thoroughly read the questions and outline the format before writing
- Avoid repentance and practice paraphrasing magazine and newspaper articles
- Keep track of time by practising writing the writing task 1 in 20 minutes and the task 2 in 40 minutes.
- Keep track of the word limit
- Write on point and relevant answers
- Write short sentences focusing on active voice
Reading module
- The reading section in IELTS contains 14 types of questions. Candidates must learn to handle each type of question.
- Candidates get only two minutes to read the passage. Hence, they should practice reading at home frequently.
- Try to find the answer without trying to recognize the entire passage
- Practice paraphrasing and learn new phrases and words
Speaking module
- Practice speaking in English every day for a few minutes
- Practice tests can be very much helpful
- Do not hurry and correct the mistakes rather than panicking
- Use easy and informal language while speaking
Listening module
- Brush up concentration skills since the listening module requires extreme patience and concentration.
- The recording is played only once, and candidates should remember the necessary questions to answer precisely.
- Solve IELTS listening practice sets online
OET vs IELTS: Which is Easier?
Candidates wondering about isOET easier than IELTS should know that no test is easier than the other. The required level from both these exams by Regulatory Authorities in a country is the same. However, healthcare professionals may find OET a bit more familiar because they have been attached to the healthcare field for a long time. On the other hand, the IELTS test analyzes different topics, which may not contain questions about healthcare topics. So, OET is a growing preference among healthcare professionals.
While both the exams measure the English language expertise in individuals, it is crucial for candidates to be well-versed in OET vs IELTS before applying for the test. It is also important to understand the admission requirements of a particular university because, at most times, universities prefer one exam over the other. Candidates must remember that while the OET exam evaluates healthcare professionals, the IELTS covers a wide range of topics and entails a more generic student base.
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Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which section should I prepare the most to get a good rank in IELTS?
Ans: All four sections of the test – reading, writing, speaking, and listening contain an equal weightage of 25%. Hence, you must give equal importance to all the four sections.
2. How will I receive the OET result?
Ans: OET publishes the results on their official website 17 days after the date of the test. Healthcare professionals can visit the website and visit their profile to download the report.
3. As a healthcare professional, which test should I choose?
Ans: This depends upon what topics seem simple to you. For instance, if you are well-versed with healthcare topics, you may find OET simpler. On the other hand, if you are proficient in English and find general topics simple, IELTS is the perfect test for you.
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