Occupational English Test (OET)
General Guide:
Since Occupational English Test (OET) has become an essential part of the certification by ECFMG so here is a general outline for everyone taking this test. The guide is written down for students who are just starting out and do not have any information regarding OET, if you are having a difficult time with a specific subtest, please skip to the information provided under that subtest. Students are advised to take the test with a 2B pencil. They do provide a pencil but it is better to take yours, just to be on the safe side. For the purposes of ECFMG certification, you need at least a B grade (score of 350) in each subtest.
Initial preparation can be started by getting to know the general outline of the exam and for that you can use videos on YouTube about OET overview. These are some good videos on this topic by ”Benchmark OET” and “E2 OET”. After getting familiar with the exam, you can start practicing individual subtests.
OET consists of 4 Subtests
Listening Subtest (Around 50 minutes in duration)
This is usually the first subtest. There are 42 questions in this subtest and in order to pass with a B grade (350) you need 30/42 right answers.
Resources: Official OET Samples from OET website. If you feel like you need additional practice, you can use mock test file present in OET groups. Passing this subtest is essentially based on practice, the more you practice, the better.
Reading subtest (Around 45 minutes in duration)
This is usually the second subtest. It also has 42 questions and you need 30/42 right answers to pass with a B grade (350) in this subtest. This subtest also needs practice and with that you can ace it.
Resources: Official OET Samples from OET website. For more practice, please follow authentic reading file which can also be found in online OET groups.
Writing Subtest (Around 50 minutes in duration)
You will be provided case notes and you will have to write a formal letter based on those notes. You are given 5 minutes to read the notes and then a total of 45 minutes to write a formal letter. There are 3 different types of letters which can be asked including a referral letter, a discharge letter or an update type of letter. Preparation of this subtest usually needs professional help unless you have experience with formal writing. Practice this subtest daily.
Resources: Official OET Samples from OET website. Additional practice can be done with 50 writing samples pdf present in online groups.
Speaking Subtest (Around 8 minutes in duration)
You are provided with 2 roleplay cards. For each card, you have 3 minutes to read the card and 5 minutes for the roleplay. Whatever you speak will be audio recorded and you will be marked based on a set standard for speaking. This subtest also needs a lot of practice especially for non-native English speakers.
Resources: Roleplay cards in future land pdf. You can find a speaking partner and practice the roleplays with each other.
**Preparation for OET is key, even for those with a high level of English proficiency. An extensive array of preparation provided to all candidates being familiar with both the test construct and assessment criteria. Dr. Waqar provides a 20 days course for OET which includes daily speaking practice and marking of 8 letters.
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