OET Scoring Guide
How scores are calculated, what they mean, and how to reach your goal score.
Scoring Overview
OET uses a 0–500 scale. Grades: A (450+), B (350–449), C+ (300–349). Most healthcare regulators in Australia (AHPRA), UK (NMC, GMC), and UAE require a minimum B grade in all sub-tests.
Score Scale
| Section | Duration | Max Score |
|---|---|---|
| Reading | 60 min | 100 |
| Writing | 45 min | 100 |
| Listening | 50 min | 100 |
| Speaking | 20 min | 100 |
Section Breakdown
listening
Listening — 50 minutes. Two parts: interview (note-taking) + health presentations.
Patient/healthcare professional dialogueHealthcare professional consultation notesHealth lecture comprehension
reading
Reading — 60 minutes. 3 parts: matching, quick-reading, detail reading.
Healthcare workplace textsClinical articlesEvidence-based practice passages
writing
Writing — 45 minutes. Write a referral/discharge letter using case notes.
Referral letter to a specialistDischarge summaryTransfer of care letterLetter to patient/carer
speaking
Speaking — ~20 minutes. Role play with an interlocutor as patient/carer.
Taking historyExplaining a diagnosis/procedureProviding instructionsResponding to concerns
Key Facts
- Sub-tests
- 4: Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking
- Score scale
- 0–500 (each sub-test)
- Pass for registration
- Typically 350 in each (B grade)
- Cost
- ~$587 AUD (~$380 USD)
- Valid
- 2 years
- Offered
- Monthly worldwide and online
Study Tips
- 1.Use official OET preparation books and sample materials from oet.com.
- 2.Practice writing referral letters from case notes daily — this is the highest-stakes task.
- 3.For Speaking: record yourself in roleplay scenarios and review for empathy, clarity, and register.
- 4.Build medical English vocabulary systematically: body systems, procedures, symptoms, medication classes.
- 5.Reading: practice skimming and scanning techniques — the 60-minute reading test rewards efficient navigation.
- 6.Listening: use medical podcasts and lectures to get accustomed to clinical English at natural speed.