International Exams · Entrance Exams

OET Exam Pattern

Four sub-tests scored separately on a 500-point scale; the grades, not a total, are what regulators ask for.

Take a Free OET MockOET Syllabus

OET · checked 19 September 2026

OET at a glance, from the official notices

The dates, vacancies and rules below are read on the conducting body’s own site and rewritten as each notice appears. The guide beneath carries the full pattern, syllabus, cut-offs and free mock tests.

Free OET mock testOET syllabusToday’s current affairs
19September 2026

Checked 19 September 2026

OET: the facts that matter now

  1. 01

    CBLA, at test venues in India and worldwide, and at home through OET@Home

    Administered by

  2. 02

    Healthcare registration and employment — NMC and GMC in the UK, AHPRA in Australia, US state nursing boards and others; some visa purposes

    Used for

  3. 03

    Listening about 40 minutes, 42 questions; Reading 60 minutes, 42; Writing 45 minutes, one letter; Speaking 20 minutes, two role plays

    Sub-tests

  4. 04

    0–500 in ten-point steps per sub-test, with grades A 450–500, B 350–440, C+ 300–340, C 200–290, D 100–190, E 0–90

    Scoring

Pattern

OET — How the paper is structured

Scores and grades, from the OET Test Handbook.
GradeScoreWhat it means
A450–500Communicates very fluently and effectively; complete understanding of any written or spoken language
B350–440Communicates effectively with only occasional inaccuracies and hesitations; good understanding across clinical contexts
C+300–340Maintains the interaction despite occasional errors and lapses
C200–290Maintains the interaction with more frequent errors
D100–190Some interaction and straightforward factual understanding; frequent errors strain communication
E0–90Simple interaction on familiar topics only
Delivery modes.
ModeWhereResults
OET Test on PaperA test centreFrom five days after the test in India and the Philippines; from 13 days elsewhere
OET Test on ComputerA test venueTypically within six calendar days; as little as 48 hours
OET@HomeYour own computer with remote proctoringAs for computer; not accepted by every organisation, and not for Australian visas
What regulators ask for
The UK’s NMC and GMC, Australia’s AHPRA, the Medical Council of Ireland, US state boards of nursing and others quote OET grades directly, commonly B in every sub-test, some allowing C+ in writing or combining two sittings within a set period. Australia’s Department of Home Affairs lists OET for Student visas with a minimum on its own scale.
Fees
Published in Australian dollars and converted at booking; AU$587 for the full test at the date checked, with single sub-tests and partial retakes priced separately. Rescheduling and cancellation fees vary by mode and by how close to the date the change is made.
Remarks and appeals
A remark of one or more sub-tests can be requested within 72 hours of results, with the fee refunded if the grade changes; an appeal against a remark or malpractice decision within five days.

Exam resources

Everything for OET

Six resource pages, each kept in step with the latest official notification.

OET SyllabusOET syllabus — every part of the four sub-tests, question counts and task types, the writing and speaking assessment criteria, and the twelve professions.OET Exam PatternOET exam pattern — the four sub-tests and their timing, the 0–500 scale and A–E grades, the three delivery modes, result timelines and fees.OET Previous PapersOET practice material — the official sample tests for every sub-test and profession, and how to use the profession-specific writing and speaking samples.OET Mock TestsOET mock tests — full four-sub-test sittings with a speaking partner, scored against the grade your regulator requires.OET PreparationOET preparation — choosing OET over IELTS for registration, the letter-writing method, the role-play criteria, and the booking decisions that matter.OET Study MaterialOET study material — the official handbook, sample tests and masterclasses, and the profession-specific reading, writing and speaking practice to add.

Related

More International Exams preparation

All International Exams examsEvery exam in this categoryPrevious-year papersPast papers with solutionsCurrent affairsDaily, weekly and monthlyExam updatesNotifications and results

Start your OET preparation today

Read the syllabus, attempt a free mock, then fix the section that costs you the most marks.

Take Free Mock TestExplore Exams

Already practising? Create Free Account to track your preparation.

Explore ExamsTake Free Mock Test