Official OET Sample Tests vs Other Mock Tests
OET offers free sample tests for all four sub-tests. They are the closest material to the real exam, but there are fewer of them than other practice materials. Use one early to learn the format, practise with other mock tests in between, and save at least one official sample for the last two weeks to check your level.
On this page
What OET's sample tests are
OET publishes free sample tests for Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking. Paper samples can be downloaded. For OET on computer and OET@Home, there are interactive samples that show the official screens. OET says the samples help you get familiar with the timing, layout and question types to expect.
Because the samples come from OET, they are your best guide to the format. Plan when to use each one, so that you still have an unseen sample for the last weeks before your exam.
In which order to use them
| Stage | What to use | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Start | One official sample, or one sub-test of each skill | You learn the format and see where you are. |
| Most of your preparation | Other mock tests and practice of single parts | You need many tests to practise each part and find your mistake patterns. |
| Last two weeks | A second official sample, under exam conditions | You check your level on official material close to the exam. |
| Final days | Short reviews of your mistake log | You go over the mistakes you still make, without tiring yourself. |
How to judge other mock tests
Mock tests from other publishers vary. Before you spend time on one, check that it matches the real test in the ways that matter.
Signs of a useful mock test
- Listening and Reading each have 42 questions, split into Parts A, B and C as in the real test.
- Timings match the real test, including the separate 15 minutes for Reading Part A.
- Writing tasks give case notes and ask for a letter for your profession.
- Speaking tasks are role-plays with a role card, for your profession.
- Answers come with a key or feedback, so you can see why an answer is right.
- The publisher says clearly that it is not official OET material.
When a mock feels harder or easier
Mock tests are written by different people, so their difficulty can vary. A lower score on one publisher's test doesn't mean your level has dropped, and a higher score doesn't mean you are ready.
Instead of comparing scores across publishers, compare your mistake types. If you keep making the same mistakes, such as spelling in Part A or choosing options that repeat the text, that pattern matters on any test. Our error-tracking study plan shows how to record them.
If you are unsure about a score, take an official sample under exam conditions. It gives you a reference point from the test maker.
Materials from social media
OET recommends caution with materials found on social media, because they might misrepresent the test, and says it wouldn't recommend studying with them. If you use free materials you find online, check them against the quality list above, and check any rule they state against oet.com.
How OET Practice fits in
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Practise between official samples
Our mock tests follow the real format and timing for all four sub-tests. They are written by our team and are not official OET papers.
Open the exam library -
Practise single parts
In Practice mode, choose just the parts you want, such as Reading Part A, and set a time limit.
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See why each answer is right
After Listening and Reading, you see each question with your answer and the correct answer. Writing and Speaking come with written feedback.
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Ask us to check a result
If you think an answer or a mark is wrong, open the result and choose Request a review. A person on our team checks it.
Sources
- OET sample tests (opens in a new tab) — OET (oet.com)
- 5 things to do with your OET sample test answers (opens in a new tab) — OET (oet.com)
Written by OET Practice team. Last reviewed: 27 October 2026. Read our editorial policy .