OET on Computer: What Changes and How to Practise
OET on computer has the same sub-tests, timings and question types as the paper test. The difference is how you answer. You listen on headphones, read on screen, click to choose answers and type your letter. Practise those actions before test day, especially typing a full letter in 40 minutes.
On this page
How the computer test works
On OET on computer, you take Listening, Reading and Writing at a test venue on the same day. Speaking is usually taken from home through a secure platform, or at a venue in some countries. OET says Speaking can be before or after the other sub-tests. With OET@Home, you take all four sub-tests at home, with remote supervision.
At the venue, you get no extra time for toilet breaks, and leaving the room means going through the security check again. Go to the toilet before each sub-test starts.
What changes in each sub-test
| Sub-test | On computer | What to practise |
|---|---|---|
| Listening | About 40 minutes on headphones. In Parts B and C, one question is shown per page. In Part C, you move between questions with tabs on the left. There is time to check your answers in each part. | Answering on screen while you listen. If the audio player and questions don't fit on your screen, OET suggests reducing the page zoom. |
| Reading | 60 minutes on screen: 15 minutes for Part A, then 45 minutes for Parts B and C. Matching answers are chosen with a mouse click. | Reading for a full hour on screen, and typing Part A answers with correct spelling. |
| Writing | 45 minutes: 5 minutes of reading time, then 40 minutes to type your letter. You can't write notes during the reading time. | Typing a full letter in 40 minutes, and planning in your head during the reading time. |
| Speaking | Two role-plays of about 5 minutes each, with 3 minutes to prepare each one. You make notes during preparation. | Speaking to a screen, with your notes on paper or the noteboard provided. |
The Writing word count
On computer and OET@Home, the screen shows a count of every word you type. OET says this count includes everything, such as the address, the greeting and the closing, as well as the body of the letter.
The guide of 180–200 words is for the body of the letter, and OET says there is no automatic penalty for going over or under it. So don't stop writing when the counter reaches 200. Instead, check that the body is close to the guide and contains only what the reader needs.
Speaking from home
OET sets clear rules for taking Speaking at home. Prepare your room and computer the day before.
| Area | What OET says |
|---|---|
| Software | Download the secure browser at least one day before your test. |
| Room | Use a walled, indoor, well-lit space, without glass walls or partitions. |
| Audio | No headphones. Wireless or Bluetooth speakers and microphones are not allowed. |
| Power | Plug your computer directly into a power source. |
| Notes | Have a blank piece of paper and a pen or pencil. |
| Timing | Allow about 20–30 minutes, including security checks. The role-plays themselves take about 5 minutes each. |
What to practise
Typing your letter under time
If you usually write by hand, typing a formal letter in 40 minutes can feel quite different. Type at least three practice letters under exam timing before test day. Leave the last few minutes to read the letter on screen and fix typing errors, because spelling counts under the Language criterion.
Reading on screen for an hour
Reading long texts on screen is tiring if you aren't used to it. Practise full Reading sub-tests on a computer, not a phone, so your eyes and your timing are ready for 60 minutes.
The official screens
OET offers free interactive sample tests for the computer test and OET@Home, covering all four sub-tests. Take at least one before test day so the official screens are familiar.
Before you take OET on computer
- I have typed at least three letters in 40 minutes.
- I have taken a full Reading sub-test on a computer screen.
- I have answered Listening questions on screen while the audio played.
- I have tried an official OET interactive sample test.
- For Speaking at home: I downloaded the secure browser at least a day before.
- For Speaking at home: my room, speakers, microphone and power meet OET's rules.
Practise on OET Practice
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Take tests on a computer
All our tests run on screen. Use a laptop or desktop computer, so practice feels like the real test.
Open the exam library -
Type letters under exam timing
Writing practice gives you 5 minutes of reading time, when typing is locked, then 40 minutes to type your letter, with a live word count.
Open Writing practice -
Use Simulation test mode
Simulation test mode uses the standard timing for the whole sub-test, and the Listening audio plays straight through, as in the real test.
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Practise Speaking out loud
Speaking practice has a warm-up and two role-plays, with 3 minutes to prepare each one and an AI-voiced patient. You speak out loud and can listen to your recordings afterwards.
Open Speaking practice
For an overview of all three ways to take OET, read our OET test format guide.
Sources
- OET Test on Computer (opens in a new tab) — OET (oet.com)
- What to do before and on test day: OET Test on Computer, part 2 (opens in a new tab) — OET (oet.com)
- Is there a word limit for OET Writing? (opens in a new tab) — OET (oet.com)
- Use your reading time to the best effect in the Writing test (opens in a new tab) — OET (oet.com)
- OET sample tests (opens in a new tab) — OET (oet.com)
Written by OET Practice team. Last reviewed: 27 October 2026. Read our editorial policy .