OETPRACTICE Prep & Success Hub

OET Test Format: Structure, Timing, Marking

This guide explains the OET format for healthcare professionals: four sub-tests — Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking — each built around clinical communication, then points you to free practice on OET Practice. Always confirm timing and rules on the official OET website — official requirements can change.

The four sub-tests

  • Listening (~50 minutes): Part A consultations, Part B workplace extracts, Part C presentations.
  • Reading (60 minutes): Part A fast summary completion, Part B short texts, Part C long articles.
  • Writing (45 minutes): one profession-specific letter from case notes.
  • Speaking (~20 minutes): warm-up plus two role-plays.

Play their game

OET rewards format skill as much as general English. Short prep works when your baseline is strong and you practise the real task types under time. Longer runways help when Writing purpose or Speaking clinical communication lag. See how long to prepare and the error-tracking plan.

How marking works

Listening and Reading use objective marking — each answer is right or wrong. Writing and Speaking are assessed against communication criteria by trained assessors. On OET Practice this maps to instant marking for Listening/Reading and trainer review for Writing/Speaking, reported as practice A–E bands.

Practice bands are feedback, not official OET scores, and OET Practice is not affiliated with OET.

Next step

Take a full mock in the exam library to experience the format end to end, or drill one skill from its practice hub.

Related guides

Sources

  • Official OET website — test format and timing (confirm current details there).

Last reviewed: September 2026.

Frequently asked questions

Find answers to common questions about OET Test on Computer sample tests, technical requirements, and how to effectively prepare for your exam.

The full test runs about three hours including Listening, Reading, and Writing, with Speaking scheduled separately. Confirm current timings on the official OET website, as requirements can change.
Yes. Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking are assessed independently. On OET Practice, Listening and Reading are auto-marked while Writing and Speaking go to a trainer.
No. Practice bands (A–E) here are learning feedback, not official OET scores. OET Practice is independent and not affiliated with OET.

Start practising free

Timed tasks, instant marking for Listening and Reading, and trainer feedback for Writing and Speaking.

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