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The OET Series: Part 1 - Speaking Test

Updated: Jun 10


One of my first blog posts was discussing the differences between the International English Language Testing Systems (IELTS) and the Occupational English Test (OET). If you're still undecided about which test to take then I recommend checking this out first see here.


However, if you have decided to go the OET route or you're just curious to find out more then you've come to the right place!


This is the first of a four part OET Series looking closer at the 4 sub-tests:



There is a wealth of information online about this topic but going from link to link can be both overwhelming and time consuming. This provides you with all the essentials on one page.



1. OET Speaking Test: Overview.


The great news for healthcare staff is the speaking sub-test is profession specific, making the OET a popular choice. Even though the test doesn't assess clinical knowledge, professionals are using familiar language rather than discussing topics that aren't relevant to their job.


The test involves two role-plays where the test-taker acts in their professional role (nurse, doctor, dentist, etc.) and an interlocutor plays the role of your patient or their carer. The total test time is approximately 20 minutes.


Here is an outline:


  • A short warm-up conversation (up to 4 minutes) about the candidates professional background. This is not assessed, aim is to become familiar with the interlocutors voice and to be able to relax.

  • Given a role card detailing the patient's background, the setting and the task. Can refer to the role-card during the role-play.

  • Three minutes to prepare: can circle or underline key words and make notes of useful language to use.

  • If there are any words the candidates doesn't know or unsure of how to pronounce they can ask the interlocutor during the three minutes preparation.

  • Each role-play lasts approximately five minutes and are done one after another.

  • These are recorded and then assessed independently by two OET assessors.

  • Assessed against linguistic and clinical communication criteria.



2. How is the OET test carried out?


There are 3 different types of tests available, depending on location, time-frame for completion and personal test preference:


  • Paper Test - has been available for over 30 years and has test centres located in 45 countries worldwide. The Writing, Reading and Listening are undertaken in one sitting and candidates handwrite their answers. The Speaking part is face to face with an interlocutor.

  • Computer Test - on a computer at a test centre, but not all centres have this facility. Similar to the paper test the Writing, Reading and Listening are undertaken together and candidates type their answers. The Speaking element is carried out at another time live with an interlocutor via Zoom from your home.

  • OET@Home - this is the newest test type, available for candidates without access to a physical test centre in their country or other access issues. The whole test is conducted from your home at one sitting. Test-takers type their answers for the Writing, Reading and Listening and the Speaking part takes place live on Zoom with an interlocutor. Mechanisms are in place to ensure close monitoring and adherence to exam regulations.


To find out what is available for you click here. I recommend choosing the option that will be least stressful on exam day. A nearby test-centre will offer that in-person interaction whereas doing it remotely removes any travel stress on the day.


There's no right or wrong!



3. What is assessed?


The assessment is related to how well the task is performed. The task is based on a realistic patient encounter provided to candidates on a role-card.


The role-card will include the following information for both role plays:


  • Setting - whether the patient is on a ward, attending a clinic appointment, having a home visit, etc.

  • The patient - their age, diagnosis, past medical history, current treatment plan and why they are meeting with the health professional.

  • The task - a detailed guide (bullet point list) on what the candidate is required to do from first meeting the patient through to completion. (Nursing - e.g., a patient attending clinic to have stitches removed following surgery for skin cancer, task to gain consent for treatment and give advice on follow up care). The task is detailed enough that it doesn't require adding any further clinical details than what is specified.


*Tip don't over complicate the role play by adding personal clinical judgement or recommending additional treatments. Candidates aren't assessed on clinical expertise.

As mentioned in the overview, both role plays are audio recorded and then later assessed by 2 OET assessors, independently. For the computer based test an audio only recording of the video call will also be submitted. The interlocutor has no part in the assessment.


Assessment Criteria


Test-takers are scored against 9 different criterion: four for linguistics and five for clinical communication.


Here is a description for each criterion:


Linguistics - scored out of 6


  1. Intelligibility - how clearly you speak: effective word and sentence stress, intonation, appropriately connecting words together in sentences and accent.

  2. Fluency - speaking at a normal speed (not too fast or too slow) and that any pauses in speech are natural.

  3. Appropriateness of language - being able to explain complex topics in simple terms, using the right register (level of formality), correct tone for the situation and choosing the right vocabulary.

  4. Grammar & expression - using a range of grammar structures (different tenses, conditional sentences, modals, etc.) and the accuracy of using them.


Clinical Communication - scored out of 3


  1. Relationship building - greeting your patient, demonstrating active listening, being empathetic and non-judgemental.

  2. Patient perspective - encouraging the patient to express concerns and respond accordingly. This includes verbal and non-verbal cues.

  3. Providing structure - being purposeful and logical with your discussion. Lead the conversation and move between topics effectively by using signposting language.

  4. Information gathering - relating to the patient perspective, use active listening and ask open-ended questions when needed. Asking clarifying questions and summarising what has been said to show understanding.

  5. Information giving - demonstrating taking patient factors into consideration when giving information. Establish what they already know, natural pauses to allow information to be processed and assessing what information needs further explanation.


Scoring


How the OET speaking test is scored
Taken directly from OET.com

Highly recommended OET resources:



4. Effective Preparation


It is generally accepted that healthcare professionals work in high pressured environments and they often bring work home with them in terms of professional development. This leaves little free time to research all of the things required for exam preparation.


I can remove some of this burden by offering bespoke lessons to meet individual learning needs, such as:


  • Providing an overview of the exam format and facilitating practise tests.

  • Doing a speaking mock test under exam conditions, really beneficial to identify areas of good performance and areas for development

  • Focussing on pronunciation, how to improve word and sentence stress, connected speech patterns, rising and falling intonation.

  • Choice of vocabulary and phrases appropriate to the clinical situation and increasing your range of phrasal verbs and idiomatic expressions.


This list gives an idea of some common themes and is not exhaustive.


Check out my OET Preparation class description here. I also offer discounts when booking 5 or 10 lesson packages, please contact me directly to discuss offers.



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