Occupational English Test
OET (Occupational English Test) is designed to meet the specific English language needs of the healthcare sector. It assesses the language proficiency of healthcare professionals who wish to practise in an English-speaking environment. National Institute of Language prepares you for OET with expert professional trainers.
Healthcare professionals choose OET because:
- OET uses real healthcare scenarios so you'll feel more confident on test day.
- OET is widely recognised as proof of English proficiency for registration, study and work in the healthcare sector, as well as for visas in some countries.
- OET helps you develop language skills for success in your career – see stories about people like you.
- It's easy to prepare for the test using the OET Preparation Portal – check it out now!
- Test materials that reflect real workplace scenarios so you'll know what to expect and feel more confident on test day.
OET is the English language test designed for the healthcare sector
Do you need to take an English test to work or study in healthcare in the UK, the US, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, Ukraine, Dubai, Singapore or Namibia? Then OET is the test for you!
By taking OET you will prove you have the right level of English plus you'll be learning the kind of language you will need every day at work.
Hear from Filipino nurse Emjee on how OET prepared her for the NHS
Professional Standards
Trusted by global institutions
- 01
Healthcare organisations
Healthcare organisations and regulators choose OET because it helps them to select healthcare professionals with the right level of English proficiency to deliver safe and high quality care.
- 02
Patient safety and quality care
Limited language proficiency is an obstacle to effective communication affecting quality of care. OET is designed to replicate the critical tasks of healthcare workplace settings and measure abilities across the skills of listening, reading, writing and speaking.
- 03
Valid and reliable
Underpinned by Cambridge Assessment English and the University of Melbourne, OET has featured prominently in research literature relating to language testing in specific-purpose contexts.
Student Stories
What our students say
Jincy Thomas
OET Nursing · Grade B
“As a nurse I needed OET specifically, not general English. The trainers knew the healthcare sub-tests inside out. Letter writing for the Writing sub-test was taught with real case notes, and I got a B in all four.”
Dr. Arvind Raman
OET Medicine · Grade B
“The Speaking role-plays were run with a trainer acting as the patient and scored on the actual OET criteria. That practice made the real test feel routine. Grade B across the board on my first attempt.”
Sherin Varghese
OET Nursing · Grade B
“I had failed Writing once before joining. The classes broke the referral letter down into a checklist: purpose, relevant case notes, tone. I followed it and passed Writing with a B the next time.”
Dr. Neelam Kaur
OET Dentistry · Grade B
“Flexible evening timings, small batches, and trainers who understood clinical vocabulary. The Reading Part A speed drills were the most useful thing for me, since that section had always run out of time.”
Binoy Mathew
OET Nursing · Grade B
“I was preparing for NHS registration from Kerala and needed a trusted online option. The recorded classes, weekly mocks and personal feedback on every letter made the difference. B in all sub-tests.”
Dr. Sadia Hussain
OET Medicine · Grade A in Speaking
“The Listening practice with real consultation recordings was excellent preparation. I appreciated that the trainer treated us as professionals and focused on the exam technique rather than basic English.”
Designed specifically for healthcare professionals
Choose between a computer-based test (results in 10 days) or paper-based test (results in 17 days)*
Accepted worldwide: US, UK, Australia, New Zealand and more
*Disclaimer:
OET on Computer results are released within 10 days for 95% of candidates.
Do you need to take an English test to work or study in healthcare in the UK, US, Australia or other English-speaking countries?
Then OET is the test for you!
Beyond just English – learn medical vocabulary, and more:
By taking OET you'll be learning the kinds of vocabulary and phrases you'll need every day at work in your new country. Not only will you prove you have the right level of English – you'll be ready to perform in the global healthcare industry.