The OET Series: Part 1 – Speaking Test

The OET Series: Part 1 – Speaking Test

I previously discussed A Nurse’s Perspective on IELTS vs OET, so if you’re still undecided, I recommend checking this out first. If OET is your chosen route, you’ve come to the right place!

This is the first of a four part OET Series looking closer at the four 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 post provides you with all the essentials in one place.

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. The aim is for the candidate to become familiar with the interlocutor’s voice/accent and this is not assessed.
• Next the test-taker is given a role card detailing the patient’s background, the setting and the task, which they can refer to during the role-play. 
• Candidates are given three minutes to read and prepare, they can circle or underline key words and make notes of useful language to use.
• If there are any words the candidate doesn’t know or is unsure of how to pronounce they can ask the interlocutor during the three minutes preparation.
• Each role-play lasts approximately five minutes and is done one after another.
• These are recorded and then assessed independently by two OET assessors.
• Assessment is based on linguistic and clinical communication criteria.

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 in many 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 OET Speaking Platform 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 on the OET speaking platform with an interlocutor. Mechanisms are in place to ensure close monitoring and adherence to exam regulations.

To find out what is available for you check out OET Book a Test. 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!

What is assessed?

The assessment is related to how well the task is performed and it 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, at a clinic appointment, home visit, etc.
• The patient – 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 a 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.

Both role plays are audio recorded and later assessed by two 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 criteria: four for linguistics and five for clinical communication.

Here is a description for each criterion:

Linguistic Criteria – 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 Criteria – 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 

Test-takers securing a Grade B (350) will have predominantly achieved scores 5 out 6 on each linguistic criteria and 2 out 3 for each clinical communication criteria. For more detail on the assessment see the speaking assessment criteria and level descriptors.

Effective Preparation (Coming Soon!)

Healthcare professionals work in high-pressure environments, often taking professional development work home with them. This leaves minimal free time to prepare for exam success. To help ease this burden, dedicated OET speaking classes are soft launching now, with an official launch of the OET Nursing speaking guide following right after this 4-part series.

Early bespoke lessons and pilot sessions are available for readers who want to get a head start on:

• Understanding the exam format.
• Facilitating practice role-plays.
• Receiving detailed feedback to identify areas of good performance and areas for improvement.
• 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 highlights common areas of focus and can be tailored to individual needs.

If you’re interested in early pilot sessions or bespoke 1-on-1 lessons before the official launch, please reach out directly to discuss options and package discounts!