Free OET Practice Test and Study Guide (2026)

Last updated: October 29, 2026 | Trusted by thousands worldwide.

Daniel, Medical Test Developer at JobTestPrep

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Prepare for your healthcare career with our comprehensive OET practice tests. This page works as an OET mock test experience, with free sample questions from all four sub-tests, answers, detailed explanations, and strategic insights for the Occupational English Test (OET).

In addition to these free resources, we offer a full OET preparation platform featuring interactive simulations and specialized AI feedback to help you build the skills and confidence needed to secure a Grade B or higher.

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Take A Sample OET Exam: Sub-Test Breakdown

The Occupational English Test (OET) evaluates English language proficiency through simulated healthcare scenarios. To succeed on the OET (and our OET sample test), candidates must demonstrate clinical communication excellence across four specific sub-tests:

  • OET Reading Sub-test: Includes 42 questions to be completed in 60 minutes. It assesses the ability to understand healthcare-related texts and medical instructions.

  • OET Listening Sub-test: Consists of 42 questions lasting approximately 40 minutes. It measures the ability to follow consultations and health lectures.

  • OET Writing Sub-test: A 45-minute profession-specific task. Candidates must synthesize case notes into a formal healthcare letter (e.g., referral or discharge letter).

  • OET Speaking Sub-test: Includes 2 profession-specific role-plays (20 minutes total). This clinical simulation assesses communication with patients or relatives.

Reading and Listening are the same for every OET profession. The Writing and Speaking samples on this page use a doctor’s scenario, but the format and scoring criteria are the same for nurses and other healthcare professionals. On the real exam, your Writing and Speaking tasks are written for your own profession.

Let's explore the OET sub-tests. Click a category to jump to the corresponding section.

Reading Comprehension Icon

Reading
Listening test

Listening
Writing test

Writing

Speaking test

Speaking

 

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OET Reading Sample Test Questions

The OET sample test for reading below gives you a short taste of each of the three Reading parts, which test your ability to skim, scan, and understand implicit meaning in medical texts.

  • Part A (Expeditious Reading): In the real OET test for reading, you have 15 minutes to answer 20 questions based on four short texts. Our sample below gives you 2 short texts and 3 questions.

  • Part B & C (Careful Reading): In the real test, you have 45 minutes to identify the main points of short health-related memos (Part B) and longer academic articles (Part C). We offer a short sample below. 

Switch between the parts with the tabs below. Answer each question, then click “View Explanation” to check it.

OET Reading Sample Part A

In this sample version of Part A, you'll find 2 short texts and 3 questions. The real Part A has 4 texts and 20 questions (matching, short answer, and sentence completion), which need to be answered in 15 minutes.

Text 1: Oral Glucose Replacement Table

Notes Quantity for 15g Carbohydrate Item Treatment Type
Rapidly absorbed; preferred first-line 3 4 tablets Dextrose/Glucotabs Glucose Tablets
Avoid "zero" or "diet" versions 150ml Non-diet soda Sugar Drinks
Slower absorption if contains pulp 150ml - 200ml Orange juice Fruit Juice
Dissolve in small amount of water 3 - 4 cubes Sugar cubes Sugar
Difficult for patients with dysphagia 5 - 7 pieces Jelly babies Confectionery

Text 2: Emergency Protocol for Acute Hypoglycemia

Hypoglycemia is defined as a blood glucose level (BGL) below 4.0 mmol/L. For conscious patients capable of swallowing, immediate treatment consists of 15g of fast-acting carbohydrate. BGL should be re-tested after 15 minutes. If levels remain below 4.0 mmol/L, the treatment should be repeated up to three times.

Once the BGL is above 4.0 mmol/L, a long-acting carbohydrate snack (e.g., a slice of bread or two biscuits) must be provided to prevent a secondary drop. For unconscious patients or those with impaired swallowing, do not attempt oral treatment. Instead, administer 1mg of Glucagon via intramuscular (IM) injection or 100ml of 10% Glucose intravenously (IV).

Question 1

For the following question, decide which text (1 or 2) the information comes from. Please note that, in the actual OET Reading, you will be presented with 4 reading sources.

In which text can you find information about the correct medical response for a patient who is not conscious?

Wrong

Correct!

View Explanation

Correct answer: B

Text 2 specifically addresses the plan for patients who are unconscious, advising against oral treatment and recommending Glucagon or IV Glucose. Text 1 only lists oral treatment options.

Question 2

Answer the following question with a word or short phrase from the texts.

How many sugar cubes are required to provide the standard 15g carbohydrate dose? Answer:_____________

View Explanation

Correct answer: 3 - 4 (cubes)

This information is located directly in the "Quantity" column of the Oral Glucose Replacement Table (Text 1).

⭐️ Golden Tip: In Part A, speed is key. Tables are the fastest way to find specific numbers.

Question 3

Complete the sentence with a word or short phrase from the texts.

To avoid a further decrease in blood sugar once levels have stabilized, the patient should be given a ____________________.

View Explanation

Correct answer: Long-acting carbohydrate snack

Text 2 states that once BGL is above the threshold, this specific type of snack is necessary "to prevent a secondary drop". Identifying synonyms like "avoid a further decrease" (in the question) and "prevent a secondary drop" (in the text) is a core OET skill.

⭐️ Golden Tip: As can be seen, the Reading part requires comprehension skills, including identifying themes, allocating information, and summarizing main ideas. We recommend practicing your OET Reading Comprehension skills with our full-length test simulations and realistic practice materials.

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OET Listening Sample Test Questions

In this OET English test sample, you'll hear recordings of patient consultations and health lectures. You must demonstrate that you can follow a conversation even with background noise or different accents. 

  • Part A: Consultation extracts (note-completion)

  • Part B: Short workplace extracts (multiple-choice)

  • Part C: Presentation extracts (multiple-choice)

Switch between the parts with the tabs below. Press play, answer the question(s), then click “View Explanation” to check it.

OET Listening Sample Part A

Part A, in the real test, has 24 questions across two consultations and no answer options. You write the missing word or short phrase as you listen. In this sample, you get 2 questions and the answer options are shown so you can check your answers quickly.

In this part of the test, you’ll hear an extract in which a health professional is talking to a patient. 

Take a couple of seconds to read the questions, then click play on the extract. Complete the notes with a word or a short phrase.

Question 1

00:00
00:00

The patient’s symptoms began approximately ______________ ago.

Correct!

Wrong

Wrong

Wrong

View Explanation

Correct answer: A

The patient explicitly states, "It’s been going on for about three months now."

Question 2

00:00
00:00

Mr. Wright reports that the numbness is most bothersome during ______________.

Correct!

Wrong

Wrong

View Explanation

Correct answer: A

The patient notes, "It’s definitely at its worst during the night," and mentions waking up because of it. 

⭐️ Golden Tip: OET Listening is very challenging since it requires absolute focus - you can only play the audio recording once! To be best prepared, you should not only be familiar with healthcare vocabulary and proper grammar, but also practice your OET Listening skills with our full-length test simulations designed to mirror the real exam experience.

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Occupational English Test Sample: Speaking Role-Play

The OET Speaking sub-test is very different from the previous ones we covered.

While the Reading and Listening sub-tests are straightforward aptitude assessments, this “test” is quite different. In the real exam, you'll perform two interactive scenarios with an interlocutor, who plays the patient or carer. Your recording is then assessed by trained OET assessors. The interlocutor does not mark you.

The scenarios will each be a profession-specific role-play, lasting 5 minutes. You'll start by reviewing a candidate card with essential information regarding the scenario and points to cover (you have 3 minutes to prepare), and then begin. The whole sub-test takes about 20 minutes.

We will now review such a scenario. This sample shows one role-play. You can either enter the Candidate card to review your instructions, followed by key points we have constructed to address according to the OET scoring criteria, or enter the Roleplayer card, with which you and a peer can perform a simulation:

Background:

A 22-year-old university student presents with an itchy, red, and scaly rash in the flexures of their elbows and behind the knees. The symptoms have been present for several weeks and are worsening during their exam period. You have examined the rash and diagnosed Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema).

Tasks:

  • Elicit History: Find out about the onset of the rash, the severity of the itching, and any potential triggers or family history of similar skin conditions.

  • Explain Diagnosis: Provide a clear explanation of Eczema in lay terms, describing it as a chronic condition where the skin becomes inflamed and sensitive.

  • Address Concerns: Reassure the patient that the condition is not contagious and specifically address their fear that it might be skin cancer.

  • Treatment Plan: Recommend a management strategy including the regular use of soap substitutes, emollients (moisturizers), and a short course of topical corticosteroid cream.

  • Guidance on Triggers: Discuss the impact of stress and harsh chemicals on the skin and explain the safe application of steroid creams to avoid side effects.

Key Points for Simulation - Major Themes to Address 

  • De-escalating Anxiety: The patient is stressed by both exams and their physical appearance. Your primary goal is to provide a calm, reassuring environment.

  • Managing Misconceptions: Patients often fear the word steroid. You must bridge the gap between their lay understanding and medical reality by explaining that, when used correctly, topical steroids are safe and effective.

Clinical Communication Criteria Focus

  • Relationship Building: Start by acknowledging the patient's discomfort and stress. Use an empathetic tone rather than a purely clinical one.

  • Information Gathering: Use active listening techniques. If the patient mentions graduation, incorporate that into your plan (e.g., "We can certainly aim to have this under control by your graduation").

  • Information Giving: Chunk your information. Instead of a long lecture on Eczema, explain the diagnosis, pause for questions, then move to the treatment.

  • Understanding & incorporating the patient’s perspective: Allow the patient to express concerns, perform active listening in which you respond to what the patient says instead of speaking in an out-of-context monologue.

  • Providing Structure: Use signposting to guide the conversation. For example: "I've explained what I think is happening with your skin; now, I'd like to move on to how we can treat it".

Linguistic Criteria Focus

  • Appropriateness of Language: This is a young adult student. Avoid high-level medical jargon (e.g., "lichenification" or "erythematous") and stick to descriptive, simple terms like "thickening of the skin" or "redness".

  • Fluency: You should be able to speak consistently, with limited repetitions or stopping to think of appropriate words. Any pause in speech should suit the context of the conversation.

  • Intelligibility: Your English is perfectly understood, and you are able to use intonations appropriately. It is perfectly fine to speak with an accent, but it should not affect your intelligibility.

  • Resources of Grammar and Expression: Use a rich vocabulary range and accurate grammar, and speak with confidence.

⭐️ Golden Tip: This unique sub-test should not be practiced alone. We recommend performing different clinical scenarios with peers, challenging one another, and providing detailed feedback to improve your speaking abilities and confidence. In our full OET prep course, you’ll get access to 10 realistic role-playing speaking scenarios designed to help you build confidence and prepare for the real exam.

/media/r5sjvepm/art-tools-icons-07.svg Get our OET PrepPack for more.

OET Writing Sample: Case Notes & Letters

The OET Writing sub-test is a 45-minute profession-specific task (5 minutes to read the case notes and 40 minutes to write). Unlike standard English exams, the real test requires you to synthesize clinical Case Notes into a formal professional letter (typically a referral, discharge, or transfer letter). 

  • The Goal: Produce a clear, concise letter of 180 to 200 words.

  • The Key to Success: Do not simply rewrite the notes. You must selectively include only the information relevant to the recipient to score highly.

  • The Assessment: You're evaluated on your ability to use proper professional English and follow specific formatting instructions under a strict time limit.

Below, you'll find an OET exam sample: Case study & mode letters. It focuses on a doctor's referral letter.

Review the sample OET exam clinical case report below, followed by a high-scoring “Good” letter and a “Bad” example to see the difference in information selection. Try writing your own letter from the case report first, then compare it with the examples.

  • Purpose: The reader must know exactly why you are writing in the first paragraph. Do not make them hunt for the reason.
  • Content: Select only the information the recipient needs. For a specialist, long-term history is often less important than the acute presentation.

  • Conciseness & Clarity: Avoid filler. If the patient’s hobbies don't affect their clinical management, leave them out.

  • Genre & Style: Use formal, clinical English. Avoid personal judgments or overly flowery language.

  • Organisation & Layout: Use clear paragraphs. A standard flow is: Introduction (Purpose) → Current clinical presentation → Relevant past history/meds → Conclusion/Request.

  • Language: Ensure your grammar and transitions (e.g., "In addition," "Consequently") are accurate so the reader doesn't have to strain to understand you.

⭐️ Golden Tip: The Writing section should be addressed after thorough practice. You should be familiar with both the format of a formal letter as well as nomenclature and abbreviations. We also recommend reading texts and practicing your grammar skills. In our full OET prep course, you’ll get access to 5 realistic writing simulation tasks with AI feedback on your responses, designed to strengthen your medical writing and exam performance.

/media/r5sjvepm/art-tools-icons-07.svg Get our OET PrepPack for more.

How To Book Your OET Exam

The test is available in three formats: 

  • OET on Paper: Taken at a physical test center. 
  • OET on Computer: Taken at a test center. 
  • OET @ Home: A remote-proctored version using your own computer. 

Once you've mastered these OET exam sample tests, you can book your official assessment through the OET website.

Tips

OET Practice Test FAQs

No. The questions on this page were written by JobTestPrep to follow the format and scoring criteria of the real exam. OET also publishes its own free sample tests on oet.com.

The content, tasks, and difficulty level are identical across all formats. The main differences are the delivery method and location. OET on Paper is held at physical test centers. OET on Computer is also held at centers but uses a digital interface. OET @ Home is a remote-proctored version available in specific regions where test centers are inaccessible.

The full OET, covering all four sub-tests, costs roughly US$455 for OET on Computer and OET @ Home in the United States. Everywhere else, it costs about US$410, depending on the exchange rate. If you need to resit, OET on Paper outside the United States lets you rebook individual sub-tests (about US$220 for one), while OET on Computer and OET @ Home always require the full test. Fees can change, so confirm the current price on oet.com when you book.

OET uses a 0 - 500 scoring scale (with Grades A - E), while IELTS uses a 0 - 9 band scale. Most healthcare regulators, like the UK’s GMC, require OET Grade B (350 or above) in each sub-test, which is roughly equivalent to IELTS 7.0 - 7.5, depending on the regulator. The UK’s Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) is one exception: it accepts Grade C+ in Writing.

Key differences:

Feature OET IELTS
Scoring scale 0 - 500 (Grade A–E) Band 0 - 9
Target audience Healthcare professionals General academic/test takers
Content Clinical scenarios (e.g., referral letters, patient role-plays) Academic/general topics
Pass requirement Typically 350+ in each sub-test (some regulators accept C+ in Writing) Usually 7.0+ overall (varies)
Acceptance Healthcare regulators (UK, AU, NZ, etc.) Universities, immigration, some regulators

This depends on your regulator. The UK’s Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) accepts results from two sittings of the same test taken within 12 months, as long as you meet its minimum scores in both. The UK’s General Medical Council (GMC) does not combine sittings, so doctors need the required grades in a single sitting. Other regulators set their own rules, so always confirm with yours before booking.

OET results are valid for two years from your test date, so you should apply to your regulator within that period. Regulators can set their own rules on how recent a result must be, so confirm the requirement with yours before you book.

Listening Part A is more flexible about spelling than Reading, but you can still lose marks, so aim for accurate spelling, especially for medical terms. In Reading Part A, answers must be spelled correctly to receive any marks. In Writing, there is no fixed number of allowed mistakes; spelling and grammar are assessed as part of the Language criterion.

No. The 180 - 200 word limit applies only to the body of the letter. Including the recipient's address, the date, the Re: line, and the sign-off will not count toward this limit. However, you should not be overly concerned with an exact word count; focus instead on including all relevant clinical information and excluding irrelevant details.

The main differences lie in how you craft your Purpose Statement and which Case Notes you select. A referral focuses on the transition of care for ongoing treatment, while a discharge letter focuses on the patient’s recovery progress and future management requirements.

Learn more about OET Writing structures for referral and discharge letters.

The interlocutor is required to stop you at the 5-minute mark. Don't panic if you haven't finished every task on the card. The assessors are looking for your ability to communicate effectively and build rapport, not just tick boxes. If you've demonstrated the required linguistic and clinical communication skills, you can still achieve a high grade without finishing the card.

Most candidates with an upper-intermediate level of English require 4 - 6 weeks of dedicated preparation to familiarize themselves with the test format and clinical communication criteria. If your English level is lower, we recommend a longer preparation period focusing on grammar and professional vocabulary before attempting full-length simulations.

While reading medical journals (like The Lancet or BMJ) is great for vocabulary, OET-specific materials are crucial because they mirror the exact structure of the exam. For example, Reading Part A requires a specific scanning technique for tables and short texts that you won't practice simply by reading long-form articles.

More On The OET

If you're preparing for the OET, you may also be interested in our blog posts on the OET writing structure and OET test results and passing scores. Check out our comprehensive OET Test Prep course.

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