OET - FAQs

  • November 14, 2023
 

Doctors looking to register with the GMC and find a job in the NHS will be required to take either the OET or IELTS exam. Here we answer some FAQs about the OET exam.

OET can be challenging and, without proper preparation, it is not uncommon for doctors to fail at their first attempt.

So, to help make sure you are as prepared as possible before sitting the exam, we have answered the most common FAQs asked by an overseas doctor: 

What is the OET? 

OET stands for Occupational English Test. The OET is an English Language Test created specifically for healthcare professionals. 

The OET exam assesses the language communication skills of healthcare professionals who wish to register and practice in the UK, or other English-speaking countries. 

It tests your English levels in four subtests: Reading, Writing, Speaking & Listening

How is the OET different from IELTS? 

OET is a language assessment designed for healthcare professionals, testing your English Language skills in a medical context.  

IELTS is not specific to the healthcare profession, it is taken by professionals from all industries. So, the topics covered are more general. 

Both test four areas of English Language skills: reading, writing, speaking and listening.

What regulatory bodies accept OET? 

The good news is that if you choose the OET exam, recent changes to the rules as of the 1st October 2019, means that only one test now required for both UK registration and visa purposes. The OET exam is now accepted by both the GMC and the UK Home Office.  

What test should I take? 

Neither exam is easier than the other. Both IELTS and OET Medicine show you have an advanced level in English. It really is up to you! 

You may find OET simpler to understand as it is healthcare related and tests the language you use in daily practice. 

The same can be said about IELTS, you may find the general nature of the topics more suited to you. 

Is OET a better option than IELTS? 

There is no one option better than the other, both are recognised qualifications by the GMC. The most important thing to decide is which suits your needs the most. 

Your decision may be based on factors such as:

  • the format and content of the different tests
  • regularity with which test sessions are held
  • locations of test centres
  • test fees
  • regulatory bodies that accept the test for applications

Is the OET recognised by the General Medical Council (GMC)?

Yes, the GMC recognises OET for overseas-trained doctors for registration purposes. For the GMC to accept your OET certificate it must show that you took the medicine sub-tests.

What results do I need for GMC registration? 

For the GMC to accept your OET certificate it must show: 

  • You took the medicine version of the test. 
  • You attained at least a grade 'B' in each testing area (speaking, listening, reading and writing) or 350 points in total. 

What is the test format? 

OET has four parts:

  • Listening (45 minutes)

  • Reading (60 minutes)
  • Writing (45 minutes) 
  • Speaking (20 minutes)

The total test time is approximately 3 hours.

How much does it cost? 

Test fees are AUD $587 (approx. £329 based on November 2023 exchange rate). 

Should I prepare for the exam? 

Yes, exam preparation is crucial to scoring highly in the test. You might feel like you already have a good level of English, good enough to pass the tests. 

But IMGs keep telling us that no matter what level of English they have, it is always better to prepare. The test consists of very specific content, so specific test skills are required. 

Should I spend money on preparing? 

Whilst not essential, we recommend that you seek further support. This could be via online tutorials, 1 - 1 teaching, or longer course-based learning. There are lots of OET tutors available online. 

That said, there are also loads of ways that you can improve your English for free, at home and in your own time. 


 

Where can I find online study materials?

With thousands of useful websites available, it can be tricky to decide where to start. We recommend the OET Preparation Portal. Here you will discover official resources, some for free! 

For example, you can expect to find: 

  • sample practice tests
  • masterclass videos with an OET preparation expert
  • tips to improve your test performance
  • online preparation Course
  • practice books

How do I register? 

Register online here

The OET have a portal for all applicants, called myOET. This lets you apply for tests, view your results, and create a profile.

Where can I take the test? 

OET is available at more than 115 locations in 40 countries, with 14 test dates per year.

Be sure to choose the correct date and location when you apply.

You can find a test date and venue here

Can I change my test date? 

Yes, you can change the test date any day prior to the original test date booked. Please note, no refund is available, and an administration fee will apply to book a new date. The cost of deferring depends on when you decide to defer:

  • Administration cost before application closing date is $120 (approx. £67 at the point of writing) 
  • Administration cost after applications closing date passes is $200 (approx. £110 at the point of writing) 

No refund is available for cancellations. 

Can I take a re-sit? 

Yes, you can book a new test at any time, however this will be at further personal cost. 

Consider working with an accredited tutor

As an International Brand dedicated to helping international doctors to register with the GMC and find work in the NHS - we have lots of partnerships in place with trusted companies in many areas. One of these key areas is English Language Testing and IMG Connect works closely with a company called Specialist Language Courses. You can take a look at their website here.

Specialist Language courses work very professionally and are the UK's leading provider of online courses and tutoring. They are also one of the few accredited providers of OET and have provided consultation and guidance to the GMC on English language testing. 

Success rates are 70% + for those who sign for their tutoring and you can receive a discount if introduced by IMG Connect.

Register with IMG Connect to request your discount on English Language Courses or get in touch with one of our IMG Consultants to discuss.


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Relevant Jobs

£80,693

A fantastic opportunity awaits Histopathologists seeking a fixed-term position. This Pathology Services provides support for CESR accreditation and facilitates entry into specialty training within the NHS. The department is both high-performing and supportive, particularly welcoming overseas doctors new to the NHS or UK-based doctors seeking career advancement. They deliver pathology services to their acute hospitals and local GPs, with some laboratories offering specialized services to the wider NHS and engaging in research studies. Serving 1.76 million patients and conducting 60 million tests, the partnership has resulted in 27,000 additional community phlebotomy appointments, improved turnaround times, and streamlined workflows.

The Pathology Service thrive on a dedicated workforce leveraging cutting-edge technologies, delivering exceptional clinical services centered on patient care.

What is the Pathology Service like?

The Pathology Services comprises four pathology laboratories. These laboratories are responsible for providing pathology services to both acute hospitals and local general practitioners. Additionally, certain laboratories within the network offer specialized services to the broader NHS and engage in research studies and trials. As part of a significant initiative within the NHS, pathology services in England are undergoing reorganization, transitioning into larger local network models. This restructuring has led to the establishment of 29 pathology units nationwide.

This development positions the pathology service as an exceptionally appealing workplace, situated at the forefront of NHS innovation and digitalization in pathology. Despite these advancements, this pathology service remains committed to delivering the latest tests and services, incorporating cutting-edge clinical science into modern patient care. Currently, they manage approximately 120,000 cases with a team of 36 consultants (augmented by some outsourcing), with the capacity to expand its consultant team to 40 full-time positions.

What is the department & team like? 

The Pathology Service was established following the Lord Carter review of Pathology services in England, aiming to reduce overtesting, enhance resilience, and lower costs. amalgamates staff, services, and IT platforms from four trusts to enhance pathology quality in the Black Country, serving 1.4 million individuals and conducting 60 million tests annually. It underwent a comprehensive IT system overhaul to facilitate integrated services, embrace new technologies, and expedite laboratory results.

The pathology service operates three laboratories offering nationally accredited consultant-led pathology services. With state-of-the-art facilities and IT systems, they garnered commendation from Lord Carter for its efficiency and innovation in pathology. Notably, innovations showcased during Lord Carter\'s visit in 2021 included pre-barcoded tubes for sample tracking and digital automation in microbiology labs.

Lord Carter praised the service as a model of service integration and technological advancement, emphasizing the importance of technology, including artificial intelligence, in expediting diagnostics. He commended the leadership and dedication of the staff, highlighting their achievements and commitment to patient care. The evidence is there to be seen, as latest figures show they scored 92 per cent compliance on a dashboard provided by NHS Improvement, ranking it one of the best performing services in the country 

Career Development & Opportunities Available 

Career development opportunities are aplenty. The Centre is one of the highest performing centres in the UK, with excellent CQC scores, a fantastic leadership team, and highly advanced specialist reporting functions. All of this provides an excellent platform for anyone to excel and develop, whether it\'s a step towards specialisation in one anatomical area, or whether it\'s advancing yourself in the world of digital pathology, the right individual can really flourish here.

Digital Pathology and AI is a massive part of what the Group are doing, and part of what makes this opportunity so exciting. Working from home, working abroad, or taking on additional workload out of hours - digital pathology is taking off. They are the most advanced Digital Pathology Service in the UK, and this provides everyone with huge opportunity to grow and develop in a really exciting global field of pathology.

Life in the West Midlands

Based is a modern industrial city situated on the midlands. It is compact, with no boundary more than four miles from the centre and is approximately a 30-minute drive to Birmingham (15 miles), 1 hour 20 minutes to Manchester (60 miles). The city is an urban, multi-ethnic city with a population of around 250,000. The wider hospital catchment area has a population of in excess of 350,000. With more than 600 shops, bars, café and restaurants, the city is not only a great place to work but also somewhere to relax and enjoy. The city centre is just a 10-minute bus ride from the Hospital. 

The nearby countryside of Staffordshire and Shropshire is delightful. To the north is Cannock Chase and to the west the Shropshire borders with attractions of Bridgnorth, the Clee Hills, the Long Mynd, Wenlock Edge, and the Severn Valley. South of Wolverhampton, the City of Worcester is easily accessible, and to the west north-Wales can be reached in just over an hour. The area has a large network of canals, the majority renovated, offering adjacent housing and popular for narrow boat holidays.

Am I eligible for this role?

To be eligible for this vacancy you will need the following: 

EEA candidates: 

  • Recognised European Medical Degree
  • Specialist Qualification in Histopathology
  • IELTS or OET 

Non-EEA candidates: 

  • FRCPath
  • IELTS or OET 

UK-based candidates: 

  • Within six months of CCT or CCT Holder

This is a great opportunity for any experienced histopathologist interested in specialisation, and with interest in digital pathology. 

93,666-126,281

An excellent opportunity to join the dynamic team at an esteemed organization recognized for its excellence by the CQC. This is an opportune moment to become part of the Acute Medicine and Medicine Specialties Teams. With a strong history of achievements, they are committed to delivering exceptional patient-centered care. They are seeking dynamic and motivated specialists histopathologists to become part of their welcoming and enthusiastic gastroenterology team. This presents a chance to join a dedicated histopathology team committed to delivering the highest quality comprehensive service.

This is a great opportunity for overseas consultants or specialists who want to establish themselves in the NHS, and grow their consultant career. The post is suitable for candidates holding specialisation in the EEA, or for experienced IMGs looking to complete CESR.

What is the NHS Foundation Trust like?

The NHS Foundation Trust stands as one of the nation\'s largest integrated healthcare organizations, delivering both hospital and community services to a populace exceeding 650,000 individuals. Renowned for their ambition and innovation, they boast a skilled workforce comprising over 7,000 dedicated colleagues. Operating across two acute sites for hospital services and encompassing centers and community hospitals in six towns for planned care, they extend their services even to patients\' residences.

Recognized as a high-performing entity with a history of accomplishments, the Trust has functioned as an integrated acute and community services provider since 2011 and achieved foundation trust status in 2007. Guided by their strategic framework \"Our Patients Matter,\" they articulate their short- and long-term objectives and delineate the path to their realization. This framework underscores their commitment to providing the safest, most compassionate, and seamlessly coordinated care to the communities they serve.

Within this NHS Foundation Trust, medical professionals are presented with a plethora of career prospects and exposure to diverse care settings rarely encountered elsewhere. Additionally, they have the opportunity to reside and practice in some of the most culturally rich and picturesque locations across the country!

What is the Department & Team like?

The Histopathology department is dedicated to delivering precise diagnostic services crucial for patient care. Led by a team of experienced consultants and supported by junior doctors and skilled laboratory personnel, the department handles a wide array of cases across various medical disciplines. This includes examining tissue specimens for cancer diagnosis, assessing surgical margins, and identifying infectious diseases.

Equipped with advanced technology and instrumentation such as microscopes, tissue processing equipment, and digital imaging systems, the department ensures accurate diagnosis. The team collaborates closely with other departments like surgery, oncology, and radiology to ensure seamless patient care.

The department processes a significant volume of histopathology and cytology cases, providing essential information to clinicians for treatment planning and patient management. Committed to excellence and precision, the Histopathology team plays a pivotal role in delivering top-notch healthcare to the community.

What is life like in the area?

The North East of the UK offers a diverse mix of rural and urban settings, providing doctors with a range of living options. Residents can explore stunning coastal areas like Northumberland\'s beaches or venture inland to scenic national parks such as the North Pennines. The region is home to respected schools and universities, including Newcastle University. Transportation links are robust, with efficient road and rail networks connecting residents to major cities like Newcastle, Durham, and Sunderland, as well as international airports. Housing options range from quaint cottages in picturesque villages to modern apartments in vibrant city centers, catering to various lifestyles.

ARE YOU ELIGIBLE FOR THIS ROLE?

EEA Candidates:

  • Experience of working in Histopathology
  • Specialist Qualification in Histopathology

Non-EEA Candidates:

  • FRCPath
  • Experience of working in Histopathology

UK based applicants

  • Experience of working in Histopathology
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This is a good opportunity for any FRCPath or European-qualified histopathologists to join a friendly, high calibre department in the North East of England. The department are looking for experienced but hungry histopathologists to join them for a long-term post, and the trust will support candidates working on the Portfolio Pathway in Histopathology (formerly known as CESR). The trust will consider both UK and overseas applicants.

What is the NHS Foundation Trust like?

The NHS Foundation Trust serves as a district general hospital, providing essential healthcare services to the local population. Under its management, various healthcare facilities in the region. Consistent positive evaluations from the Care Quality Commission (CQC) underscore its commitment to delivering high-quality patient care, safety, and efficiency. The catchment area of this trust encompasses the north east, ensuring residents have access to comprehensive healthcare close to home. Through its services, the trust plays a vital role in promoting community health and well-being, contributing to a stronger, healthier population.

What is the department & team like?

The department have been centralized at a state-of-the-art Pathology Centre located at the NHS Foundation Trust\'s main hospital. These services cater to the local population in the North East. The consolidation of Cellular Pathology Services, completed in 2014, marks an innovative reorganization in pathology services. Satellite hot lab facilities are available at the NHS Foundation Trust\'s other sites. The NHS Foundation Trust leads this service, and the appointed individual will be contracted.

Pathologists are equipped with high-quality IT infrastructure to facilitate remote attendance at Multidisciplinary Team Meetings (MDTs). In cases where physical presence is required, a departmental electric car or a hopper service is available for transportation. Digital pathology implementation is underway progressively for pathologists interested in participation.

Career Development & Further Opportunities Available

The department will in time be moving towards a specialist reporting model and there will be opportunity to carve out your lead role in either the GI, head & neck, and urology sub-specialties. 

Life in North East

The North East of England offers a diverse mix of rural landscapes and urban centers, providing doctors with a range of living options. Residents can explore historic sites like Hadrian\'s Wall or enjoy scenic walks along the Northumberland coast. The area boasts reputable schools and universities such as Durham University. Transportation links are efficient, connecting the region to major cities like Newcastle and Sunderland, as well as airports for convenient travel. Housing options vary from picturesque villages to modern city apartments, accommodating different preferences and lifestyles.

AM I ELIGIBLE FOR THIS ROLE?

Non-EEA candidates: 

  • FRCPath
  • Experience in Histopathology

EEA candidates: 

  • Specialist certification in Histopathology
  • Experience in Histopathology 

UK candidates: 

  • CCT, CESR or within 6-12 months of specialist registration 
  • Experience in Histopathology
99,532 - 131,964
A Welsh Health Board are looking to appoint an experienced consultant histopathologist to work in a joint clinical and educational supervisor to four innovative CESR Fellows, all FRCPath Histopathology holders. 

This is a unique opportunity to work in a developing initiative that will bring immense social good to the local the people of Wales. 

Short / mid / long-term ambitions for this role.

Short-term, there is the opportunity to work a close group of four international doctors, with specialist qualifications in histopathology including FRCPath. You\'ll have the opportunity to shape the careers of hungry pathologists ready to absorb all the knowledge and experience from an experienced NHS colleague like yourself.

Mid-term you\'ll be jointly responsible for the successful portfolio submissions for these individuals, helping the laboratory at Glangwili General Hospital to establish a newly qualified consultant team to provide stability and excellent pathological services for the patients of Wales, UK.

Long-term, the potential is enormous. As part of ‘A Regional Collaborative for Health’ or ARCH a regional hub for South and West Wales is being built in Swansea, to house a 30-35 consultant lead service for histopathology alone. Fully digitalised regional services for half the Welsh landmass would be provided via one central and digitalised hub. 

Life in the area

It\'s a beautiful life with Wales offering beaches, beautiful forest, lakes and mountains all available to you in your free-time. It\'s a low cost of living and a a bit of a dream for the right person. We can chat more about that over our call. 
99,532 - 131,964
IMG Connect are representing a Southern-based molecular oncology facility with a fully equipped laboratory, integrated process platforms, an in-house bioinformatics team, and a huge genetic database for precise and updated reporting.

The UK Lab is based in Surrey, and the facility is ISO 15189 accredited and ISO 27001 certified.

The department provides the latest technology and several years of extensive research offering highly effective treatment solutions to cancer patients for whom, multiple lines of treatment have failed.

The UK lab receives samples that are received from private practices around the UK, Europe and USA. 

Responsibilities:

With roughly two hours of work needed per day, mostly remote, with twice weekly attendance onsite likely required, the pathologists responsibilities will be along the lines of the below.
  • Authorisation of reports (molecular and tissue)
  • Sectioning slides / assessing tumour content - to help identify which sections can be used for processing samples.
  • Approving & signing reports.
    • Signing out molecular reports - training will be given.
    • Signing out solid organ cancer reports
    • Turnaround time is required within 24-hours. 
 Any successful candidate will be given a laptop and training to enable successful completion of the role.

Eligibility:
  • GMC registration 
  • Right to work in the UK
  • Ability to travel twice per week to Surrey, UK.
  • FRCPath or Specialist Registration is not required for this post

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