Many medical graduates are now eager to practice medicine in the United States due to the amazing opportunities in this field. To do this, they must achieve an ECFMG® certification, which now involves passing the OET Medicine exam. This blog will provide an overview of ECFMG certification requirements and practical tips to succeed in taking the OET Medicine test.
ECFMG, or the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates, is a certification that IMGs or International Medical Graduates need to receive if they wish to practice medicine in the United States. This certification is generally a prerequisite for:
This certification helps to ensure that the IMGs meet the required standard to provide high-quality healthcare in the US.
To obtain the ECFMG certification, IMGs had to pass Step 1, Step 2 Clinical Knowledge, and Step 2 Clinical Skills of the USMLE. However, the Step 2 Clinical Skills exam has been suspended due to COVID-19 and replaced by other pathways. It’s important to note that all of these pathways now require completing the OET Medicine test.
The OET, or the Occupational English Test is designed to assess how proficient healthcare professionals are in English. To be eligible for 2025 Pathways of ECFMG certification, IMGs must achieve at least a minimum score of 350 or a grade B in each of the three test subsets (Reading, Speaking, and Listening) and at least 300 in the Writing section. Do not confuse this with any other English proficiency tests as this specific test is tailor made specifically for physicians thus all language skills assessed would be relevant to medical practice.
You must achieve at least a Grade B, and here are some tips that could help you achieve this grade.
Most IMG candidates prefer to take the computer-based OET these days due to its convenience. Both the computer-based and paper-based tests have the same level of difficulty, so choose based on your preference.
The OET costs 586 AUD or 455 USD, regardless of the format.
There is no limit to the number of times you can take the OET. You can attempt the exam as many times as needed.
The ECFMG confirmed that the OET will still be a requirement. Candidates are advised to take the exam.
If you don't pass the OET on your first attempt, you can retake the exam as many times as needed. Focus on improving your weaker areas before retaking the test.
Yes, OET provides accommodations for candidates with disabilities. You must apply for these accommodations well in advance of your test date and provide supporting documentation.
The OET exam duration is approximately 3 hours. The Listening sub-test is 50 minutes, the Reading sub-test is 60 minutes, the Writing sub-test is 45 minutes, and the Speaking sub-test is 20 minutes.
The OET is scored on a scale from 0 to 500 in ten-point increments for each sub-test. A score of 350 (grade B) or higher is typically required for most healthcare boards and councils. Use this
OET Calculator for more information.
Yes, you can reschedule or cancel your OET exam. However, you may be subject to fees depending on the timing of your request. It's best to check the official OET website for the most up-to-date information on fees and policies.
OET results are usually released approximately 16 business days after the test date. You will receive an email notification when your results are available. By now, you should be familiar with the OET and its requirements for the ECFMG 2025 Match. Make sure that you use our resources to start, as they provide you with accurate OET-specific study materials.
