There are 42 questions in the OET listening subset. Listening Part A has 24 questions, Part B has 6, and Part C has 12 questions. Aim for at least 30 correct answers to score 350 out of 500. Benchmark OET listening tests offer a considerable amount of listening practice. There are more than 30 OET listening practice tests available on our OET login portal. Read the guides below for listening samples with answers and explanations.
1. Introduction to OET Listening Subtest
The listening subtest in the OET test takes around 40 minutes and consists of general medical content for all the twelve OET professions. There are a total 42 questions in the listening subtest. You will get time to read the questions before the parts of audios, but you need to write the answer simultaneously once the audios start playing. You cannot re-listen or pause afterwards. The listening subtest is designed to ensure your maximum capacity to hear the patient correctly in any dialect or accent in English. This may be important in any daily life interaction but it becomes paramount in medical context because of little scope of error, confusion or miscommunication.
2. OET Listening Test Format
The OET Listening subtest is divided into three parts: A, B, and C. The table below provides a detailed description of the components, question types, and the specific skills assessed in each part. This division ensures a comprehensive evaluation of your listening abilities across various healthcare-related contexts.
OET Listening Subtest Format, Content & Assessment |
|---|
| Part | Questions | Questions Types | Content | Skill Assessment |
| Part A | 24 Qs
2 Recordings
4-5 minutes each
(12 questions each recording)
| Notes completion | | Ability to - listen for detail,
- comprehend,
- interpret and
- accurately record detailed spoken information
|
| Part B | 6 Recordings
6 MCQs
(one from each recording)
|
3-option MCQs
| - A training session
- A staff briefings
- A discussion between colleagues
- A discussion between a patient and a health professional
| Ability to - listen for gist (or main idea) of an interaction,
- listen for specific details,
- identify a speaker’s purpose, attitude and opinion
|
| Part C | 12 MCQs
2 Recordings
(6 questions each recording) | 4-option MCQs | - workplace presentations
- case studies or projects
- discussions about research, trials, case studies or reviews.
| Ability to - understand the gist,
- Understand main idea or attitude
|
3. OET Listening Part A
The first part of the Listening subtest is Part A, where you will listen to a consultation between a doctor and a patient. Before the audio begins, you will have time to carefully read the notes and familiarize yourself with the questions. As the audio plays, you will complete the notes simultaneously by writing your answers.
To maximize your marks in Part A, consider reading the article on OET Listening Part A Tips & Tricks, which provides helpful strategies. Since this section involves notes completion or fill-in-the-blank questions, it is crucial to check your spelling carefully. Incorrect spelling may result in lost marks, although some minor spelling mistakes may still be acceptable. For detailed guidance, refer to the article on Acceptable OET Listening Part A Spelling Mistakes.
Additionally, ensure your answers are clear, concise, and relevant to the context of the consultation. Listening for key details and identifying medical terms accurately can significantly enhance your performance.
4. Listening B & C Part
Like any other English proficiency test, the OET Listening subtest becomes progressively challenging as you move through the parts. Part B requires greater focus and attention, while Part C is designed to test your advanced listening and comprehension skills, often presenting significant challenges. Many OET candidates struggle particularly with Parts B and C due to the complexity of the tasks and the nature of the audio materials.
To improve your performance, refer to the Guide to OET Listening Part B&C , which offers insights and strategies to tackle these sections effectively. Additionally, reading the article on Overcoming OET Listening Part C Challenges will help you address common pitfalls. Make sure to also explore the blog on Essential Skills for OET Listening Part C, which highlights the critical abilities needed to succeed in this part. Consistent practice, familiarity with medical vocabulary, and focused listening techniques are key to mastering these sections.
5. Scoring for OET Listening Subtest
OET test takers often express concern about their scores in the Listening subtest and the marking criteria involved. Understanding how the test is scored can help you better prepare and strategize for success. It's essential to read the OET Listening Marking Criteria to gain clarity on the marks distribution, assessment process, and the requirements for achieving a Grade B or a 350 score, which is often the benchmark for healthcare professionals. Ideally, one needs at least 30 correct answers for 350 marks out of 500. Use this OET Score Calculator for calculating your OET grades.
If you are dissatisfied with your official OET Listening test scores, you also have the option of requesting OET remarking of your subtest. This process can provide reassurance or potentially improve your score if errors were made during evaluation. Additionally, focus on understanding what the assessors look for in your answers, such as accuracy, relevance, and spelling, to maximize your performance. Reviewing this information thoroughly will help you approach the test with confidence and a clear understanding of how to achieve your desired score.
6. Tips for OET Listening
OET test candidates must equip themselves with effective tips and strategies to enhance their test-taking skills. Below is some essential information and advice specifically for the Listening subtest:
- You cannot pause or stop the audio, so stay alert and focused.
- You will hear the audio only once, so make the most of your listening opportunity.
- Skim through the questions first to save time and understand what to listen for.
- You cannot return to Part A after 15 minutes, so complete it within the allotted time.
- Utilize pauses to skim through upcoming questions and prepare yourself.
- Pay close attention to grammar and spelling, as errors may lead to lost marks.
- Familiarize yourself with different English accents (e.g., British, American, Australian).
- Expand your vocabulary on medical topics to better understand context and terminology.
- Don’t panic if you miss an answer; stay calm and focus on the next question.
- Use prediction and elimination techniques to identify the most likely correct answer.
- Avoid relying solely on medical knowledge, as answers must align with the audio content.
- Stay focused throughout the test, avoiding distractions or lapses in attention.
- Make an educated guess instead of leaving a question blank—there’s no negative marking.
- Practice multiple listening tests to build confidence and improve performance.
- Effective time management is crucial to ensure you complete each section within the time limit.
- Take notes or annotate key information during the audio if needed.
- Pay attention to headings and subheadings, as they provide context for the questions.
- Always keep the main title and topic in mind to stay aligned with the overall context.
By incorporating these strategies into your preparation and practice sessions, you can significantly improve your performance and feel more confident during the test.
7. The Role of Grammar in OET Listening
If your grammar is strong, it will not only enhance your overall understanding and accuracy in the OET test but also help you locate answers more efficiently. In the notes completion tasks, the blank must be filled with a word or phrase that is grammatically correct, which means grammar plays a key role in identifying the correct response.
Good grammar skills allow you to predict the type of word needed (e.g., noun, verb, or adjective) based on sentence structure, helping you stay aligned with the context of the audio. To explore how grammar supports your performance in the OET test, especially in the Listening subtest, make sure to read the article on the Importance of Grammar in OET Listening. This resource provides valuable insights into how grammatical accuracy can give you a distinct advantage in achieving a high score.
8. OET Listening Practice Materials
You can prepare for the Listening subtest by using the practice resources available at the links below:
9. OET Listening Mock Tests
You can attempt OET mock tests for listening to evaluate your preparation. Mock tests are an essential part of OET preparation which help OET candidates monitor their performance and become more confident on the test day. Here’s the reasons why mock tests are encouraged:
- Familiarize with Test layout to understand the structure, format and timing of the official OET test for listening. This will make you more comfortable.
- Help you learn time management effectively to complete each part within the given time
- Identify your strengths and weaknesses to work on areas that require additional focus and attention.
- Build confidence and overcome anxiety so you are ready on the test day
- Improve listening skills by giving exposure to various health-related contexts, accents and question types.
- Develop exam strategies by giving the opportunity to practice prediction, elimination, and note-taking techniques
- Track progress and evaluate your performance so you can adjust your time for making preparation plans accordingly.
Hence, mock tests are valuable in bridging the gap between the preparation and the actual performance in the OET test giving you an opportunity to practice and achieve a high score. OET Listening Mock Test offers the mock test that simulates the actual OET listening subtest allowing OET candidates to practice under realistic conditions.
10. OET Test Takers’ Inquiries for Listening Subtest
1. How long is the OET listening subtest?
The test will last approximately 40 minutes. You don’t need to worry about spending extra time, as the audio will guide you at its own pace, and you will have sufficient time to write your answers.
2. Are the audios from one specific profession?
No, the audios include general medical content relevant to various healthcare settings, not limited to one specific profession.
3. Will I get any time to read the questions?
Yes, you will have enough time to skim through the questions before the audio begins. However, once the audio starts, it will not pause, so you will need to write your answers while listening.
4. Can I re-listen to the audio?
No, the audios are played once only.
5. Can I take notes while listening to the audio?
Yes, it is encouraged to annotate while you listen to the audio.
5. Are the audios in a British accent only?
No, the speakers in the audio may speak with a British, American, Australian, or any European or Asian accent (specially the patients).
6. Is the listening format the same in OET on computer and OET on paper?
Yes, the layout will remain the same. In the paper-based OET test, you will write your answers on paper, whereas in the computer-based test format, you will type your answers on the screen.
7. What should I do if I miss an answer?
The recommended strategy is to keep moving forward. Do not pause or lose focus on the audio, as this could lead to spending extra time trying to match the audio with the questions, which may result in incorrect answers for the upcoming questions.
8. How can I get a higher score in OET listening?
Achieving a higher score in OET Listening requires consistent practice and targeted strategies. Here are some recommendations to help you succeed:
- Learn from your healthcare setting if English is predominantly used. Pay attention to the language and terminology commonly used in patient interactions to improve your familiarity with real-world conversations.
- Use transcripts for audio materials to understand the flow of conversations and familiarize yourself with key phrases and expressions, which will help you decode the context more effectively.
- Watch medical-themed documentaries and TV shows, such as Grey’s Anatomy, The Good Doctor, Embarrassing Bodies, and House. This will enhance your listening skills and build relevant vocabulary.
- Practice with OET Listening Sample Tests to familiarize yourself with the test format, evaluate your performance, and identify areas for improvement.
- Take OET Mock Tests to simulate real exam conditions. This will help you boost your confidence and manage time effectively on test day.
By following these strategies and dedicating time to practice, you can improve your OET Listening score significantly.
9. What is an accepted score for OET listening ?
For most professions, a score of 350 or Grade B is considered acceptable. However, it is important to verify the specific requirements with the relevant medical boards or councils, as eligibility criteria may vary depending on your profession and the country you are applying to.
10. What should I do if I do not understand a word in the audio?
Keep moving forward with the audio and stay focused. Do not panic or waste time trying to figure out the meaning of an unfamiliar word. Instead, concentrate on understanding the overall context or meaning of the conversation, as this will help you arrive at the correct answer.
11. What will happen if any technical issue arises during the official test?
You must immediately inform the invigilator if you encounter any issues, such as headphones not working, the volume being unadjustable, the screen being blurred, or the paper being misprinted. Reporting these problems promptly ensures they can be addressed before they affect your performance.
12. Is the listening OET subtest same for all the professions?
Yes, the OET listening subtest is the same for all the 12 professions endorsed by CBLA.
