OET physiotherapy

OET for Physiotherapists

The Occupational English Test (OET) is an English language proficiency test specifically designed for healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, physiotherapists, pharmacists, and others. It comprises four sub-tests—Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking—tailored to the context of healthcare. OET is recognized by numerous healthcare regulatory bodies worldwide, including those in the UK, Australia, New Zealand, and other countries. The test content focuses on real-life medical communication, making it highly relevant for healthcare professionals working in specialized fields.

OET VS Other English Tests:
You might find it challenging to decide between OET, IELTS, or PTE. For healthcare professionals, the OET test is accepted worldwide. Another compelling reason to choose OET is its content, which focuses on real-world medical communication. This means the test is directly relevant to your profession and aligns with your existing knowledge and experience. Consequently, preparing for the OET requires less time compared to IELTS or TOEFL, as the latter tests cover a broad range of topics unrelated to your field.

2. OET Test Format & Scoring for Physiotherapists

The OET test for physiotherapists comprises four components: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. Physiotherapists have the flexibility to take the test in three formats: OET on Paper, OET on Computer (at a test venue), or OET@Home. A detailed overview of the OET test content, sub-tests, duration, and scoring criteria is provided in the table below:

Overview of Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking sections

For more information, please read OET Exam Format in 2025 to understand each subtest and approach to questions.

3. Criteria for Good Scores in OET for Physiotherapists

You should take this checklist criteria test for listening, reading, writing and speaking to evaluate your performance in the OET test. Tick the boxes after taking a sample OET test from our OET Physiotherapy Course.

OET Listening Subtest Checklist

OET Reading Subtest Checklist

OET Writing Subtest Checklist

OET Speaking Subtest Checklist

How many boxes have you checked?
If you have checked four boxes in any subtest, you might score a minimum B grade in that subtest.

4. OET Test Dates & Booking Guide for Physiotherapists

If you are unable to achieve the desired score in the OET Mock Tests , make a customized plan to Prepare for the OET and invest your time and money wisely. Remember the cost of the OET test is AUD $587, so it is imperative that you are well-prepared and pass your test in the first attempt. Once you are ready, you can look for the available OET Physiotherapy Test Dates to book the OET Physiotherapy test. You will have a lot of questions while booking the test. Here is the complete guidance on How To Book OET Exam Online. You can also check out OET Test FAQs for your information.

5. OET Test Preparation Resources

For each subtest, you can find authentic and helpful resources below:

Listening Preparation
The following articles will help you understand the listening subtest.

Reading
You should learn the best strategies, tips and tricks for OET reading subtest given in the articles below:

Writing
The OET writing subtest can be a bit challenging. You must read the articles and available sample answers to understand the requirements of the OET writing subtest.

Speaking
The OET speaking becomes less overwhelming if you are well-prepared, know the format of the test and well aware of the marking criteria.

Grammar
The OET test requires you to use clear, precise, structured language in writing and speaking subtests. Therefore, read the following articles to practice OET grammar.

Vocabulary
Although you are already familiar with medical language, there are still some words that should be revised for spelling and punctuation.

6. How to Maximize Your OET Writing Score

After preparing for the OET, the next crucial step is achieving the maximum score, which is only possible if you do two things. First, solve plenty of OET Reading PracticeTests & OET Listening Practice Tests , and second, take OET Mock Tests. These steps can significantly boost your confidence on the official OET test day. If you need personalized response and estimated scores for your letter along with guidance for your mistakes, OET Writing Correction Service is available 24/7.  With Benchmark, you can gain valuable insights into your estimated scores for OET Speaking Mock Test as well, as our OET experts highlight mistakes and provide feedback for improvement as well.

7. OET Registration Requirements for Physiotherapists

The Occupational English Test (OET) is widely accepted by medical boards and regulatory authorities in many countries for physiotherapists seeking licensure. It serves as a key requirement in demonstrating English language proficiency. If you are planning to work internationally, the OET is a critical step in the registration process. The regulatory authorities accepting OET for physiotherapists, along with the minimum required scores, are listed in the table below:

Physiotherapy Regulatory Authorities & OET Recognition

You can also explore the detailed steps for applying for international Physiotherapy Registration in countries such as Australia, the USA, the UK, Canada, and New Zealand. These steps typically involve credential verification, passing relevant exams, and meeting language proficiency requirements like OET.

Additionally, for those planning to work in Australia, you can find comprehensive information about visa options, job opportunities, and pathways for Overseas Healthcare Workers.

8. FAQs About OET for Physiotherapists