1. Introduction to OET Speaking
The OET Speaking subtest lasts approximately 20 minutes and includes two profession-specific role-plays, each lasting about 5 minutes. While it may seem simple and straightforward, there are intricate and specific assessment criteria that must be met to achieve maximum marks in the subtest.
Imagine traveling to a new place—you would likely have many questions and limited confidence in your actions. On the other hand, traveling to a familiar destination along a well-known route allows you to feel confident and enjoy the journey. Similarly, think of the OET Speaking subtest as a journey. Any exam can feel overwhelming on test day, and this subtest, in particular, requires you to respond in real time and speak fluently in a language that may not be your native tongue—a task that is undeniably challenging.
Questions like, "How should I start my roleplay?", "Which part is more important?", "Can I ask questions to the interlocutor?", and "What is the marking criteria for speaking?" are commonly asked by OET test-takers seeking clarity and preparation.
We have created a detailed, Step-by-Step Guide to help you thoroughly understand the OET Speaking subtest. The OET Speaking test can be taken in two formats: OET@Home and OET on Computer. We have provided detailed information and comprehensive guides to help you approach the test effectively in both formats.
2. Layout of OET Speaking Subtest
OET test-takers should be familiar with the format and layout of the Speaking sub-test. Practicing using the same layout is essential to achieve higher scores and to avoid any surprises in the real OET speaking exam. Since the purpose of the Speaking sub-test is to assess your clinical communication skills in English for a healthcare setting, this structure is highly effective.
The sub-test is carefully designed to help calm your nerves at the start and gradually accelerate the pace for a comprehensive assessment of your abilities.
Read our detailed article on the Structure of OET Speaking Sub-Test, and refer to the table below for a quick snapshot of how the OET Speaking sub-test is formatted.
Layout of OET Speaking Subtest
| Stage | Duration | Purpose | Content | Graded/Ungraded |
|---|
| Warm-up Conversation | 2-3 minutes | Relax the candidates | Questions on work or study | Ungraded |
| 1st Roleplay Preparation | 3 minutes | Familiarization with the scenario
planning your communication | Profession specific roleplay cards | Ungraded |
| 1st Roleplay Performance | 5 minutes | Assessment of clinical skills with first scenario | Explaining, advising, or reassuring the patient. | Graded |
| 2nd Roleplay Preparation | 3 minutes | Familiarization with the scenario
planning your communication | Profession specific roleplay cards | Ungraded |
| 2nd Roleplay Performance | 5 minutes | Assessment of clinical skills with second scenario | Explaining, advising, or reassuring the patient according to the second scenario. | Graded |
| Speaking Subtest Test Ends |
3. OET Speaking Assessment Criteria
The next major aspect to consider is the grading criteria. If you are unaware of the mistakes that could cost you marks, it will be challenging to achieve higher scores. On the other hand, understanding what examiners look for in your speaking content allows you to perform accordingly, significantly increasing your chances of scoring a Grade A on your very first attempt.
The OET Speaking sub-test is graded based on linguistic criteria and clinical communication criteria. The flowchart below provides a clear and easy-to-understand breakdown of the marks distribution.
OET Subtest Speaking Marking Criteria
Linguistic criteria
(6 Marks Each)*
- ‣Intelligibility
- ‣Fluency
- ‣Appropriateness of Language
- ‣Grammar & Language Resources
Communication Criteria
(3 Marks Each)*
- ‣Relationship Building
- ‣Patient’s Perspective
- ‣Providing Structure
- ‣Information Gathering
- ‣Information Giving
*These marks are calculated to reflect the weightage and are converted against the benchmark of 400 marks, as per OET policies.
Given these criteria, we have also provided a detailed guide on Understanding OET Speaking Assessment Criteria. In th– guide, you will gain insights into the core elements and specific requirements of these criteria.
4. Common Challenges in OET Speaking
The OET Speaking sub-test can be challenging for test-takers who are unaware of effective communication techniques for interacting with the interlocutor, worry excessively about the test, or lack strategies to manage nervousness during the assessment.
First, it’s important to remember that the interlocutor is not your examiner. Treat the interaction as a typical day-to-day conversation in your healthcare setting. Your role will always be that of the specialist (aligned with your specific profession), while the interlocutor will act as the patient, based on the scenarios provided in the role-play cards.
To gain a better understanding of what the interlocutor will and will not do, as well as strategies to ensure clear and empathetic communication, read our detailed article on OET Speaking: Understanding Your Interlocutor.
Second, as a non-native English speaker, it is natural to experience exam anxiety on test day, which can negatively affect your scores in the OET Speaking sub-test. To better understand how nervousness can cost you marks and learn effective strategies to combat anxiety, read our article on How to Overcome Nerves for Your OET Speaking.
Lastly, overcoming stress and overthinking can be challenging but is crucial for maintaining optimal performance during the test. Staying calm and positive is key, and this is often achievable when you give yourself enough time to prepare. Booking the test in haste, without sufficient preparation and practice, can increase stress and lower your confidence.
Make sure to allow enough time to prepare thoroughly before your test date. If you have practiced well, Don’t Worry So Much About OET Speaking. Relax and approach it as a routine communication scenario in your professional life. After all, the test is designed around your profession, and you will only be asked about situations relevant to your field.
5. How to Improve Your OET Speaking Score
Achieving a high score in the OET Speaking sub-test requires more than just familiarity with the test format; it involves developing effective communication strategies, mastering specific language skills, and understanding the criteria used by examiners to assess your performance. To ensure success, here are some must-read articles that will guide you through essential techniques to improve your OET Speaking score.
6. OET Speaking Preparation: Tips and Techniques
Preparing for the OET Speaking sub-test involves mastering the skills needed for effective communication in a healthcare setting. One of the best ways to start preparing is by focusing on key communication strategies such as building rapport with the patient, using clear and empathetic language, and delivering information in a way that’s easily understood. Practicing how to approach each scenario calmly and confidently will help ensure you're ready for any situation the test might present.
To help you get started, it’s essential to know the best way to begin each OET role-play. The first impression you make can set the tone for the rest of the interaction, so learning how to introduce yourself professionally and establish a connection with the patient is crucial. Best Way to Start OET Role-Play offers actionable tips on how to initiate these conversations smoothly and confidently, ensuring that you establish a clear and empathetic communication flow from the very beginning.
7. OET Speaking Practice: Building Confidence
Practice not only makes you perfect but also confident. Prepare and practice OET Speaking Role-Play Cards with Sample Answers to understand the content on roleplay cards and answer appropriately. Since it's an age of technology, you don’t need to go anywhere to practice speaking. Now Practice for OET Speaking at Home. We have also added some Common OET Speaking Topics for Nurses to help you practice the relevant content. You might be wondering how you will practice alone at home on your own? Well! Speaking is an interactive process and you obviously need the Best OET Speaking Partner Practice. It can be someone who is
- A Professional OET Trainer
- A Fellow OET Candidate
- A colleague who understands OET
- A Native English Speaker with OET understanding
- An AI tool (Chat GPT, ELSA Speak, or Speechify)
8. Strategies for OET Speaking: A To-Do List
Here are some of the important details about the OET speaking test.
| Do’s and Don’ts of OET Speaking Test |
|---|
| You should | You must NOT |
| Practice different topics | memorize / rote learn content |
| Learn vocabulary for better communication. Explain jargon terms. | Use difficult vocabulary to impress the assessor |
| Establish rapport | Interrupt the patient |
| Actively listen to patient’s concerns | Give generic response or ignoring the concerns |
| Speak clearly and natural fluency | Speak too fast or use overly complex jargon |
| Converse smoothly & pause appropriately | Do excessive repetition, self correction or fillers |
| Show empathy and reassure the patient | Sound dismissive or confusing |
| Spend appropriate time on each point on roleplay cards | Spend too much time on one point leaving the rest |
| Keep polite and respectful tone | Be condescending or overly casual tone |
| Summarize key points | Abruptly end the conversation |
| Use non-verbal/gestures and facial expressions | Use too loud gestures or no physical expression at all |
| Avoid Negative Words in OET Speaking | Show unattentive attitude |
| Assess prior knowledge | Give unnecessary information |
| Communicate clearly without major grammar mistakes. | Make intrusive language errors |
9. Book Your OET Speaking Mock Test!
We have provided all the useful relevant links for your success as an OET candidate. Now it's time to ask you a couple of questions!!!
Do you want to be 100% confident about achieving your required score on the first attempt
Are you curious to know if you’re truly ready to secure your desired results
Book your OET Speaking Mock Test Today!
The OET speaking mock test is a crucial step in your preparation. It allows you to evaluate your performance, identify areas for improvement, and build confidence before the official test day.
Don’t leave your success to chance!
The following chart illustrates how to book a Speaking mock test with us and highlights the key benefits you will gain from it:
10. FAQ About OET Speaking Subtest
How to score B in OET speaking?
The candidates who understand and perform well in communication and linguistic criteria score B in their first attempt. Also, practice helps achieve higher grades. For practice and evaluation of your estimated score or grade Book your OET Speaking Mock Test.
What is the duration of the OET Speaking test?
The overall OET speaking subtest takes around 20 minutes.
How is OET speaking marked?
You are assessed for linguistic criteria as well as communication criteria. They mark your speaking for: intelligibility, fluency, appropriateness of language, grammar, and language resources; and relationship building, patient’s perspective, providing structure, information gathering, and information giving. For detailed explanation on what is required in each criteria, please read the article on Understanding OET Speaking Assessment Criteria.
Is OET Speaking hard?
Nothing is difficult if you are well-prepared. Familiarize yourself with the format and layout of the speaking test, work on your vocabulary and grammar, and practice extensively. Take mock tests to build confidence. On test day, stay calm and confident, and success will follow with flying colors.
How many roleplays in the OET speaking subtest?
The OET Speaking sub-test includes two role-plays, each featuring a different scenario but the same professional role relevant to your healthcare profession.
How to end OET Speaking?
You may conclude by summarizing the important details, offering reassurance, or asking if the patient has any further questions or concerns—much the same way you would end any natural conversation with a patient.
How to ask the name of a patient in OET speaking?
Here are some polite phrases you can use to ask for a patient’s name during the role-play:
- "May I know your name, please?"
- "Could you please tell me your name?"
- "May I call you [surname]?"
- "Could you kindly tell me your name so I can address you?"
- "Just to confirm, may I have your name so I can check your records?"
- "Before we start, may I know how you prefer to be addressed?"
How do you introduce yourself in OET speaking? You should introduce yourself briefly, stating your name and then leading the conversation towards the issue at hand. For initiating the conversation, you may use the following suggested phrases:
If you are a nurse:
"Hello, my name is [Your Name], and I’m a nurse here. I’ll be assisting with your care today. How are you feeling?"
If you are a doctor:
"Good afternoon, I’m Dr. [Your Name]. I’m here to discuss your condition. How are you feeling today?"
If you are a pharmacist:
"Hello, my name is [Your Name], and I’m here to help with your prescriptions. Do you have any questions about your medications?"
If you are a dentist:
"Hello, I’m Dr. [Your Name], and I’ll be your dentist for today’s procedure. Let’s start by reviewing your dental history."
Can I take notes during OET speaking?
Yes, it is encouraged that you make notes during your 3-minute preparation time. This will help you remember key points and ensure you don’t miss any important details. However, remember that the conversation should always involve the patient. There might be information on the patient’s role-play card that isn’t on yours, so attentive listening and considering the patient’s concerns is crucial. Additionally, don’t spend too much time writing notes, as this may make it difficult to read your notes and follow the role-play card at the same time.
What are the healthcare professions covered in the OET Speaking test?
OET Speaking is tailored to a variety of healthcare professions, including Nursing, Medicine, Pharmacy, Physiotherapy, Dentistry, Veterinary Science, and others.
What should I bring to the OET Speaking test?
You will need to bring a valid form of identification, such as a passport or national ID. No personal items are allowed in the exam room.
How is the OET Speaking test conducted?
The Speaking test is face-to-face with an interlocutor who will act as the patient. There are no written responses required; it’s a verbal test to assess communication skills.
Can I take the OET Speaking test at home?
Yes, OET@Home offers remote testing for the Speaking exam. However, you will still need a reliable internet connection, a webcam, and a microphone for proctoring purposes. For more details, please read OET@Home Speaking Test .
When will I get my OET Speaking results?
Results are typically available within 16 business days after the test.
Can I retake the OET Speaking test if I fail?
For OET on paper, you may retake only the speaking subtest if you have taken the full test the first time and did not achieve the desired score. However, for OET on computer (in-venue) and OET@Home, you must take the full OET test with all four subtests every time.
