OET Test FAQs: Dates, Booking, Fees, Results and Test Format

If you are planning to take OET, you probably have practical questions about the test format, booking, fees, dates, results, scores and re-marking. This FAQ gives short, current answers and links to detailed Benchmark guides where you need more help.

Is OET an English test or a medical test?

OET is an English-language test designed for healthcare professionals. It tests whether you can communicate clearly in healthcare settings, so it includes everyday English as well as profession-related tasks and vocabulary.

It is not a medical knowledge exam; you are assessed on language use, not clinical decision-making.

OET vs IELTS, TOEFL and PTE

If you are a healthcare professional, OET may feel more relevant because the reading, listening, writing and speaking tasks are based on healthcare communication. IELTS, TOEFL and PTE test general or academic English.

The right choice depends on the organisation you are applying to, the country, your profession and the score each body requires. Do not choose a test only because it seems easier; first check which tests your regulator, employer or university accepts.

Which healthcare professions can take OET?

OET is available for 12 healthcare professions:

These professions are:

Before you book, choose the profession that matches your registration or application requirement

Is the OET test the same for all professions?

All candidates take the same OET Listening and Reading tests. Writing and Speaking are profession-specific, so a nurse, doctor, pharmacist or physiotherapist receives tasks connected to that profession.

This is why you must select the correct profession when booking. For practice, use an OET Speaking Mock Test and OET Writing Correction matched to your profession.

How do I book OET?

You can book OET online through the official OET booking system. Availability depends on your country, test delivery mode, profession and seat availability.

Before booking, check the official OET booking page and then use Benchmark’s OET Test Dates 2026 guide for planning your preparation timeline.

Can I use abbreviations in OET?

Common healthcare abbreviations may be acceptable when they are clear in context, especially in notes. In the OET Writing letter, avoid uncommon or ambiguous abbreviations and write the full term if the reader may not understand it. It’s still a good idea to review a list of acceptable OET writing abbreviations prior to the exam.

Your priority is clear professional communication.

How much is the OET exam fee?

OET examination fee is $587 AUD. However, the fees can change and may vary by booking location, delivery mode and local payment conditions. Check the official OET booking page for the current fee shown during booking before you pay.

How often is OET held?

OET is no longer best described as a once-a-month test. Test availability varies by country, profession, delivery mode and seat availability.

OET on Computer, OET on Paper and OET@Home may have different date options. Check the official OET booking page for live availability and use Benchmark’s OET Test Dates 2026 page to plan your preparation. When you apply for the Occupational English Test, be sure to take this into consideration.

When will I receive my OET results?

OET results are released through your online OET account. Result timelines depend on the delivery mode and the result publication date for your test.

OET on Computer and OET@Home results can be released faster than older paper-only timelines, while OET on Paper result dates should be checked against the official schedule. Download your Statement of Results from your OET account when it becomes available.

For more detail, read the OET results FAQs. For score interpretation, use the OET Score Calculator Guide.

Can I request OET re-marking?

If you believe a sub-test result is not accurate, check the current OET re-marking policy and deadline in your OET account before applying.

Re-marking fees, deadlines and result-update processes can change, so avoid relying on an old fixed fee or deadline unless it has been verified against the official OET policy on the day you apply.

You can also read Benchmark’s OET re-evaluation guide.

Final official checks before booking

For final booking, result, fee or recognition questions, check the official OET website or the relevant registration body. For preparation help, use Benchmark’s OET course, OET mock tests, writing correction, speaking mock test, reading course and listening practice tests.