Pharmacy OET

OET Pharmacy covers reading, listening, writing, and speaking sections for pharmacists. However, it is important for pharmacists to note that they can practice reading and listening tests, as both subsets are the same for all occupations. Only the writing and speaking tests need to be different. Benchmark OET courses and mock tests are specifically designed for pharmacists, doctors, and nurses separately. Our in-house pharmacists have taken great care in developing case notes and roleplay cards for pharmacists.

1. Introduction to OET Pharmacy

Occupational English Test (OET) is a language test which tests your English proficiency in clinical communication skills in healthcare context. It is based on real-life scenarios in a pharmacy and simulations to ensure accurate assessment of a healthcare professional. Pharmacists who aspire to work internationally need to demonstrate their skilful and effective communication to ensure provision of standard healthcare as per international standards. Therefore, they need to take the OET pharmacy test to apply for international registration and license. There are many Benefits of Pharmacy OET for Stakeholders due to its increased recognition world wide and expanding acceptance by medical and pharmaceutical boards.

You might have heard about other English proficiency tests too. Yes, you can take IELTS, TOEFL, or any other optional English test accepted by the pharmaceutical council. However, OET for Pharmacists is easier since it comprises medical content and context including pharmacy related speaking and writing tasks. But you can read more about how Pharmacy OET is Better than IELTS or  OET or IELTS  to gain in-depth understanding about the differences between the tests before investing your time and money for the test preparation and booking.

2. OET Pharmacy Test Format & Content

OET for pharmacy is specifically for pharmacists and contains four subtests given in the table below:

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

3. OET Pharmacy Listening & Reading Subtest

If you want to pass your OET test as a pharmacist in the first attempt, you should make a plan and decide How Much Time Needed to Prepare for OET . You will definitely need thorough preparation and practice before taking the official OET exam.We have provided the following links for your preparatory stage and practice stages.

4. OET Pharmacy Writing Subtest

Writing is a productive skill which is graded on assessment criteria. You must understand the exam marking marking criteria and do’s and don’ts of writing subtest in OET pharmacy from the links below:

You can also get a detailed marked letter by our OET teachers similar to the Pharmacy Graded Mock Test  by booking at OET Writing feedback & Correction Service. Your graded letter will not only highlight all the mistakes, but also provide corrections and guidelines for more improvement in writing OET letters for pharmacy. Also, you can practice independently by using authentic resources given in OET Writing Case Notes and OET Sample Test.

5. OET Pharmacy Speaking Subtest

Pharmacists can understand OET Speaking, OET Speaking Assessment Criteria, and then practice speaking by using OET Pharmacy Speaking Role Play Cards

OET Speaking with OET experts. If you want to be confident on the official OET test day, Book OET Speaking Mock Test for Pharmacy with our OET experts. You will not only receive a grade/score, but also get customized and tailored guidelines on how to improve your speaking skills in OET Pharmacy.

The speaking subtest contains two roleplays (approx 3 minutes preparation and 5 minutes speaking time each) in which you will be a pharmacist and the interlocutor will be a patient. You will be graded for linguistic criteria and communication criteria. You should familiarize yourself with the speaking test and practice before the official test to secure a good grade. Intelligibility, fluency, appropriateness of language, and resources of grammar and expression will contribute to language related marking criteria. For clinical communication criteria, you should have knowledge about relationship building, understanding and incorporating a patient's concerns and perspectives, providing structure to follow, and giving information clearly.

6. OET Grammar & OET Vocabulary

You can read the articles and solve the FREE quizzes in the end to check your understanding and knowledge!

7. OET Pharmacy Test Dates & Booking Guide

After preparations, the next crucial step is the booking for OET Pharmacy test which needs careful consideration while filling information and uploading relevant documents. First, you check available OET Test Dates  for Pharmacy, then you read How To Book OET Exam Online In 2024-2025 to successfully book your OET test and create an OET login account.

8. Score Calculator, Results, Re-evaluation & Combining Scores for OET

Don't forget to use the OET Score Calculator Guide to Check Your Grade. If you are taking the test for the second time, you might need to check if the combined scores from your previous test and new ones are acceptable. You can find our Top Guide for Combining OET Test Results. Last but not least, some pharmacists might feel dissatisfied with the results by OET, so here is the OET Exam Remarking Essential Video Guide for your support.

9. Registration & Licensure for Pharmacists in the UK and Canada

Pharmacists aspiring for registration with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) must read  OET Grades Required for GPhC for Pharmacy  and English Evidence Accepted for Pharmacists by GPhC to learn about OET and its acceptance with minimum scores. Furthermore, if you plan to migrate to the UK, you can read the UK Pharmacy Migration Guide, and General Pharmaceutical Council Approval for OET to make your process of application for registration and license easier.

If you want to practice as a pharmacist in Canada, you must read Registration with PEBC for Pharmacists in Canada for detailed stepwise guidelines. You can learn and understand how you can navigate with OET to achieve a Canadian pharmacy license and settle in canada.

10. FAQ by OET Pharmacy Test Takers

How is OET pharmacy different from general OET?

In the OET Pharmacy test, the Speaking and Writing sub-tests are profession-specific. In the Speaking sub-test, your role will be that of a pharmacist, and your interlocutor will be a patient. In the Writing sub-test, you will write a letter in the capacity of a pharmacist. In the OET for doctors, the test is tailored for medical healthcare professionals.

What is the minimum score for registration for OET Pharmacy?

The average scores required for pharmacist registration in the OET range between 300 and 440. However, these requirements vary depending on the regulatory authority in each country.

Which countries accept OET for pharmacists license?

OET is accepted in the UK, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, the USA, Canada, Singapore, UAE, and Qatar.

How can pharmacists prepare for OET?

Pharmacists should create a study plan, use authentic preparation materials such as those from Benchmark OET,  and take mock tests to assess their skills. This approach helps build confidence and increases the likelihood of success in the official OET test.

 

Which countries recognize OET Pharmacy for registration purposes?

Singapore, New Zealand, Canada, Australia, the UK,the USA, the UAE, Philippines, Namibia, Ireland, and India accept OET Pharmacy for registration and licenses.

 

Can pharmacists take only one specific OET sub-test, such as Writing or Speaking?

No, you must take all four skills in one sitting. If you do not achieve the required score in the first attempt, you should check from the recognising organization for acceptance of clubbing/combining OET scores from two sittings. If combining scores from two sittings are acceptable, you will again re-sit the whole exam with all four subtests.

 

Can I combine OET scores from two sittings for my pharmacy registration?

You can combine OET scores from two sittings if the regulatory authority of the country you are applying to accepts clubbing of scores. Countries like the UK, Australia, New Zealand, and Ireland typically allow this, provided the tests are taken within 6 months and meet the required scores across both sittings. However, USA, Canada, and Singapore may not accept combined scores, as they usually require all sub-tests to be passed in a single sitting.

Where can pharmacists find OET-specific training programs tailored for their profession?

You can find OET specific content for practice at Benchmark Education with OET practice tests, OET mock tests, guidelines for OET exam, OET booking guide, and get OET Pharmacy Speaking and writing feedback from OET experts.

 

What are the main challenges pharmacists face in OET, and how can they overcome them?

You may find the practice a bit overwhelming if you are not familiar with the content and pattern, lack test-taking skills, and do not have access to authentic resources. You should first make a plan for preparation as per your available study hours. More focus should be on understanding the requirements of the test and assessment criteria. Afterwards, you should practice with authentic content to achieve the required score in the first attempt. If you prepare well, you may not face any challenges in the official OET test for pharmacy.

 

Are there any specific role play scenarios pharmacists should focus on in OET Speaking?

You should practice more OET pharmacy role play cards for speaking. You also need to be familiar with the layout, structure, and relevant vocabulary for your speaking role plays. It can be a very good idea to take the OET pharmacy Speaking Mock Test. It will give you several benefits.