Are you a healthcare professional preparing for the OET? The Speaking sub-test is crucial; this guide answers frequently asked questions to help you succeed.

1. Making the Most of Your Prep Time

You get three minutes to plan before each role-play. Use this time to understand the scenario, consider the patient's perspective, and identify any medical terms to avoid. Feel free to ask the examiner for clarification during this period.

2. Keeping the Card Handy

Yes, you can refer to the role-play card throughout the interaction. It will be on the screen for computer-based tests and physically available for paper-based tests.

3. Speaking on Computer: What to Expect

The OET Speaking sub-test on computer mirrors the paper-based format. The main difference is that you'll interact with the examiner via Zoom from a comfortable location.

4. Starting Your Role Play on the Right Foot

Your approach to initiating the role play is assessed under the relationship-building criterion. There's no one-size-fits-all answer, depending on the setting, urgency, and relationship with the patient.

5. Unfamiliar with the Medical Condition? No Sweat!

The role card provides all the necessary information to complete the task. Focus on clear communication with the patient.

6. Understanding the Bracketed Text

The bracketed text offers additional details or suggestions to guide your conversation with the patient.

7. Not Finishing All the Tasks: A Non-Issue

Each role-play is designed to assess your communication skills in a healthcare context, and it should naturally conclude within five minutes. The examiner will signal the end of the test. Don't fret if you don't complete all the tasks; scoring is based on the assessment criteria, not task completion.

8. Following the Task Order: A Recommendation

While you aren't obligated to follow the task order on the role-play card, it's generally recommended for a logical flow of conversation.

9. Scoring High: Aim for the Top

To achieve a score of 350 or above, strive for the highest marks in each criterion descriptor. A grade B typically indicates scoring mostly 5s out of 6 for linguistic criteria and 2s out of 3 for clinical communication criteria.

10 . What Gets Scored?

The OET assessors solely evaluate your speaking abilities during the two role plays. Your ID checks, warm-up questions, and anything said during prep time are not scored.

Want to crack the OET test with Speakeazy’s specially designed-LAP Secrets? Join us and achieve your dream grade with us!