Undeniably many medical professionals from different countries are eyeing international career opportunities. And one of the many requirements that you need to comply with within a medical profession is to take an English language proficiency assessment.
There are two English language proficiency exams that medical professionals widely use. It includes are the IELTS which stands for the International English Langauge Testing System, and the OET or the Occupational English Test. Both of these exams assess the individual’s English language skills.
In this article, we will briefly review what the IETLS and OET are. Then we will compare and contrast the differences between both English exams in pricing, scoring, exam format, frequency, etc.
- What is IELTS?
- What is OET?
- OET vs IELTS: Exam Fees Comparison
- Exam Format and Test Structure: IELTS vs OET
- OET vs IELTS : Exam Frequency
- Scoring Difference : OET vs IELTS
- Test Requirements: IELTS vs OET
- IELTS vs. OET : Practice Tests Availability
- Which Is Easier, the IELTS or the OET Exam?
- Test Recognition: IELTS vs OET
- Finally Summary Table: OET vs IELTS
- Additional FAQs : IELTS vs OET
What is IELTS?
The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is a standardized language proficiency exam and a structured certification for the English language. It is designed to evaluate the individual’s English writing, speaking, listening, and reading skills.
In addition, the IELTS is an internationally recognized English language proficiency assessment test that is specially designed for non-native English speakers. Most test takers prefer the IELTS for university and college admissions.
And also, private companies and employers, professional institutions, and government organizations seek and accept the IELTS certification compared to other proficiency language exams. The IELTS is also one of the global migration requirements.
What is OET?
Occupational English Test, known as the OET, is an English language proficiency assessment test, especially for professionals in the healthcare industry.
Moreover, the OET English language test is designed and established to cover over 12 healthcare careers, including Nursing, Medicine, Dentistry, Physiotherapy, Veterinary Science, Occupational Therapy, Speech Pathology, Podiatry, Radiography, Optometry, Pharmacy, and Dietetics.
The OET evaluates the medical professional’s English language skills using test materials based on a real-time healthcare workplace setting. It means that the OET is grounded on regular communications used and actual scenarios in a healthcare facility.
That is why the OET is the best and exclusive English language test for health care professionals since it is much more suitable for their type of career. It is honored in the UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, Dubai, and others worldwide.
OET vs IELTS: Exam Fees Comparison
On this table, you can see the exam fees comparison of the OET and IELTS. Notice that the OET is quite expensive in comparison with the IELTS in different locations worldwide.
| Occupational English Test (OET) Fees | International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Fees |
|---|---|
| USD 200 | USD 455 |
| AUD 587 | AUD 340 |
| EUR 380 | EUR 220 |
| GBP 339 | GBP 196 |
| INR 30,481 | INR 17,636 |
| PHP 22, 774 | PHP 13, 211 |
Exam Format and Test Structure: IELTS vs OET
This table shows the comparison between the IELTS and OET exams in terms of test duration, test versions, test delivery mode, test scores validity, and test structures.
Both the IELTS and OET differ in their exam structures in assessing the different English language skills.
For example, the writing exam in the OET assesses the individual’s ability to use the English language in a healthcare context effectively. The IELTS writing exam assesses the individual’s ability to produce a context at a university level.
As for the speaking exam, the OET assesses the individual’s ability to communicate effectively using the English language in a healthcare setting, such as interacting with patients and other medical professionals. In contrast, the IELTS speaking exam assesses the individual’s ability to communicate clearly in an interview format.
| Exam Structure | IELTS Exam | OET Exam |
|---|---|---|
| Test Duration | 2 hours and 45 minutes | 3 hours and 20 minutes |
| Test Types |
| None |
| Test Delivery Mode |
|
|
| English Skills Assessed / Test Structure |
|
|
| Test Scores Validity | Two years | Two years |
OET vs IELTS : Exam Frequency
In this table, we can see with the information provided that the IELTS exam is more accessible, with many testing centers located in different countries worldwide. Plus, the IELTS offers more test schedules in a year compared to the OET exam.
| Exam Frequency | Occupational English Test (OET) | International English Language Testing System (IELTS) |
|---|---|---|
| Number of test days per year | 14 | 48 |
| Number of testing centers (worldwide) | 110 | 1,200 |
| Countries available | 40 | 140 |
Scoring Difference : OET vs IELTS
The OET exam uses the letter grade scoring between A to E for all of their subtests. And while the IELTS uses a band score between 9 to 0 for every subtest of the exam.
In addition, you will have an overall score for the IELTS, while the OET does not have an overall score. The following tabulation below shows the proficiency level of the IELTS and OET exams.
| OET Exam Scoring | IELTS Exam Scoring | Description |
|---|---|---|
| A | 9.0 – 8.0 | Expert Level or Mastery of the English Language |
| B | 7.5 – 7.0 | Good English User |
| C+ | 6.5 | Competent User of the English Language |
| C | 6.0 – 5.5 | Competent to Modest User of the English Langauge |
| D | 5.0 – 4.0 | Limited User of the English Langauge |
Additional Reading — Exam Scoring for IELTS and OET
Test Requirements: IELTS vs OET
This table shows the comparison of the IELTS and OET in terms of test requirements.
| Test Requirements | IELTS Test Requirements | OET Test Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Age | Minimum age of 16 years | No minimum age requirement |
| Profession | Any profession | Eligible for those medical professionals who are in the following medical fields:
|
| Things needed to register |
|
|
| Where to Register | You can register for the IELTS through the IELTS Online Registration Platform | You can register for the OET through the myOET home page |
IELTS vs. OET : Practice Tests Availability
This section shows the different practice tests offered by the IELTS and OET to its test-takers.
| Available Resources | IELTS Practice Tests | IELTS Practice Tests |
|---|---|---|
| Free Sample Practice Tests |
|
|
| Preparation Courses, Guides, and Books |
|
|
| Additional Resources (Free and Paid) |
|
Which Is Easier, the IELTS or the OET Exam?
The IELTS Academic exam, taken mainly by medical professionals, is more complicated and hard to pass than the OET. And also, most medical professionals prefer the OET because the test questions and scenarios used in the test are familiar to them compared to the IELTS, which is a more general approach.
However, these claims about the IELTS and OET exams are not reliable since both language proficiency tests are fully standardized. The IELTS and OET exams assess the four basic English language skills: reading, listening, writing, and speaking.
The IELTS and OET contain four sub-test for reading, listening, writing, and speaking. These subtests are also divided into other parts in both the IELTS and OET.
The difference between the two exams is that the IELTS generally measures individual academic English skills. On the other hand, the OET tests the individual’s English language abilities in a medical setting.
Also, the OET test uses real-time scenarios in a medical setup like talking to patients and other medical professionals. It also has specific test materials for a particular medical profession.
The IELTS, on the other hand, uses various academic topics that may or may not be related to any healthcare setting. Most of the questions or scenarios presented in the IELTS questions are general topics and in a corporate workplace environment.
Test Recognition: IELTS vs OET
The IELTS is highly recognized by educational institutions such as universities and colleges, healthcare regulatory bodies, immigration authorities, and private institutions worldwide.
In contrast, healthcare regulatory bodies recognize the OET in the UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Dubai, Ukraine, and Namibia.
And also, both the OET and IELTS are accepted and recognized by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) and General Medical Council (GMC) in the UK and Ireland.
Additional Reading — Test Recognition: OET vs IELTS
Finally Summary Table: OET vs IELTS
Here is a comprehensive comparison of the IELTS and OET exams.
| Features | IELTS Exam | OET Exam |
|---|---|---|
| Test Usage | It is primarily used for English exam admission in universities and colleges. | It is the English language exam intended for healthcare professionals. |
| Test Fee | AUD 340 | AUD 587 |
| Age Requirement for Test Takers | Minimum of 16 years old | None |
| Who can take the test | Any profession | Eligible for those medical professionals who are in the following medical fields:
|
| Test Registration Requirements |
|
|
| Exam Frequency | 48 scheduled test days per year | 14 scheduled test days per year |
| Number of Testing Centers Worldwide | 1,200 Testing Centers | 110 Testing Centers |
| Number of Countries Where Both Exams are Available | 140 countries | 40 countries |
| Test Scores Validity | Two years | Two years |
| Scoring | It uses a band scoring that ranges from 9 as the highest proficiency level to 0 as the lowest. | It uses a letter grade scoring from A as the highest proficiency level up to E as the lowest proficiency level. |
| Test Delivery Mode |
|
|
| English Skills Assessed / Test Structure |
|
|
| Test Duration | 2 hours and 45 minutes | 3 hours and 20 minutes |
| Test Version | 2 IELTS Versions:
| 12 OET Versions:
|
| Accepted by Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) and General Medical Council (GMC) | Yes | Yes |
Additional FAQs : IELTS vs OET
Which is Better for Nurses, IELTS or OET?
Some professionals prefer the IELTS because it is one of the extensive English language proficiency exams available.
However, it is recommended for nurses to take the OET since the test itself is made especially for medical professionals.
The OET is more inclined to the medical field, and the situations presented in the test are based on real-time happenings. Plus, the OET offers a specific test version for different medical careers. That is why most medical professionals, such as nurses, find the OET easy and relatable.
What is the OET Score for Nurses in Canada?
The OET score requirement for nurses in Canada is on the grading scale of B.
As the general rule, all nurses in Canada or those eyeing to work in Canada must obtain a general grading scale of B in the OET listening, reading, and speaking test sections.
In addition, it is also required that one receive a C+ grading in the OET writing test.
Is OET Accepted in Canada?
Yes, the OET is accepted now in Canada.
In addition, the OET test is accepted globally and recognized by many medical institutions and regulatory boards. For those, international medical professionals who wish to work in Canada can now take the OET exam.
The OET is specifically designed for medical professionals and covers twelve medical professions with a specific test for each career.
