The OET (Occupational English Test) and IELTS (International English Language Testing System) are assessments used to determine the level of English proficiency among medical professionals worldwide, including nurses and doctors.
Regulatory agencies also utilize these tests to verify that healthcare personnel have the language proficiency needed to interact with patients and coworkers in an efficient manner and deliver adequate medical care. You’ve come to the correct spot if you’re having trouble deciding which one to pick.
What sets the two apart?
IELTS and OET tests are recognized by GMC and the NMC. The method they assess your aptitude, though, is very different. IELTS assesses your general ability to speak in English, while OET evaluates your English communication abilities in a medical setting.
Which one is more challenging?
There are many rumors that OET is much simpler to pass than IELTS. It is untrue, nevertheless, in the actual situation. Nonetheless, the standard that UK regulatory authorities expect for every assessment is quite similar. The fact that many healthcare professionals who took the OET passed on their first try is what gave rise to the notion. The fact that the test was simpler has nothing to do with this. It was as a result of the test evaluating their more accustomed talents. Additionally, OET evaluates your ability to communicate in English while testing the abilities you now employ in the healthcare industry.
What do they have in common?
Components
Reading, listening, writing and speaking.
Grading
Instead of receiving a pass or fail, students receive a graded score. In the UK, the General Medical Council mandates that physicians obtain an OET score of B with a B in every paper, or an IELTS score of 7.5 with a minimum of 7 in every paper.
Score Evaluation
Both an IELTS score of 7 and an OET score of B are regarded as advanced or C1 levels of English proficiency by the Common European Framework of Reference.
What are the differences?
Nature of the exam
The OET Exam assesses your proficiency in medical English, whereas the IELTS evaluates your academic English. This will also involve your abilities to communicate with patients, perform medical consultations, and draft letters of recommendation and discharge.
Types
The OET is available in 12 versions for various healthcare professions, such as nurses, doctors, dentists, pharmacists, optometrists, podiatrists, occupational therapists, veterinarians, speech pathologists, dieticians, physiotherapists, and radiologists. The IELTS exam is available in two versions: Academic and General Training.
Assessment
IELTS is scored out of nine, with a different score assigned to each paper. OET scores range from A to E, and a numerical score is included to indicate your exact grade.
Validity
Healthcare regulatory agencies in the UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Dubai, Ukraine, and Namibia have recognized OET. Conversely, IELTS is accepted worldwide by colleges, regulatory agencies for the healthcare industry, immigration authorities, and businesses.
For healthcare workers, the Occupational English Test (OET) serves mainly as an English language proficiency exam. Furthermore, in the UK and Ireland, it is approved by the General Medical Council (GMC) and the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC). Additionally, OET and IELTS Academic are accepted by the NMC and GMC in the UK and Ireland.
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