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OET Score Calculator

OET Doctor

The Occupational English Test, or OET, is a series of assessments created to gauge a healthcare professional's proficiency in the English language in the event that they decide to relocate to and register in an English-speaking nation.

Although the test is obviously designed with applicants working in the various healthcare industries in mind, it looks at candidates' abilities in four areas to assess their overall English proficiency: speaking, writing, reading, and listening.

OET candidates were given grades between E and A until August 2018, at which point a new scoring system was put in place that gives applicants a numerical grade between 0 and 500.

Quick Links

  1. OET Grading Explained
  2. OET Grade Calculator
  3. Listening & Reading Calculator
  4. Combine 2 OET Results
  5. Test Format & Marking

OET Grading

Since September 2018, the four components of the OET, also referred to as "subtests," have been rated on a range of 0 to 500. The following table shows that the maximum score is 500 and the lowest possible score is 0.

OET IELTS BAND EQUIVALENT LEVEL OF ENGLISH
SCORE OET GRADE
450-500 A 9 High degree of language competence. Capable of precise and fluent communication. Easily comprehends written or verbal communication.
8.5
8
350-440 B 7.5 Able to communicate successfully despite the possibility of occasional reservations or mistakes that do not obstruct communication.
7
300-340 C+ 6.5 Capable of communicating effectively despite occasional blunders.
200-290 C 6 Understand standard input, but may require clarification on higher-level language.
5.5
100-190 D 5 Capable of interacting and understanding simple and routine tasks, but may need clarification. Errors occur regularly, putting communication under strain.
4.5
4.0
0-90 E 0-4 Capable of understanding common and simple sentences. Can only communicate if the other person is willing to clarify information.

Calculate OET Grade

OET Module Your Score Grade Comment
Speaking invalid score NA NA
Writing invalid score NA NA
Listening invalid score NA NA
Reading invalid score NA NA

This grading method enables healthcare programmes around the world to ensure the English proficiency of prospective workers. As seen in the table, a score of 350 or more represents the level of ability needed by most healthcare systems.

Listening & Reading Calculator

Use the calculator to see how many right answers are required to receive a B in the reading and listening modules. According to the OET website (here and here), a B grade requires 30 marks out of 42 questions.

To compute the comparable OET score and grade in the reading and listening modules, simply enter a number from a list of 42.

Module Correct Answers Estimated Score Estimated Grade
Reading N/A N/A
Listening N/A N/A

Use the calculator to determine how many accurate answers you received (out of 500) on the real exam. According to the OET website (here and here), a B grade usually requires 30 marks from 42 questions.

To compute the proper number of answers in the OET reading and listening modules, simply enter a number from a range of 500.

Module Real Exam Score Correct Answers (Out OF 42)
Reading N/A
Listening N/A
Disclaimer: The calculator above is only an estimation based on the premise of 30 marks out 42 to be 350.

Combine 2 OET Results

Step 1

Step 2

OET Sub-Tests 1st Sitting Score 2nd Sitting Score
Listening Invalid score Invalid score
Reading Invalid score Invalid score
Writing Invalid score Invalid score
Speaking Invalid score Invalid score
Disclaimer: Note that this is a general guide, and you still need to validate your eligibility with the respective registration organisations.

Test Format and Marking

The OET lasts around 3 hours. The test is structured as follows:

Subtest Duration Content Requirements
Listening 40 minutes 2 parts Candidates must understand various spoken materials, such as patient consultations and lectures.
Reading 60 minutes 2 parts Candidates must be able to read and interpret all sorts of written healthcare information.
Writing 45 minutes 1 part Candidates must write clear and precise letters for readers. This is specific to the candidate's field of work.
Speaking 20 minutes 2 parts Candidates must demonstrate strong communication skills via role-playing situations. This is specific to the candidate's field of work.

The OET evaluates candidates' abilities in speaking, writing, listening, and reading. As a result, there are four distinct subtests, one for each of these categories. The two receptive skills, reading and listening, assess a candidate's ability to absorb written and spoken English in a medical setting. These two tests are same regardless of the candidate's occupation. This differs from the writing and speaking tests, which are unique to each occupation covered by the OET.

OET Test Types

OET now comes with two different formats

  1. Paper Based
  2. Computer-based
    • OET@Home
    • OET on Computer @ test venue

Reading and Listening

OET examiners mark the hearing and reading subtests at the testing centre. To prevent cheating, assignments will be made at random and anonymously. Examiners must rigorously adhere to a guide for marking answers and calculating scores.

Parts B and C of the reading test are treated differently: It is marked by a machine that reads data from the scanned paper. The entire system is continuously reviewed for fairness and correctness.

Speaking and Writing

Audio files from the speaking test and written papers from the writing test will be randomly assigned to examiners for grading. These will be rechecked to verify that a fair grade is provided. A highly strict examiner's grading method may be adjusted to align with OET norms. In order for the OET centre to accept and publish a grade, the two (or more) examiners who review a speaking or writing test must reach an agreement.

You may wonder how the speaking and writing tests are evaluated. In other words, what do examiners want to hear or read from the candidates? The criteria are generally similar, with a few exceptions. They are listed in this table.

S. No Writing Speaking
1. Task has been completed. Communication was effective.
2. Appropriate language used. Speech was intelligible.
3. Understood the material. Spoke fluently.
4. Grammatically accurate. Appropriateness.
5. Spelling, punctuation, etc. Grammar and other resources used well.

OET does not have a passing or failing grade, although most boards and councils demand a minimum score of 350 to consider an applicant for employment. To be successful, candidates must meet all five criteria for each subtest. Although the exam criteria are high, proper study can help students achieve high scores in these areas.