The OET Exam at LSI/IH Portsmouth

Take the OET Exam at LSI/IH Portsmouth

At LSI/IH Portsmouth, we have helped countless healthcare professionals from around the world to qualify to work in the UK. We have a strong track record as one of the country’s top Occupational English Test centres.

With decades of experience of teaching English as a foreign language, we have extensive experience of running both OET preparation courses, and exams. Our OET examiners are dedicated professionals, with the knowledge and skills to thoroughly assess all candidates.

What is the Occupational English Test?

OET (Occupational English Test) is designed to meet the specific English language needs of the healthcare sector. It assesses the language proficiency of healthcare professionals who wish to practise in English-speaking countries.
OET has been developed specifically for 12 healthcare professions:

Dentistry,
Dietetics,
Medicine,
Nursing,
Occupational Therapy,
Optometry,
Pharmacy,
Physiotherapy,
Podiatry,
Radiography,
Speech Pathology
and Veterinary Science.

All four language skills are assessed. Specialised Writing and Speaking tests offered in each of the twelve healthcare areas. All candidates sit the same Reading and Listening tests. OET is accepted as proof of English proficiency in:

The UK,
US,
Ireland,
Australia,
New Zealand,
Dubai,
Namibia,
and Singapore.

Many organisations, including hospitals, universities and colleges, use the OET test as proof of a candidate’s ability to communicate effectively in a demanding healthcare environment.

What Does the OET Exam Include?

The occupational English test is broken into four sections. Each candidate is assessed on their skills in speaking, writing, reading and listening. See below for a summary of what you can expect in each section:

OET Writing

The writing section of the Occupational English Test is specific to your medical specialism. However, the methods of assessment are the same across all disciplines.

Candidates are given case notes, and are then required to write a standard letter relating to the case. This might be a discharge letter, referral, or written advice to patients and carers.

OET Listening

The two-part listening exam is the same for all candidates. The first section is a simulated patient consultation, on which the candidates are asked to answer short-form questions.

In the second part, candidates listen to a longer presentation, before answering a series of multiple choice questions.

OET Speaking

Many candidates find the speaking element of the Occupational English Test the most challenging. In this section, candidates will act out a twenty minute role play, with the examiner acting as a patient.

This section is specifically designed to assess your ability to communicate verbally in the kinds of real-world scenarios you’ll encounter as a healthcare professional.

OET Reading

All OET candidates take the same two-part written exam.

In the first section, candidates are asked to read short medical texts, before filling in missing words in a summary paragraph. The second section is a multiple choice exam, based on a longer written text.

OET Preparation Advice

Working in the medical profession in a second language is challenging. To maximise your chances of passing the Occupational English Test the first time around, we highly recommend taking an OET preparation course.

At LSI/IH Portsmouth, we have extensive experience of preparing students for the OET exam. We’re ranked joint first of all of the IELTS schools in the UK. As an official OET Premium Preparation Provider and registered assessment centre, our preparation courses have extremely high pass rates.

We offer intensive, part-time and flexible OET preparation courses to suit your schedule. See our OET preparation courses for more details.

Want to find out about our OET preparation course? Click here to find out more!

Should I Take IELTS or OET?

While both the IELTS and OET are accepted by the General Medical Council (GMC), there are important differences between the two testing standards. IELTS tests candidates on a much wider variety of vocabulary and academic English skills, including lectures and essay writing.
As the Occupational English Test is more focused on medical vocabulary and clinical skills, many healthcare professionals find it easier to achieve a passing score, in a shorter preparation time.
This makes it the preferred choice for most clinicians seeking to work in English speaking environments.

OET Useful Links:

If you are interested in taking the OET test at LSI/IH Portsmouth, book now
If you are interested in LSI/IH Portsmouth’s OET for Nurses and Doctors Full-Time Intensive course, click here
The official OET website
Test Information
OET Helpdesk with Frequently Asked Questions

The OET Exam at LSI/IH Portsmouth

LSI/IH Portsmouth has been an official OET test centre since 2019. However, it has been an IELTS test centre for over 17 years. Since opening the OET Test Centre, we have had hundreds of OET candidates through our doors. Our test centre is fully-equipped and presents a comfortable, professional environment. Also in 2019, we earned the status of OET Premium Preparation Provider. By becoming a PPP centre, we were endorsed and acknowledged by the OET group for our high quality and delivery of courses, quality which extends to our test centre.

OET Exam Dates UK for 2023 - 2024:

Test Date	Book Between	Results Published	Professions available
2024
20^th April	Friday, 25 August 2023 – 12pm Monday, 25 March 2024	Wednesday, 08 May 2024	Nursing, Medicine
4th May	Friday, 25 August 2023 – 12pm Wednesday, 10 April	Tuesday, 21 April 2024	Nursing, Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy, Physiotherapy, Radiography
18^th May	Friday, 25 August 2023 – 12pm Wednesday, 24 April 2024	Tuesday, 04 June 2024	Nursing, Medicine
1^st June	Friday, 25 August 2023 – 12pm Wednesday, 08 May 2024	Wednesday, 19 June 2024	Nursing, Medicine, Dentistry, Dietetics, Occupational Therapy, Optometry, Pharmacy, Physiotherapy, Podiatry, Radiography, Speech Pathology, Veterinary Science
6^th July	Friday, 25 August 2023 – 12pm Wednesday, 12 June 2024	Tuesday, 23 July 2024	Nursing, Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy, Physiotherapy, Radiography
20^th July	Friday, 25 August 2023 – 12pm Wednesday, 26 June 2024	Tuesday, 06 August 2024	Nursing, Medicine
3^rd August	Friday, 25 August 2023 – 12pm Wednesday, 10 July 2024	Tuesday, 20 August 2024	Nursing, Medicine, Dentistry, Dietetics, Occupational Therapy, Optometry, Pharmacy, Physiotherapy, Podiatry, Radiography, Speech Pathology, Veterinary Science
17^th August	Friday, 25 August 2023 – 12pm Wednesday, 24 July 2024	Tuesday, 03 September 2024	Nursing, Medicine
31^st August	Friday, 25 August 2023 – 12pm Wednesday, 07 August 2024	Tuesday, 17 September 2024	Nursing, Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy, Physiotherapy, Radiography
28^th September	Friday, 25 August 2023 – 12pm Wednesday, 04 September 2024	Tuesday, 15 October 2024	Nursing, Medicine, Dentistry, Dietetics, Occupational Therapy, Optometry, Pharmacy, Physiotherapy, Podiatry, Radiography, Speech Pathology, Veterinary Science
12^th October	Friday, 25 August 2023 – 12pm Wednesday, 18 September 2024	Tuesday, 29 October 2024	Nursing, Medicine
26^th October	Friday, 25 August 2023 – 12pm Wednesday, 02 October 2024	Wednesday, 13 November 2024	Nursing, Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy, Physiotherapy, Radiography
9^th November	Friday, 25 August 2023 – 12pm Wednesday, 16 October 2024	Tuesday, 26 November 2024	Nursing, Medicine
23^rd November	Friday, 25 August 2023 – 12pm Monday, 28 October 2024	Tuesday, 10 December 2024	Nursing, Medicine, Dentistry, Dietetics, Occupational Therapy, Optometry, Pharmacy, Physiotherapy, Podiatry, Radiography, Speech Pathology, Veterinary Science
7^th December	Friday, 25 August 2023 – 12pm Wednesday, 13 November 2024	Tuesday, 24 December 2024	Nursing, Medicine

To find out what professions are for each test date please click here.

How will taking the OET test help my career?

OET is widely recognised as proof of English proficiency for registration, study and work in the healthcare sector, as well as for visas in some countries.
OET helps you develop language skills for success in your career – see stories about people like you.

How can I apply for an OET exam?

To register for the OET exam at LSI/IH Portsmouth, please click here.

How much are the OET exam fees?

The test fee in 2023 is $587AUD. Please note that exam prices are set by OET, more information here.
Have a look here to check the live exchange rate.

How can I pay for the OET exam?

Through your myOET profile profile, you’ll be able to book and pay for OET in a single process:

Click Apply for the Test
Follow each of the four steps
Review your test dates to make sure they’re correct
Click Proceed to Checkout
Enter your credit card details and click PAY NOW.

What are the opening times of the OET Test Centre at LSI/IH Portsmouth?

You can come to the centre between 9.00am and 4:00 pm Monday to Friday except for public holidays.

What are the contact details of the OET LSI/IH Portsmouth Test Centre?

Email: OET@lsi-portsmouth.co.uk

Phone number: (+44) 2392 291811 (between 9:00am and 4:00pm, Monday to Friday except bank holidays).

I would like to do OET preparation at LSI/IH Portsmouth. What are my options?

LSI/IH Portsmouth runs OET for Nurses and Doctors Intensive Preparation Courses. For more information click here.

Are there any OET preparation materials?

OET Preparation Portal offers a large number of OET preparation material to help you study for the test, including many hours’ worth of free practice materials.
Introducing OET Prepare: OET’s first suite of preparation courses, OET Prepare, is designed for nurses of varying skill levels who need to improve their English before sitting the test. Delivered online by one of OET’s trusted premium preparation partners, Specialist Language Courses (SLC), OET Prepare gives candidates access to the language diagnostic tool (OET Pulse) and three levels of comprehensive English language training. Each level offers a 20-week long study programme containing 100 hours of self-study and 60 hours of live classes with an OET specialist. If you’d like to learn more, visit the OET website: oet.com/learn/oet-prepare

What time do I need to arrive at LSI/IH Portsmouth on the test day?

You need to arrive at LSI/IH Portsmouth between 8:00 and 8:30 (click here for a map)

What do I have to bring on the test day?

You will be asked to leave your bags, coats, watches etc. in a separate room. Please make sure you leave your mobile phones there as well – and make sure that they are switched off. You may only bring into the test room:

Non-mechanical pens or pencils (2B pencils only)
Erasers
A pencil sharpener
A small bottle of water in a clear plastic bottle
Your ID document

When you register for the test, you must provide your valid passport or UK Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) as proof of identity. If you do not have a valid passport or BRP please complete this form when you register to take the test.
Valuables: It is strongly recommended that you do not bring valuables with you on the test day. LSI/IH Portsmouth cannot take responsibility for the loss or damage of your personal belongings.

How long does the OET exam take?

The three modules in the morning take about two hours and 30 minutes: Listening (approximately 45 minutes), Reading (60 minutes) and Writing (45 minutes). The Speaking module in the afternoon takes around 20 minutes.
For more information about the test, click here.

When do I get my OET results?

Your results will be published online 17 days after your test date
Log in to your myOET profile profile to see your results on your dashboard
You can view, download and print your electronic Statement of Results.

Who do I need to contact if I have any further questions?

If you have any questions or want to know any more about the test day please e-mail us: OET@lsi-portsmouth.co.uk

If you have any questions or want to know any more about our OET courses please e-mail us: admissions@lsi-portsmouth.co.uk

Or call 02392291811 between 9:00am and 4:00pm Monday to Friday (except public holidays).

We will get back to you as soon as possible.

What happens if I want to postpone or cancel my test?

As the tests are directly booked through OET and not LSI Portsmouth, if you want to defer/reschedule your OET Test, you need to click here for more information.

If you want to withdraw/cancel your OET Test, you need to click here for more information

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