Nurses headed to the USA will now need to achieve a higher score with PTE Academic
The CGFNS now requires candidates taking PTE Academic (PTE-A) to score at least 63 on the speaking component (up from 50). This significant change makes the PTE-A more challenging for many test takers. To put it in perspective, this is like moving from an IELTS 6.0 to a 7.0 on the speaking test. For many, that’s a big jump. This change has left many nurses reconsidering their options. Luckily, the OET Test’s focus on real-world healthcare scenarios and human assessors offer a more familiar approach for those aiming to meet the language proficiency requirements for US nursing registration.
Why is the OET Speaking sub-test is easier than the PTE-A speaking test
The increase in score on the PTE-A speaking test combined with the computer format can make PTE-A more of a challenge.
With the PTE-A speaking test, candidates speak into a microphone with no human interaction. This can feel awkward as you're speaking to a machine instead of a person. PTE-A speaking tasks can make candidates feel disconnected and unnatural, as there’s no real-time human connection, making it harder to stay focused and respond naturally. A major advantage of the OET Test is that the Speaking test is with a human interlocutor in real-time, which makes the conversation more comfortable and natural.
PTE-A speaking tasks also present a challenge as you’ll be asked to describe images, re-tell lectures or answer questions on a random topic, which means you’ll need to study a wider range of vocabulary and be prepared to speak about any topic.
In the OET Speaking test, you complete two role plays based on real healthcare scenarios, such as discussing treatment plans or patient care. These tasks reflect everyday conversations from your nursing career, making the test more relevant and easier to prepare for as the content will already be familiar to you.
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“When I took the OET Test, I found that the terminology and materials were things I was already communicating about in my daily work. There wasn’t anything that was unfamiliar – the substance of the test were things that I already knew, and deal with every day.” – May Parsons, a registered nurse from the Philippines |
The OET Test is the preferred choice for nurses
With recent changes to the PTE-A speaking test, it’s clear that PTE-A has become more difficult, especially for nurses aiming to meet CGFNS requirements. The jump in the speaking score requirement is a challenge for many, along with a test experience that lacks human interaction and contains unpredictable and unfamiliar test content.
On the other hand, the OET Test offers a more familiar and supportive testing environment. The Speaking test role-play format is based on real-life, familiar healthcare situations, and is done with a real person. This makes OET an easier and more practical choice for nurses needing to meet CGFNS requirements so they can work in the USA.