You will interact with the interlocutor via Zoom.
Speaking
Speaking
Everything you need to know about the Speaking sub-test
About Speaking
Time
20 mins
Marking
The Speaking sub-test is recorded and the audio is assessed by two official OET assessors using the official OET Linguistic and Clinical Communication Criteria.
Test structure
There are two role plays to complete. For each one, you have three minutes to prepare. Each role play lasts about five minutes.
Prepare for Speaking
Helpful guides, tips and advice to support you every step of the way.
Sample tests for Speaking
Test yourself under test conditions with our official OET sample tests.
The Ultimate Guide to OET Speaking Part 1: Linguistic criteria
Learn about the Speaking sub-test's Linguistic criteria, what speaking skills you will need to evidence, and how to improve using real candidate role play samples.
The Ultimate Guide to OET Speaking Part 2: Clinical Communication criteria
Read about the Speaking sub-test's Clinical Communication criteria to understand what skills you need to demonstrate using real candidate samples and expert tips.
Videos for Speaking
Explore a wide range of video resources and tutorials to build on your knowledge of the Speaking Sub-test.
Speaking FAQs
Yes, you can make notes on the role-play cards if you want, and you can refer to the card at any time during the role-play. You must return the card to the Interlocutor at the end of the role-play.
Each role-play is designed to elicit an assessable sample of speech which reflects your speaking ability in a health profession context. It is usual for a role-play to come to a natural end at around the 5-minute mark. If this does not happen, the Interlocutor will signal clearly that it is time to conclude the role-play. There is no penalty for not completing all the elements on the role card. However, the more elements of the role-play you cover, the more evidence you are likely to give of your ability to communicate in spoken English. Use the preparation time to think about which elements of the role-play might require you to explain something in more detail or to ask the patient for more clarification.
An important part of a healthcare professional’s role is the ability to communicate effectively in speech with patients or clients. The role-plays allow candidates to demonstrate the ability to deal with common workplace situations.
These situations may include elements of tension which are a normal part of the real-life context. You may experience anxious or angry patients, patients who misunderstand their situation and limited time in which to explain instructions.
Having two role-plays provides two separate opportunities to demonstrate spoken proficiency. Two scenarios provide a chance to use different kinds of language, giving assessors a broader view of the candidate’s spoken skills.
You should aim to achieve the highest level in the descriptors for each criteria. Test-takers securing grade B will have achieved predominantly scores of 5 out of 6 on each linguistic criteria and 2 out of 3 for the clinical communication criteria.
Looking for more practice material?
