Welcome to the ultimate guide for your OET Test (via OET@Home®). In the first part of the guide, we showed you what to do before the OET Test. In this second part, you'll learn what to expect on the day of the OET Test.
On the day of the OET Test
The order of the sub-tests
You will start with the Listening sub-test, followed by Reading, and Writing, with an optional 10-minute break after Reading part A.
Your Speaking sub-test will take place at a different time at home via Zoom. It could take place before or after your other sub-tests, depending on your individual timetable. Check the times listed in your OET account and emails. You’ll also receive an email closer to your OET Speaking Test containing your Zoom link and start time.
Launching your OET Test on ProProctor
On test day, allow 15-30 minutes prior to your scheduled start time to prepare your environment.
Go to your prepared room and close all doors, including those to closets and toilets. Be sure to have your allowed documents (including your original ID and Proof of Residency) with you.
Once you are sitting comfortably at your workstation, you’re almost ready to launch your test. Check that your screen resolution is set to 1920 x 1080, and scaling is 100%. Connect your wired (plug-in) headset/headphones, which you'll need for the Listening sub-test.
Take some time to run an internet speed test to make sure your internet download speed reaches 5.0 Mbps or greater and your internet upload speed reaches 1.0 Mbps or greater. Tip: Use an online ‘Internet Speed Test’ to test your connection.
Once you're confident, you're ready for the OET Test.
To launch your OET Test:
- Open the ProProctor application up to 15 minutes before your scheduled test start time. If you’re using your browser, use Google Chrome.
- In the ProProctor application, enter your Prometric confirmation number. The confirmation number is on both your booking confirmation email and on your reminder email.
- Then enter the first four (4) letters of your last name/surname (example: Ibra in Ibrahim).
Checking in via ProProctor™
System check
The check-in process begins with a final system check. This is when you can adjust your system setup to meet the requirements.
Candidate capture
During check-in, you’ll be required to take a photo. This photo will appear on your OET Test results, so be ready for the camera.
You’ll need to position your face and click the ‘take photo’ button, which looks like this:
ID capture
Next, you will be asked to take a photo of your original ID. Position your ID using the guides on the screen then select the option to take the photo.
Security checks
A Prometric Readiness Agent will guide you through three security checks before starting your OET Test. The security checks are:
- ID image verification
- 360-degree environment scan
- Personal security checks
Watch the video below to see what you can expect for the OET@Home®:
Note: follow our ID and system requirements as they differ from Prometric’s in the video.
Starting your OET Test
Although you won’t see your Prometric Proctor, they’ll monitor you throughout the testing process and will be available to help at any point during your Listening, Reading and Writing sub-tests.
Use the ‘Live Proctor’ feature on the right of your screen to speak with or send a message to your Proctor when you need help.
To begin your test, scroll down and click to accept the OET Test terms and conditions.
You will then see an on-screen tutorial about taking the OET Test. Pay attention, and once you are confident about how to progress, click the "Start the Test" button at the bottom right corner of your screen.
Watch the video tutorial below to learn how it works:
Sitting each skill in the OET Test
Sitting the Listening sub-test
The Listening sub-test has three parts and runs for approximately 40 minutes in total, with time to check your responses in each part.
Overall, there are 42 question items based on general healthcare topics. You’ll listen to recorded conversations and answer the questions as you go through the test.
Here is a brief tutorial that takes you through the OET Listening Test.
Sitting the Reading sub-test
You’ll have 60 minutes to complete the Reading sub-test, which consists of three parts and has a total of 42 question items. The 60 minutes is split into 15 minutes for Part A and 45 minutes for Parts B and C.
Scheduled break:
After Reading Part A, there is an optional 10-minute break for you to go to the toilet or have a drink of water. Please notify the Proctor if you wish to take this 10-minute break. Be sure to wait for the Proctor to acknowledge your break so you can leave the camera view.
Once you’re back, you will complete the checks again before continuing your test.
Watch the quick tutorial to learn about the OET Reading Test.
Sitting the Writing sub-test
The Writing sub-test takes 45 minutes and is specific to your profession. Each of the 12 professions will have a unique writing task based on a typical workplace situation.
See how the OET Writing Test works in the tutorial below.
Sitting the Speaking test at home
The Speaking sub-test is delivered individually and takes approximately 20-30 minutes, including all security checks.
You will take the Speaking sub-test online at home (or another suitable location) via Zoom.
You’ll receive an email with the link to launch your Speaking test via Zoom closer to your test day. This email may include a password, which you can use to access the Zoom meeting – but it’s not always needed.
For more details about test day requirements and information, download the Online Speaking Test user guide before your OET Test.
Choosing your testing environment:
Your testing environment should:
- Be in a walled, indoor, well-lit space
- Be quiet and without distractions
- Include a clear, clean desk and chair (no clutter around or underneath your workspace)
- Be free of unauthorised items (e.g., notes, mugs, books, tissues, etc.)
- Have your device set up with your power source and equipment as needed (remove any other plugs)
Remember to ensure your room is private and no one else is around for the test. If you have any other screens in your surroundings (like a TV), it should be unplugged and covered or removed from the area.
What to have with you
- Your original, valid, acceptable ID (as above) used for booking
- A piece of blank paper
- A pen or pencil
- If you wish, a clear bottle of water without a label.
Note: you may not use headphones for the Speaking test.
Setting up your device:
- Use a laptop, desktop PC or tablet with webcam. Note: be sure to use a plugged-in or built-in webcam that can be moved.
- Plug your device directly into a power source.
- Use your device’s built-in speakers and microphone, USB plug-in or wireless Bluetooth speakers and microphone.
- Make sure you have a stable internet connection (we recommend using a LAN/ethernet cable connected to your router for the best connection).
Please note that mobile phones and headphones/headsets may not be used to take the Speaking test.
For more details about setup requirements for the Speaking test, download the Online Speaking user guide found on oet.com/test.
Downloading Zoom and creating an account
Before the day of your Speaking sub-test, you’ll need to download and install the latest version of Zoom on your device.
To download Zoom:
- Visit: zoom.us/support/download
- If the download doesn’t start automatically, click on the .exe file for your device to begin the installation
You’ll then have to create an account using the same email address you used for your OET Test. If you already have a Zoom account with the same email address, you’re ready to run a system check.
Create an account:
You’ll then have to create an account using the same email address you used for your OET Test. If you already have a Zoom account with the same email address, you’re ready to run a system check.
- Open the Zoom app
- Click ‘Sign Up Free’
- Follow the prompts and be sure to enter the same email address that you used to book the OET Test.
Run a system check:
Before your Speaking sub-test, run a system check on your device. You can join a test Zoom meeting to familiarise yourself with the program and test your microphone and speakers.
- Visit zoom.us/test
- Click the blue ‘Join’ button to launch Zoom.
- Follow the prompts. Be sure to carefully check your internet and test your speakers, microphone and webcam.
Launching your online Speaking test
When you are sitting comfortably at your prepared desk/table, click on the link we’ve emailed to you to launch your Speaking Test.
You will wait in Zoom’s virtual lobby until your interlocutor is ready to let you in and guide you through security checks. Be sure to have your original ID with you.
During the Speaking sub-test
Before you begin your test, the interlocutor will introduce themselves, check your ID, and take you through security checks for the test. As part of this process, they will also take a photo of you.
Next, your interlocutor will take you through some warm-up questions, which are not assessed to help you feel comfortable.
The test itself consists of two role plays, each five minutes long. Each profession will have specifically designed materials that draw on real healthcare scenarios.
At the start of the preparation time for each role play, the interlocutor will share their screen with the role play card, which you’ll be able to see throughout the role play. You will be given three minutes to read the card, make notes and ask the interlocutor to clarify anything you don’t understand. This includes the definition or pronunciation of words on the card but not how you should complete the task.
You’ll be able to see the time throughout but don’t focus on the clock too much – the interlocutor will tell you when your time is up.
You will follow the same process for the second role play card.
It’s important to remember that the interlocutor does not assess you during the Speaking sub-test.
If you would like more information about the OET Test, check out the OET Test Regulations on oet.com.
We hope you have found this guide helpful, and we wish you all the best for test day!