The Occupational English Test is an entry pass for health care providers, including pharmacists, showing proof of proficiency in using English in…

Understanding OET Test Scoring Criteria 2025
Planning to work or study in an overseas health career? If the answer is yes, the Occupational English Test (OET) should be on your agenda. Knowing how the OET is scored is important to fulfilling your dream score. Whether you’re new to preparing for the OET test or seeking to learn OET scoring tips to drive your marks up, this blog has you covered. Let’s deconstruct the OET test scoring standards for 2025, describe the grading system, present a convenient OET score chart, and even introduce you to the best OET coaching centre.
Overview of OET Test Structure
Let’s just take a quick look at the structure before exploring the OET test scoring. The OET evaluates the English language proficiency of healthcare professionals through four sub-tests:
- Listening (about 40 minutes)
- Reading (60 minutes)
- Writing (45 minutes)
- Speaking (about 20 minutes)
Each of the sub-tests is carefully designed to mimic actual healthcare settings, which makes the OET very applicable to doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and other healthcare professionals.
Detailed Scoring Criteria for Each Sub-test
It is important to understand the OET test scoring criteria for each section to optimize your results.
Listening
The Listening test consists of three parts:
- Part A involves note-taking during consultations.
- Part B and Part C measure your capacity to comprehend short workplace extracts and presentations.
- Scoring Criteria: Answers should be correct and relevant. Spelling mistakes are accepted if the meaning is not altered.
Reading
The Reading test consists of three parts:
- Part A examines skimming and scanning for detail.
- Parts B and C measure understanding of longer healthcare texts.
- Scoring: You are marked on correct answers. Good comprehension and time management skills are essential.
Writing
Candidates write a profession-specific letter (e.g., referral, discharge, transfer).
Scoring Criteria (6 main areas):
- Purpose
- Content
- Conciseness & Clarity
- Genre & Style
- Organization & Layout
- Language
- Grammatical, vocabulary, and tone errors can lower your score.
Speaking
You do role-plays based on common healthcare situations.
Scoring Criteria:
- Linguistic criteria (intelligibility, fluency, appropriateness)
- Clinical communication criteria (relationship-building, information-gathering, information-giving)
- Each role-play is graded separately, and general performance is assessed.
Tips for OET Test Preparation and Score Improvement
If you’re serious about OET score improvement, these strategies will boost your confidence:
- Understand the Assessment Criteria: Deeply know what each sub-test demands.
- Practice Under Exam Conditions: Simulate real test environments during practice.
- Focus on Healthcare Contexts: Watch healthcare videos, read medical articles, and practice healthcare dialogues.
- Seek Feedback: Get expert evaluation for your writing and speaking tasks.
- Use Official Resources: Utilize genuine OET materials to get the optimum results.
- Join a Coaching Centre: Professional advice, if one can’t do self-study, can help big time (we will reveal the best below).
Targeted practice is what helps in achieving steady score improvement.
Best OET Coaching Centre in Kerala
If you’re based in Kerala and aiming for top scores, choosing the right OET coaching centre can change your journey. Neethu’s Academy is the best for students looking for expert training and successful results. Our personalized coaching packages guarantee that you’re not only ready, but assured and test-ready.
Top reasons to choose us:
- Experienced trainers specializing in healthcare communication.
- Personalized feedback sessions.
- Access to updated OET practice tests and resources.
- Affordable course fees compared to other locations.
- Flexibility with offline and online class options.
Final Thoughts
Learning the OET scoring criteria is among the smartest methods to raise your test prep plan. By knowing the meticulous requirements for each sub-test, getting to know the OET score chart, and implementing proven OET tips for scoring, you can ensure success in 2025 and beyond. Irrespective of whether you take up self-study or study at an OET coaching center, staying consistent is key.
Now, let’s go for that A grade!
Frequently Asked Questions
Individuals are scored on a scale from A to E in each sub-test, and there’s no combined score.
Countries such as the UK, Ireland, and Australia may accept C+ in some healthcare occupations under specific circumstances.
Each sub-test result indicates your proficiency in a particular skill area; usually, a Grade B or higher is required for professional registration.
Each of the four sub-tests is scored individually on the basis of task-specific performance, and grades are awarded from A to E.
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