OET vs IELTS: What Are the Differences?
To register with the General Medical Council (GMC), international medical graduates must demonstrate their English language proficiency. This is typically achieved by taking either the Occupational English Test (OET) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). Below is a comparison of the two tests:
What is OET?
The OET (Occupational English Test) is an international English language examination specifically designed for healthcare professionals. It assesses proficiency in reading, listening, writing, and speaking within a medical context. There are 12 versions of the OET, each tailored to different healthcare professions, such as medicine, nursing, and radiography. For GMC registration, doctors must take the Medicine version of the test.
What is IELTS?
The IELTS (International English Language Testing System) is an international English language exam that evaluates the language proficiency of individuals who wish to work in environments where English is used as a means of communication. It assesses reading, listening, writing, and speaking skills but is not specific to any profession. There are two versions: IELTS General Training and IELTS Academic. Medical professionals aiming to practise in the UK are required to take the Academic version.
Test Structure
OET:
– Listening: Approximately 45 minutes
– Reading: Approximately 60 minutes
– Writing: Approximately 45 minutes
– Speaking: Approximately 20 minutes
The listening and reading sections are consistent across all professions, while the writing and speaking sections are tailored to each specific profession.
IELTS:
– Listening: Approximately 40 minutes
– Reading: Approximately 60 minutes
– Writing: Approximately 60 minutes
– Speaking: 11–14 minutes
All sections cover a variety of topics and are not specific to any profession.
Preparation
OET: Preparation focuses on healthcare-related and profession-specific language. Candidates need to be proficient in tasks such as writing referral letters and engaging in medical consultations.
IELTS: Preparation involves learning a broad range of vocabulary across various academic subjects. Candidates must be adept at writing essays and reports on diverse topics.
Scoring
OET: Scores range from Grade E (0–90 points) to Grade A (450–500 points). The GMC requires a minimum of Grade B (350 points) in each test area for registration.
IELTS: Scores range from 0 to 9, with 9 indicating expert proficiency. The GMC mandates an overall score of 7.5, with a minimum of 7.0 in each test area.
Costs
OET: Approximately £330 (subject to change based on exchange rates).
IELTS: Between £170 and £195, depending on the test location.
Acceptance by GMC
Both OET and IELTS are accepted by the GMC for registration purposes.
Is One Test Easier Than the Other?
There is no definitive evidence to suggest that one test is easier than the other. The choice between OET and IELTS depends on individual strengths and familiarity with medical terminology versus general academic language.
For more detailed information, please refer to the official OET and IELTS websites.
