There are several changes to the OET, but much of the test remains the same.
Let's go through each subtest now. Firstly, the Reading sub test. There are
quite a few changes here which all candidates will need to be aware of as
the reading sub test is for all candidates.
There are now 3 parts to the Reading sub test. Part A remains Part A and still
has 4 short texts on the same topic. However, in the new Part A, 1 text must
be a visual or a numerical text. The assessment activity has changed from a
gap fill of a summary to matching short or answer questions and note completion
activities. Many candidates will find these sorts of assessment activities
less challenging, however, it is important to remember that Part A is still a
section with a fairly short time limit. This is to test your ability to skim
over text quickly for information. Part B is a new section which is combined with Part C.
The combined tests take 45 minutes.
Part B contains 6 extracts from workplace documents with one multiple
choice question on each extract. The extracts may come from hospital policy
documents or procedure manuals or other texts used in the workplace. Part C is an
updated version of the previous Part B. It still contains 2 long texts but in
the updated version there are a maximum of 16 questions, that is, 8 per text.
The new reading Part C texts will contain several opinions on a topic rather than
a large amount of facts like the previous Part B. The new Part C asks
candidates to demonstrate a deeper understanding of the text than is expected
in Part A. There are now 3 parts to the Listening sub test. Part A remains
Part A and still has a consultation between a healthcare professional and a
patient, however, the new Part A has 2 short consultations each with 12 gaps to
fill in notes of the consultation. The new Part B section contains 6 short
dialogues or monologues which are about situations in the workplace.
Each dialogue has a 3-option multiple choice question. 10 minutes is
allocated for this section. The new Part C is an updated version of the previous
Part B but now contains 2 presentations or interviews instead of 1.
The assessment has 3-option multiple choice questions. Candidates
listen for the gist of the text as well as for opinions. There are no changes to
the format of the Speaking sub test. It remains 2 role-plays on different
topics. There is a slight change in focus in that candidates are asked to
demonstrate an ability to establish a rapport with the patient and show
appreciation of how patients might be feeling. Many candidates have always
included these skills in their role plays, so will not notice any change in
the way the Speaking sub test is performed. There are no changes to the
Writing sub test. Remember that the changes to the OET start in September
2018. Until then the current OET will be used. Subtitles added 1 August 2020.