IELTS vs OET - Choosing the correct one
In different regions of the world, both IELTS (International English Language Testing System) and OET (Occupational English Test) are used to assess the English language proficiency of healthcare professionals. Regulatory organizations choose IELTS and OET to guarantee that doctors, nurses, and other professionals have adequate language abilities to communicate effectively with patients and colleagues, ensuring safe and effective care. Both of these tests are chosen by the regulatory bodies to make sure that all healthcare workers and working professionals have sufficient English language speaking and writing skills to communicate effectively with patients and colleagues so that proper communication can happen and better service can be provided.
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Similarities IELTS vs OET
There are several parallels between the two tests:
- Each one has four sub-tests, one for each of the four skills: reading, listening, writing, and speaking.
- On a single day, a test is conducted.
- There is no pass/fail system; instead, test takers are given a graded score; different universities require different scores, such as a 7 in IELTS score or a B in OET.
- In practice, the required scores in the two examinations for occupations like nursing are for equivalent levels of language ability when measured against the Common European Framework of Reference or CEFR, specifically a C1 or advanced level.
- Cambridge Assessment English owns a portion of both examinations, which were produced in the late 1980s. ID P and the British Council share ownership of the IELTS test. Ownership of the OET is split between Boxhill Assessment and OET.
Your decision will depend on the main differences between the two tests, therefore, we will focus mostly on the key differences.
Differences between IELTS and OET
There are multiple differences between OET and IELTS. The major OET and IELTS differences are stated below. However, we might have questions related to which is easier oet or ielts, which is better or the difficulty between IELTS and OET. The following will provide the difference between OET and IELTS:
| Topics | IELTS | OET |
|---|---|---|
| Content | IELTS, at least the version utilized by healthcare regulatory organizations around the world, assesses academic English. This includes the capacity to write essays, listen to lectures, comprehend scholarly papers, and discuss a variety of themes, such as the environment, education, social trends, and cultural values. | The OET assesses your ability to communicate effectively in medical situations, compose a recommendation or discharge letter, comprehend a patient consultation, and follow a text extracted from a medical publication, among other things. |
| Versions | IELTS has two variants of the test: IELTS Academic (as mentioned above) and General Training (as described below), which is used by organizations to assess more general language that is more acceptable for immigration or vocational purposes. Both have identical sections for Listening and Speaking. IELTS Academic Reading and Writing is targeted more at Higher Education than General Training. | Nurses, doctors, dentists, pharmacists, optometrists, podiatrists, occupational therapists, veterinarians, speech pathologists, dieticians, physiotherapists, and radiographers are among the 12 professions for which the OET is available in 12 different forms. Both sections have the same reading and listening sections. The portions on speaking and writing are targeted to the specific contexts in which each trade employs English. |
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Format
The IELTS Exam has various types of formats or patterns including reading, listening, writing. The IELTS exam pattern is as follows:
| IELTS Sub Content | IELTS | OET |
|---|---|---|
| Listening |
IELTS Listening has 4 recordings 2 in an everyday social context, 2 in an academic context. The time limit is 30 minutes |
3 Parts; Part A- extract from two consultations between a professional and a patient; Part B- six short workplace extracts, such as team briefing or handovers; Part C- 2 presentations from a healthcare professional. All are set in a general medical context suitable for all medical professionals to follow. The time limit is 50 minutes. |
| Reading | IELTS Reading has 3 long texts from books, journals, magazines, & newspapers. They may be descriptive & factual, discursive, or analytical. Suitable for an academic context. The time limit is 60 minutes. | 3 Parts; Part A- 4 different but related short texts on a single topic; Part B- 6 short workplace texts; Part C- 2 long texts on general healthcare topics, suitable for all medical professionals. The time limit is 60 minutes. |
| Writing | IELTS Writing consists of 2 tasks. Task 1- write a report on data and/or information presented in a graph, table, chart, or diagram. Min-150 words Task 2- write an essay in response to an opinion, argument, or problem. Min 250 words. The time limit is 60 minutes. |
Read case notes and write a letter e.g. letter of referral or discharge. The topic is profession-specific e.g. to nurses, doctors, or dentists. The time limit is 45 minutes. |
| Speaking | IELTS speaking has 3 parts as follows: Part 1- answer general questions about familiar topics such as home, work, and study. Part 2- give a presentation of 2 minutes using prompts on a card. Part 3- discuss abstract ideas and issues related to the topic in part 2 11-14 minutes is the time limit. |
Part 1- warm-up interview on professional backgrounds; Part 2- 2 role plays on profession-specific scenarios, 2-3 minutes to prepare, 5- minute role play on typical interaction between professional and patient. The time frame is 20 minutes. |
Acceptance
In many countries around the world, colleges, regulatory bodies, immigration officials, and businesses recognize IELTS. This covers universities in non-English-speaking nations where a subject is taught in English. Over 1,100 test centers are located in more than 140 countries.
Healthcare regulatory organizations and Higher Education healthcare instructors in the UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Dubai, Ukraine, and Namibia all recognize OET. Over 115 exam centers are located across 40 countries.
Number of Test Takers
In the past year, more than 3 million people took the IELTS test, compared to tens of thousands who took the OET. On the one hand, this reflects the worldwide Higher Education market's size and reach, and on the other, the OET's specialized nature.
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Preparation
IELTS has a global infrastructure developed around preparing learners to take the test, including universities, specialist training organizations, private language schools, published materials, online content, and thousands of teachers and writers. IELTS preparation starts with accessing the ability of the student.
OET has a small but rising preparation infrastructure that includes a growing number of specialized training providers as well as a small but growing materials base. The Premium Preparation Provider scheme of OET provides a structure for training organizations to go through a rigorous accreditation process in order to verify their capacity to prepare candidates for OET's specialist nature. SLC was Europe's first authorized service provider.
IELTS vs OET FAQ’s:
- Is OET easier than IELTS for medical professionals?
Many medical professionals see the introduction of OET as an opportunity because they think it is ‘easier’ than IELTS. This thinking is flawed for many reasons.
- Why is the OET not easier than IELTS for medical professionals?
To begin with, you are greatly mistaken if you believe that the authorities in the United Kingdom will lessen the language requirements. The rules are in place to safeguard the public from doctors and nurses who are unable to communicate adequately in English. This may be inconvenient for people seeking to work here, but it is necessary for the upkeep of standards.
- Is the IELTS tougher or unfair test than OET?
There's the fact that they're both English tests. You will not pass either test if your English level is below the required level. Many of my students complain that the IELTS test is unfair, yet when I look at their writing, it's evident that their grammar and vocabulary aren't up to par.
No test, no matter what it's named, will be able to hold you back if your English level is sufficient.
- Do students fail in the OET or IELTS test?
Many of my students have struggled with the OET after switching from IELTS because they spent too much time preparing for IELTS and not enough time transitioning to OET.
- Which one is difficult? IELTS or OET?
There is no proof that one is more difficult than the other. Someone would have to conduct extensive research on both tests in order to determine this. It's not true that just because your cousin's friend did better in one doesn't mean it's genuinely easier.
- Which test is more appropriate between OET and IELTS?
The IELTS test is a better option if money is an issue. It's possible that you'll have to take the test several times before getting the desired result. It will cost you around 1500 USD to take the OET three times, which is roughly double the cost of taking IELTS.
- Is it okay to switch from IELTS to OET?
If you've spent a lot of time studying for one, I'd think twice before switching to the other. Money, time, and energy are all consumed in the process of preparation. I would not switch if you believe the OET or IELTS is 'unfair'.
- Does switching from IELTS to OET mean I can pass easily?
The switching will not ensure a 'pass.' The most common reason for failure is that students' English skills are not up to par. Taking a different test will not address the situation.
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