The complete exam day guide for nurses taking the OET. From arrival to final results, know exactly what happens and how to perform at your best.
Get OET Exam Day PrepThe OET exam day follows a specific structure. Knowing what to expect eliminates surprises and reduces anxiety. Here's the complete timeline.
Arrive at the test centre at least 30 minutes before your scheduled time. You'll need time for ID verification, photo capture, and finding your seat. Late arrivals may not be admitted — plan your journey with extra time for delays.
Present your valid passport or national ID (must match your booking). The test centre staff will verify your identity, take a photograph, and assign you a seat. You'll be given instructions about the test format and rules. Listen carefully.
Part A: Two consultation extracts. You'll listen to healthcare consultations and complete notes using single words or short phrases. Focus on accuracy and spelling.
Part B: Six short workplace extracts. Multiple-choice or short-answer questions about workplace conversations (handovers, team briefings).
Part C: Two presentation extracts. Longer talks or interviews on healthcare topics. Multiple-choice questions testing gist and opinion.
Part A: Expeditious reading task (15 minutes). Four short texts on the same topic. Match information, complete sentences, and answer short questions under strict time pressure.
Part B: Careful reading (45 minutes). Two longer texts with multiple-choice questions testing detailed understanding, inference, and reference.
Parts A and B are collected separately — the 15-minute limit for Part A is strict.
You'll receive a set of case notes and a task card. Write a healthcare letter (referral, discharge, transfer, or advice) of 180-200 words. You have 5 minutes to read the notes and 40 minutes to write. The letter type depends on your profession (nursing letters focus on patient care scenarios).
Usually scheduled separately from the other sub-tests (often in the afternoon or on a different day). Two 3-minute roleplay scenarios with an examiner playing the patient or carer. A 2-3 minute warm-up conversation precedes the roleplays. You'll receive roleplay cards with 2-3 minutes to prepare.
Use this checklist to ensure you have everything you need. Being prepared eliminates unnecessary stress.
Valid passport or national identity card (original document — photocopies NOT accepted)
OET booking confirmation email or receipt
Candidate number (provided in your confirmation email)
Pens with black or blue ink (bring 2-3 spare pens)
HB pencils for Listening and Reading answer sheets
Eraser
Highlighter (optional — for marking case notes in Writing)
Clear water bottle (no label, transparent)
Tissues
Watch (non-smart, no alarm function)
Light layers (test room temperature varies)
Mobile phones must be switched off and left in your bag. Smart watches, dictionaries, notes, books, food, and correction fluid are NOT permitted in the exam room. Bringing prohibited items can result in disqualification. Keep it simple: ID, pens, pencils, water.
Maximise each OET sub-test with these proven strategies used by nurses who achieved Grade B or above.
During the 30-second preview, quickly scan the notes to understand what information you need. Listen for specific details: symptoms, dates, medications, dosages. Write answers as you listen — there's no transfer time for Part A. Check spelling carefully; medical terms must be spelled correctly.
Read the questions before the audio starts. Underline keywords in the question and options. Listen for paraphrases — the audio rarely uses the exact words from the options. Eliminate obviously wrong answers first. If unsure, make your best guess — there's no negative marking.
You have only 15 minutes — practice speed. Skim all 4 texts in 3 minutes to understand the topic. Then tackle questions in order, scanning for keywords. Use the matching questions first (usually easiest) to build confidence. Transfer answers carefully to the answer sheet.
Read the passage first (5-7 minutes), then tackle questions. For multiple-choice, eliminate 2 obviously wrong options, then choose between the remaining 2. Pay attention to inference questions — the answer may not be stated directly. Manage your time: 20 minutes per text.
Minutes 1-5: Read case notes carefully. Underline relevant information. Cross out irrelevant notes. Plan your letter structure.
Minutes 6-40: Write the letter. Opening sentence states purpose. Use paragraphs for each main point. Include all relevant case details. No abbreviations.
Minutes 41-45: Proofread. Check spelling, especially medical terms. Verify word count (180-200). Check grammar and punctuation.
Preparation (2-3 min): Read the card. Identify your role, the patient's situation, and the tasks you must complete. Jot bullet points on the planning sheet.
During roleplay: Start with rapport building. Use the tasks on the card as your guide. Show empathy. Explain medical terms simply. Check understanding. Close professionally. You have 3 minutes — use all of them.
Your final 24 hours should focus on rest, confidence, and physical preparation — not cramming.
The Speaking test is often in the afternoon or on a different day. Between the written tests and Speaking, DON'T analyse your performance on Listening, Reading, or Writing. What's done is done. Focus entirely on the Speaking test ahead. Find a quiet spot, practice your opening phrases, and visualise successful roleplays. Your mental reset between sub-tests is crucial.
The Listening sub-test takes about 50 minutes, Reading takes 60 minutes, Writing takes 45 minutes, and Speaking takes about 20 minutes. The first three sub-tests are usually taken consecutively in the morning (approximately 3 hours total including registration and breaks). Speaking may be scheduled separately in the afternoon or on a different day.
The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) currently requires at least Grade B (350+) in all four OET sub-tests, or Grade B in Reading, Listening, and Speaking plus Grade C+ in Writing. Always check the latest NMC requirements as they can change.
No. You must NOT use abbreviations in your OET letter. Write "blood pressure" not "BP", "twice daily" not "BD", "milligrams" not "mg". Using abbreviations will result in lost marks. Always write full terms.
Unanswered questions receive no marks, but there's no negative marking. If you're running out of time, make your best guess rather than leaving blanks. In Writing, always complete the letter even if it means a slightly rushed ending — an incomplete letter scores lower than a completed one.
OET results are published approximately 16 days after the test date. You'll receive an email notification and can view your results online through your OET account. Your official certificate will be available for download as a PDF.
OET allows you to re-sit individual sub-tests — you don't need to retake all four. This is a major advantage over IELTS. Focus your re-sit preparation on the failed sub-test only. Many nurses pass on their second attempt after targeted practice.
The Speaking test consists of two 3-minute roleplay scenarios. In each, you take the nurse role and the examiner plays a patient, relative, or carer. You receive a roleplay card 2-3 minutes before each scenario with the setting, patient information, and tasks to complete. A 2-3 minute warm-up conversation precedes the roleplays.
Thousands of nurses have walked this path before you. Trust your preparation, stay calm, and show the examiner the professional you are.
Final OET Practice ToolsYour NHS career is waiting on the other side of this exam