Both IELTS and OET are now accepted by the GMC and NMC as proof that you can use English to the required level.
As a result of this news, aspirants are curious of the following questions, so let’s see and answer them:
Which test is the easiest?
Which test is most appropriate for me?
This article will compare and contrast the two English tests, as well as show you which one is easier and/or more appropriate for you.
Also Read: Most Common Spelling Mistakes in IELTS: How to Avoid Them and Write Fluently?
Difference Between OET and IELTS
In different parts of the world, both OET (Occupational English Test) and IELTS (International English Language Testing System) is used to assess the English language proficiency of professionals and experts.
Regulatory bodies choose them to ensure that nurses, doctors, and other professionals have adequate language skills to communicate effectively with patients and colleagues, ensuring safe and effective care.
Difference 1
The main distinction is the setting in which each test is administered.
The IELTS test will put your English skills to the test in a variety of situations. The OET will assess your abilities in the context of your chosen medical field. As a result, if you are a doctor or a nurse, you will be tested on aspects of your profession.
This is often cited as the primary reason for choosing OET over IELTS. However, as we will explain below, this is not as important a consideration as you might think.
Also Read: IELTS Exam Dates January 2022: 5 Essential Tips to Crack the IELTS Exam
Difference 2
They’re both English tests, so you’ll need a good command of the language in general, but there are some key differences in ‘test skills.’ As a result, each test will require different preparation.
Each of them will necessitate a significant amount of time and effort in preparation. It may not be a good idea to discard one and switch to the other if you have already invested a significant amount of time in it.
Every year, 3 million people take the IELTS test, but only 25,000 people take the Occupational English Test. As a result, there are far more IELTS preparation options available, ranging from a large number of free resources to online courses and private tutoring. OET has a rather limited range.
Difference 3
IELTS is regarded as the “gold standard” and is widely accepted. A smaller number of institutions and bodies recognise the Occupational English Test.
If you’re not sure where you’ll work or study in the future, IELTS might be a better option.
Difference 4
One of the most inconvenient aspects of the IELTS exam is that if you fail one of the four skills, you must retake all four. This is extremely discouraging for students who struggle solely with writing.
A candidate for the OET can ‘bank’ their higher scores and concentrate solely on the skills they ‘failed.’ This is, in my opinion, the most significant advantage of OET, and one that IELTS should consider incorporating.
Which is Better: IELTS or OET?
Because it is ‘easier’ than IELTS, many medical professionals see the introduction of the Occupational English Test as an opportunity. For a variety of reasons, this way of thinking is flawed.
Also Read: IELTS vs. OET: What is the Difference? Know the Pointers
Reason 1
To begin with, you are greatly mistaken if you believe that the authorities in the United Kingdom will lower the language requirements. The rules are in place to protect the public from doctors and nurses who are unable to communicate clearly in English. This may be inconvenient for those hoping to work here, but it is necessary for the upkeep of standards.
Reason 2
Then 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, but when we look at their writing, it’s clear that their grammar and vocabulary aren’t up to par.
No test, no matter what it’s called, will be able to hold you back if your English level is sufficient.
Which One is Easier?
Many of my students have struggled on the Occupational English Test after switching from IELTS because they spent too much time preparing for IELTS and not enough time transitioning to the Occupational English Test.
There is no evidence 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 actually easier.
OET Exam Full Form
The Occupational English Test (OET) is an English language exam for healthcare professionals that has been approved by a number of regulatory bodies. It assesses healthcare professionals’ language communication skills and abilities in order to practise and register in an English-speaking environment.
Dentistry, nursing, dietetics, medicine, speech pathology, occupational therapy, physiotherapy, pharmacy, podiatry, optometry, radiography, and veterinary science are among the 12 professions for which OET is available. Nurses (47%) are the most likely to take the test, followed by doctors (23%), dentists (20%), and pharmacists (20%). (6 percent ).
Also Read: IELTS, OET, & PTE Misconceptions: Myths and Facts Unveiled
OET Exam Fees
The exam costs $455 USD/ $587 AUD, which is approximately Rs.30,000 in India. and candidate research shows that 85 percent of those who took the test thought it was excellent or above-average value for money.
Please see the following information for individual sub-test fees (only available for OET on paper):
AUD $587.00 – Includes the AUD $7 online booking fee for all four OET sub-exams.
AUD $477.50 – Three OET sub-exams, plus the AUD $7 online booking fee
AUD $339.00 – Includes the AUD $7 online booking fee for two OET sub-exams.
AUD $200.50 – Includes the AUD $7 online booking fee for one OET subtest.
IELTS Exam Full Form
The IELTS or International English Language Testing System is the most widely used English language proficiency exam for higher education and international migration around the world.
IELTS is trusted by over 11,000 organisations worldwide, so you can be confident that when you take the test, it will be accepted by governments, educational institutions, employers, and professional bodies all over the world.
Conclusion
Believing that the OET is easier to believe that running a marathon in one’s hometown will be easier. You may be more familiar with the situation, but you will still fail unless you possess the necessary skills.
Regardless of which option you choose, concentrate on improving your overall English level as well as your test-taking skills.
Do visit IELTS Ninja for the best study materials and lectures, if you need assistance with your IELTS preparation.
Also Read: February IELTS Exam Dates 2022: Prepare with the Best IELTS Coaching to Ace the Exam
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