Learn about the test overview and structure
It is important to feel comfortable with the test content. A big part of that is fully understanding each section of the exam and what it is assessing. If you know what to expect on the test, you can go into test day able to focus on the questions and task themselves.
Start early
Of course it depends on your current level of English but even candidates whose language level is test ready still need to take time to prepare properly. OET is a high-stakes English test. This means that your results are used by organisations who require the highest levels of security and validity from them. After all, successful candidates will be responsible for the health and safety of patients.
Perhaps it’s helpful to think of it like your driving test. Do you remember the feeling of learning to drive? Somewhere between excitement and fear? You wouldn’t have considered booking your driving test until you felt confident that you could perform all the required manoeuvres, start and stop the car safely and drive in a variety of weather conditions.
OET is the same. You need to give yourself time to prepare for the different parts of the test. Even though you will find the context of the test familiar, you shouldn’t assume you can apply for the test and ace it the first time around if you haven’t taken the time to prepare. To return to the car analogy, imagine you are taking a second driving test in a car with the controls on the other side to those you are used to. The country where you are taking the second test drives on the other side of the road. Although you are a good driver in your own country, you would still want to take time to prepare and familiarise yourself with how the car operates from the other side and the road rules of the second country. It makes sense when you are thinking how to prepare for OET.
Create a study plan
If you want to score well, you cannot squeeze all of your study time into one week. Look at how many days you have until you take OET, what your goals are and how much time you will realistically be able to dedicate to revising every day and then create a study plan. It is important when you think of how to prepare for OET.
Remember that if you have worked all day, you may not have the energy to learn new strategies. Instead, use your study time to revise the parts of the test you have already mastered, and save the more challenging parts for when you are fresh and rested.
Sharpen your skills
If you like working in a group, enrol in a preparation course from a certified preparation provider. If you prefer to prepare on your own, find an online course or preparation book that will provide you with exercises and key strategies for correctly answering each part of OET.
You can also practise your English informally by making it part of your everyday speaking. Chat to a friend or a neighbour and try to work on the parts you struggle with! The more you use it, the more confident you will feel.
Take practice tests
After practising the strategies for OET, you should use official OET sample tests as a test run for the real thing.
It is always a good idea to take multiple sample tests throughout your preparation. Not only will it familiarize yourself with the OET, but it will also give you ideas of your strong areas and where you need to improve. You can then adapt your studies to target your weaknesses. Taking practice test is how you can prepare for OET.
Review everything
Go over the test overview again to review the key strategies. It’s also a good time to practise those sections of the test where your performance is weakest.
Recheck your OET application to make sure everything is in order and contact the OET help desk if there are any problems.
Check the location of the test centre and how long it will take you to get there so you don’t feel rushed on actual test day.
Rest and Relax
Before test day, it is important to take some time to yourself to absorb all the information you have learned and to calm any test anxiety you might have.
Think of something you enjoy doing that relaxes you and do that instead! Don’t try to sit and do any last-minute cramming the night before. It will just cause added stress when you go into test day.
It is always a good idea to prepare everything you will need for Test Day the night before (like your ID).
Get the Best OET Training available
Lizz academy has created the first and exclusive training program for a guaranteed result. It is designed to prepare you for the updated OET and help you achieve the highest possible score. A great addition to your OET preparation, whether you are taking a classroom course or want to study online.
The Our course provides:
- A thorough overview of what to expect in the test
- Easy-to-learn strategies
- Relevant test-taking tips
- A weekly study planner
- Listening tracks
- unlimited updated materials for writing, listening, reading and speaking
- Full-length Practice Test (with Nursing and Medicine specific Writing and Speaking sub-tests).
All the practice questions used in our course are reviewed to ensure that they are true to the test, so you get the most realistic practice
Bottom line is, if you go into the test having fully prepared and understood exactly what to expect, there will be no surprises and you will have the best chance of getting your target score. Good luck and happy studying!
For more OET Preparation advice, make sure you check out the OET Preparation help.