About 20 minutes: a short warm-up, then two role plays, each with 3 minutes to prepare and about 5 minutes to talk. The interlocutor plays your patient or a relative.
Two taps to see what your UK regulator asks for, and where to start.
Question 1 of 2
The NMC asks for B (350) in Listening, Reading and Speaking, and C+ (300) in Writing.
The GMC asks for B (350) in all four sub-tests, in one sitting.
The GPhC asks for B (350) in all four sub-tests.
The GDC’s guidance names IELTS and sets no OET grade. Check with the GDC that it will accept your OET result before you book, then aim for B (350) in Speaking.
The HCPC asks for 1400 in total across the four sub-tests, with none below 300.
The HCPC asks for 1400 in total across the four sub-tests, with none below 300.
Start with a role-play card for your profession below, then practise with a teacher who plays the patient.
The NMC asks for B (350) in Listening, Reading and Speaking, and C+ (300) in Writing.
The GMC asks for B (350) in all four sub-tests, in one sitting.
The GPhC asks for B (350) in all four sub-tests.
The GDC’s guidance names IELTS and sets no OET grade. Check with the GDC that it will accept your OET result before you book, then aim for B (350) in Speaking.
The HCPC asks for 1400 in total across the four sub-tests, with none below 300.
The HCPC asks for 1400 in total across the four sub-tests, with none below 300.
Our resit course works on the sub-tests you need to raise. We keep supporting you until you pass.
Tell us your profession and where you want to register, and an OET teacher will tell you which test and which Speaking grade you need.
About 20 minutes, minute by minute. You play your own profession; the interlocutor plays the patient, a relative or a carer.
One full role play for each profession. Prepare for 3 minutes, then speak for 5 as if the patient is with you.
Ready to start
Two OET assessors mark your recording against nine criteria: four linguistic, each out of 6, and five clinical communication, each out of 3.
Speaking clearly enough to be understood: clear sounds, the right stress and rhythm, and a natural tone.
An even pace, neither rushed nor slow, without long pauses or false starts.
Words and tone that suit the patient: everyday words instead of medical jargon.
A wide range of grammar and vocabulary, used accurately, so you say exactly what you mean.
A respectful start, careful listening, no judgement, and empathy for how the patient feels.
Finding out the patient’s ideas, worries and expectations, and picking up on their cues.
A logical order, with clear signposting each time you move to a new topic.
Open questions first, then specific ones, no leading questions, and a summary to check you have it right.
Finding out what the patient knows, giving information in small chunks, and checking they understand.
A model answer to the nursing card above. Tap a highlight to read the examiner-style note.
Reassuring a patient about insulin
You are a nurse in a GP clinic. The patient has just been told they need to start insulin injections. They are worried and unsure about self-injecting.
Nurse
Hello Mr Hughes, I’m Grace, one of the nurses here. The doctor mentioned you’ll be starting insulin. How are you feeling about that?1
1. Relationship building
An open question about his feelings comes before any information.
Patient
Honestly, not great. I hate needles, and I’m scared of giving myself too much.
Nurse
That’s a very common worry, and it’s completely understandable.2 Can I ask what you already know about insulin injections?3
2. The patient’s perspective
She names his fear and accepts it, instead of moving straight past it.
3. Information giving
She finds out what he already knows before she explains anything.
Patient
Not much. My dad had big syringes in the fridge. That’s what I remember.
Nurse
Things have changed a lot since then. Let me explain how it works now, and then we’ll look at the pen together.4 The needle is very short and fine, and you inject just under the skin of your tummy.5 The pen shows the dose in a small window, so you can check it every time.6 So, to sum up:7 a short needle, a dose you can see, and I’ll be with you for the first one. How does that sound?
4. Providing structure
She signposts the next two steps, so he knows where the talk is going.
5. Appropriateness of language
Everyday words for a patient, not subcutaneous or abdomen.
6. Information giving
The explanation answers the exact worry he named about the dose.
7. Providing structure
A short summary, then a question to check how he feels.
Patient
Better. A bit better, actually.
Speaking needs a partner. Practise with an OET teacher who plays the patient and tells you what to change.
Book a trial class. Our live classes include speaking role-play practice for your profession.
Common questions our students ask us.
Contact our teachers today. We keep supporting you until you pass.
Facts checked on 7 November 2026: OET Test Handbook 2026, oet.com, OET Speaking, oet.com, Speaking criteria overview, oet.com, OET on Computer, oet.com, OET on Paper and nmc.org.uk, accepted English tests.
