IELTS vs. OET: Which is better for medical professionals?

Which test is easier?

Which test is more suitable for me?

This article will show you the similarities and differences between the two English tests and also show you which one is easier and/or more suitable for you.

Similarities

At the end of the day, they are both English tests. That might seem obvious but it’s also very important because it directly affects the advice I’m going to give you below.

They both test four English skills, namely reading, listening, speaking, and writing.

For both tests, you will be given a score that will determine your current level of English.

Your decision will depend on the main differences between the two tests; therefore, we will focus mostly on the key differences:

Difference # 1- Context

The main difference is the context within which each test is taken.

The IELTS test will test your English within the context of a wide variety of topics. The OET will test your ability within the context of your medical profession. Therefore, if you are a nurse or a doctor, you will be tested on things related to your job.

Many see this as the main reason to take OET instead of IELTS. However, this is not as big a consideration as you might think which I will discuss below.

Difference # 2- Cost & Availability

IELTS is much cheaper than OET and is available in more places.

There are also more IELTS test dates available than OET.

Difference # 3- Preparation

They are both English tests, so a good level of general English is required, but there are also key differences in ‘test skills’. Therefore, the preparation for each test will be different.

You will have to invest a significant amount of time and effort into preparing for each of them. If you have already invested a large amount of time in one, it may be a bad idea to throw that away and switch to the other.

There are also 3 million IELTS test takers every year and only 25,000 OET takers. This means that there are far more preparation options for IELTS, ranging from a huge number of free options to online courses and private tuition. The range for OET is rather limited.

Difference # 4- Acceptance

IELTS is viewed as the ‘gold standard’ and is accepted everywhere. Oet is accepted by a smaller number of bodies and institutions.

IELTS may be a better choice if you are unsure of where you might work or study in the future.

Difference # 5- Retaking the test

One of the most frustrating things about IELTS is that if you fail one of the four skills, you have to take all four again. This is very disappointing for students who struggle with only writing.

A better question to ask is which test is more suitable for you as an individual.

Which test is more suitable?

If money is a factor, the IELTS test is a better choice. You might have to repeat the test a few times before you get the score you need. Doing the OET 3 times will cost you around $1500 USD; around double what IELTS will cost you.

Also, if you have spent a significant amount of time preparing for one, I would think very hard before switching to the other test. Preparation costs money, time and energy.

Voice training and Research Institute is a Pan India Partner for Ets (Educational Testing Service), Toefl and Toeic Usa. It serves as an active country partner for India, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Bangladesh, and Nepal.