You’re ready to book the OET exam but you can’t decide on which type of test to take. Choosing between OET on Computer and OET on Paper can be confusing so at Fast Track IELTS, we have created a clear list of 7 key differences with OET on Computer that will help you make the best decision.
Let’s take a look at them now.
1. Availability for OET on Computer
First and foremost, OET on Computer is only available to certain healthcare professionals. If you are applying for medicine, nursing, pharmacy or physiotherapy, you have the option to sit OET on Computer.
If you belong to any other healthcare profession, you must sit OET on Paper (which makes your decision much easier!).
If you are applying for medicine, nursing, pharmacy or physiotherapy, you have the option to sit OET on Computer.
2. Booking the Exam
Did you know that you can now book OET on Computer just 7 days before the test date? This is a great option if you want to re-sit the exam in a short space of time.
If you choose OET on Paper, you will have to be more organised as the closing date for tests is around three weeks before the test date. To check the closing dates for OET on Paper, have a look at the Test Dates section of the OET website.
3. Receiving the Results
If you need test results quickly, OET on Computer could be a great option for you. Normally, you will receive your results just 10 days after the test date.
OET on Paper, on the other hand, can take up to 17 days to return the results.
Remember that if you have a deadline to meet, you can check when results will be published for each test date via the Test Dates section of the OET website.
For more detailed information on receiving OET results, have a look at our article on how long OET test results will take.
4. The Writing Exam
If you take OET on Computer, the Writing sub-test will require you to type out a letter.
This means that if your handwriting is poor but you are quite confident using computers, this could be a great option for you. Do be careful though, it is very easy to make mistakes when trying to type quickly and there will be no auto-correct!
If computers give you nightmares and typing quickly is a challenge, it may be best to choose OET on Paper where you must handwrite a letter instead.
5. The Speaking Exam
Another important difference between the two test types is that for OET on Paper, the Speaking sub-test will be a face-to-face conversation with an examiner at a venue.
Whereas, for OET on Computer, you must complete the Speaking sub-test via Zoom on your own computer at home.
There are specific technical requirements for the Speaking sub-test on computer so make sure to read OET’s Speaking Test Online User Guide to make sure that you have the right equipment before booking the exam.
Whereas, for OET on Computer, you must complete the Speaking sub-test via Zoom on your own computer at home.
6. The Listening Exam
The content and questions for the Listening sub-test will be exactly the same for OET on Computer and OET on Paper.
However, the one difference is that for OET on Paper, you will hear the recordings via a speaker in the exam room whilst students who choose OET on Computer will have individual headsets.
Please note that this is based on OET venues based in the UK. There is variance in practice depending on the country where you sit the exam.
7. Different Timetables for OET on Computer
If you choose OET on Paper, you will sit all sub-tests on the same day at your chosen OET test venue. The order is usually Listening, Reading, Writing and then Speaking at the end of the day.
For OET on Computer, you will sit Reading, Listening and Writing in one day at your chosen OET test venue and then the Speaking sub-test will take place on Zoom at your home.
You will be given a choice of different dates for the Speaking sub-test during the booking process for OET on Computer. We would advise that you choose a different day to the exam day for the other sub-tests to ensure you have time to set up for your exam.
Can’t Make a Decision?
Get in touch with us at Fast Track IELTS to discuss your questions about the different test types and we’ll be happy to help you make an informed decision based on your strengths.
Why not leave a comment below or contact us on contact@passmyielts.com and one of our dedicated team will contact you to provide the support you need.