[vc_row][vc_column width=”2/3″][vc_column_text]It is one of the most frequently asked questions among nursing candidates: “Is OET easier than the IELTS exam?” We hear this question from our students all the time.
EDITOR NOTE: The OET exam is changing in September 2018. Check out our article on the new changes.
Most of us have attempted the IELTS exam (or at least considered what it involves) and one thing is clear…
IELTS is difficult. Very difficult!
OET is similar to IELTS in that you are tested on your reading, writing, listening and speaking however there are some major differences. The most obvious change are the differences between the four testing areas.
So is the IELTS exam more difficult than OET?
Let’s discuss the four sections of the test to see how they compare.
1. Is IELTS or OET reading easiest?
IELTS contains three sections which use a number of different question types including multiple choice questions, fill in the missing words, short sentences and those awful true/false/not given.
OET is similar but simpler. It has two sections only; the first is a fill in the missing words passage and the second are multiple choice questions. Take a look below at a sample below of the OET reading exam.
Notice how it is the same question type throughout?
The actual difficulty of the two exams is similar but the benefit of knowing you’ll face the same types of question every time in OET makes it an easier option.
Our verdict: OET reading is easier.
2. Is IELTS or OET listening easiest?
IELTS listening involves three or four short recordings on different topics – each recording uses increasingly complex language.
OET listening is split into two parts. Part A involves note taking on a conversation between a patient and a healthcare professional. Part B involves a university lecture or professional speaker.
The important skill to learn here is note taking as the OET recording is often faster than the IELTS recording however with less complex language.
Our verdict: OET listening may be a little more challenging as note-taking is a new skill that you may not have practised.
3. Is IELTS or OET speaking easiest?
IELTS involves a 15 minute speaking interview on a number of topics. OET involves a 15 minute role play exercise between a patient and a healthcare professional (you!).
The difficulty with the IELTS speaking is that you do not have a guide for the conversation you will be asked. You might be asked a question about fishing. Or pollution. Or your favourite hobby. Or your view on a political issue.
You get the point … the IELTS speaking test is unpredictable. Now look at the OET speaking exam card.
Notice how the conversation is guided. All that you need to do is to follow the conversation in a natural manner with the patient/examiner.
Our verdict: OET speaking is the clear winner here as not only is the OET exam more predictable in the type of question you are asked, it also is very similar to a real-life healthcare situation. If you have already worked in the industry before you will likely have already had very similar conversations with patients.
4. Is IELTS or OET listening easiest?
IELTS writing involved two tasks; one in which you are required to describe a graph or table and the other is a general essay on a number of topics. As you may already know it is often difficult and not much fun to prepare for.
OET contains one (much easier!) task: writing a referral letter for a patient based on their medical notes and history.
This is a great opportunity to show your medical knowledge and experience and is great training and preparation for real patients.
So is OET easier than IELTS?
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SIMILAR
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EASIER
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SIMILAR
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EASIER
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Before revealing our opinion there is one important thing to note…
… if you fail a single section of the OET exam you can resit just that section again for a discounted price.
This is not possible in the IELTS exam.
It is clear to see that OET is an easier option in almost all areas of the exam. Many students and international nurses have been put off by the difficulty of the IELTS exam however the changes announced by the Nursing and Midwifery Council mean that 2018 is a fantastic time to pass the OET exam and achieve your goals.
Would you like to pass your OET exam quickly with expert tutoring and online lessons?
Arrange a free consultation with our OET teachers today and pass with confidence. [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][stm_post_comments][/vc_column][/vc_row]