OET vs IELTS: What is the Difference Between OET and IELTS Exam?

OET

Raj
Raj Vimal
Study Abroad Expert
Updated on Jan 21, 2025 18:31 IST

IELTS and OET are the two most important English language proficiency exams in the world. Deciding between IELTS and OET depends on your higher education goals. OET is specifically designed for healthcare professionals. On the other hand, IELTS offers a broader range of applications. 

OET vs IELTS

One of the prerequisites for going abroad to pursue higher education is the possession of an English Language Proficiency exam certificate or score. Oftentimes, students are left in a state of confusion when it comes to appearing for OET or IELTS exam. Both exams evaluate the English language skills of candidates. Students frequently question which exam is simpler and which exam is better for them.

Before we move on to the topic which is the need of the hour i.e. OET vs IELTS, let us first understand what these tests actually mean. The basic difference between these two exams is that IELTS scores are used for a wider range of purposes, such as seeking academic or general employment opportunities. In contrast, the OET exam is used to test the proficiency of healthcare workers in various parts of the world. In this blog, we will help you to understand the basic difference between these two exams, so you can select the best one for you.

Free IELTS Class by Shiksha - Registration 

What is IELTS?

IELTS or International English Language Testing System is an English language exam that is required to be taken by international students who are considering studying or working in a country where English is the main language to communication. The most popular countries where IELTS score is accepted for university admissions are the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. IELTS measures the ability to communicate in the four basic English language skills – reading, listening, writing, and speaking. The IELTS exam is jointly owned and conducted by IDP Education Australia, the British Council, and Cambridge English Language Assessment.

Know More About IELTS:

IELTS Eligibility

IELTS Registration

IELTS Exam Pattern

IELTS Preparation Tips

What is OET?

OET more commonly referred to as the Occupational English Test is an exclusive English language test that has been designed for health care professionals. Conducted by CBLA or Cambridge Boxhill Language Assessment, the OET exam is required for healthcare professionals who are looking to work or study in the healthcare sector in the UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, Ukraine, Dubai, and other English-speaking countries.

OET evaluates the English language skills of healthcare professionals to ensure they can provide high-quality care.. Nowadays, many organizations including hospitals, universities, and colleges are using OET scores as proof of students’ ability to communicate effectively in a demanding healthcare environment. OET measures all four language skills namely listening, writing, reading and speaking with an emphasis on a healthcare environment.

OET exam has been specifically designed for 12 healthcare professions including Occupational Therapy, Dentistry, Nursing, Radiography, Veterinary Science, Medicine, Speech Pathology, Physiotherapy, Dietetics, Podiatry, Pharmacy, and Optometry.

Know More About OET Here:

OET Sample Test

OET Exam Registration

OET Exam Pattern

OET Exam Preparation Tips

Difference between OET and IELTS?

Confused between OET and IELTS exams? Given below is a visual comparative representation of OET vs IELTS.

Criteria

IELTS

OET

Full-Form

International English Language Testing System

Occupational English Test

Conducted By

British Council and IDP Education Ltd

Cambridge Boxhill Language Assessment Trust (CBLA)

Accepted By

Australia, New Zealand, United Kingdom, Canada and the United States of America

United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, Ukraine, Dubai, Singapore, and Namibia

Most popular for

Candidates looking to study, work and migrate to English speaking countries

Healthcare professionals looking to work in the healthcare sector

Exam Pattern

The IELTS exam pattern comprises four sections, Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking. The candidates are tested on these four parameters

The entire OET Exam is divided into four sections, the Listening Section, the Reading Section, the Writing Section, and the Speaking Section

Variety

2 versions of IELTS exam (Academic and General Training)

12 versions for different healthcare professions like nurses, dentists, doctors, pharmacists, vets, radiographers, occupational therapists, speech pathologists, etc

Duration of the Exam

165 mins (2 hrs and 45 mins)

170 mins (2 Hrs and 50 Mins) 

Questions framed from

Every part of the test can be on a topic that may or may not be related to healthcare

Each part of the exam is related to real workplace scenarios for healthcare professionals

Exam Score Range

On a scale of 1 (the lowest) to 9 (the highest)

On a scale of A (Highest) to E (Lowest)

Exam Fees

Rs 17,000

$587 AUD (INR 33,033)

Exam Validity

2 years

2 years

Exam Test Dates

Once a week

Available every month

Availability of results

Written test: 13 days

CBT: 3-5 days after your test

Varies as per the authorities

While both exams measure the English language abilities of the candidates. It is important to understand the admission requirements before applying for the test. A lot of times the university/institute could prefer a particular exam over another. This entirely is at the discretion of the university admission guidelines. Candidates should keep in mind that while the OET exam is limited to healthcare professionals, the IELTS exam covers a more generic base of students.

IELTS or OET – Which is Easier?

Now, we know that IELTS and OET are both English assessment tests. If a student’s English level is not up to the required standard, then he/she will not be able to pass either of the tests. In short, if a student’s English level is good enough, then it does not matter which test is easier. As such, there is no evidence that shows which test is easier – IELTS or OET.

Both these tests vary in terms of difficulty. However, many consider OET an easier test. This is because it is specific to healthcare and the test-takers can make use of their healthcare knowledge, vocabulary, and experiences. IELTS, on the other hand, is not specific to the healthcare profession. In IELTS, the topic and content covered as questions will be more general and taken from various sources.

After analyzing all of the above-given points, the better question is which test is more suitable for you. This allows us to move to our next section i.e. What is the difference between IELTS and OET?

Read : IELTS vs TOEFL vs PTE Academic: Which test you should take

Q:   Which is better IELTS or PTE?

A:

Both IELTS and PTE are English proficiency tests required to study abroad in countries where the native language is English. However, the comparison between the two will depend entirely on the student’s preferences and purpose of taking the test. Below are a few points that can help you make clear choices.

  1. Acceptance: IELTS is more widely accepted worldwide while PTE is less acceptable. However, the latter is getting increasingly accepted by more and more institutions and organisations in the world owing to its faster processing time. Both the exams are accepted for Australian student visas and migration applications. 

  2. Exam Pattern: Both the IELTS and PTE exams comprise the Reading, Listening, Writing and Speaking sections. However, the duration and the sequence of assessing these 4 core English language skills differ in both exams.

The IELTS exam assesses Listening (30 minutes), Reading (60 minutes) and Writing (60 minutes) skills in a sequence while Speaking (10-14 minutes) is assessed face-to-face by a real examiner. This is done on a different date from the actual IELTS exam, maybe till a week later. You may expect to get your IELTS exam results after 1 or 2 weeks of taking the exam depending on the type of exam you opted for (on-paper or computer-based).

On the contrary, the sequence of assessment of these core skills in the PTE exam is Speaking and Writing (50 - 67 minutes), Reading (30 minutes) and Listening 30-45 minutes. The total duration of the exam is 2 hours and test takers can expect to see their results within 48 hours of taking the exam. 

  1. Assessment: The Speaking section in the IELTS exam is assessed separately in real-time by the English experts in a face-to-face round which is often conducted a week after your IELTS exam date. 

The Speaking section in the PTE exam is assessed along with the Writing section which is a more natural way to assess test taker’s skills. The speaking section along with all other sections are completed online, on the computer and are assessed by artificial intelligence. 

  1. Release of Results: PTE releases its test results within 48 hours of taking the test. However, the IELTS exam result can take around a week's or 2 weeks' time to get relesaed. IELTS scores are generated by English experts who compare your performance with the global standards while PTE uses an automated scoring system by using AI. 

These factors may help you arrive at your decision of which exam to choose from for your academic endeavours. 

Q:   How can I get admission in the University of Manchester?

A:

The application process at the University of Manchester may vary depending on the course and level of study. However, here is the application process for UG and PG courses: 

The Undergraduate Application Process:  

Step 1:  You can apply through the UCAS common application portal.

Step 2: Go to the website and select the course you are interested in.

Step 3: Ensure you meet the Entry requirements (Academic qualifications, English proficiency, etc.

Step 4: Once you decide on the course, submit documents such as SOP, Transcripts and personal statements. 

Check out:  tips to improve your SOP

Step 5: You can track the application's progress through your given credentials by UCAS. 

Step 6: Once the applicant submits the application to UCAS, it forwards to the University, and the admission teams carefully analyse the application document.

Step 7: The university will send you an offer letter once selected. Hence keep checking your UCAS portal for your application status.

The Postgraduate application process: 

Step 1: Select the postgraduate course you are interested in from the University of Manchester.\

Step 2: Ensure you meet the entry requirements for the chosen program, as they vary depending on the course.

Step 3: Complete the online application by providing your personal information.

Step 4: Upload the required documents, such as Academic transcripts and proof of English language proficiency ( TOEFL/ IELTS). experience in your fields and references (depending on the course). You also may require Two LORs depending on the course. 

To make your admission better, check out the following: How Admission Officers Evaluate your application. 

Step 5:  If your application is successful, you will receive an offer from the University of Manchester. 

Q:   What rank is Wolverhampton University in UK?

A:

The University of Wolverhampton is one of the best universities in the United Kingdom. The university is consistently ranked among the best universities nationally and globally. For nearly 200 years, the University of Wolverhampton has been consistently providing a quality of education to students and producing highly skilled graduates. The national rankings of the University of Wolverhampton are given below:

Ranking Body Ranking
The Guardian University Guide 2024 #101
The Complete University Guide 2024#117

Q:   Which is cheaper between IELTS exam or OET exam?

A:

OET is more expensive than IELTS exam:

  • IELTS: Around INR 17,000
  • OET: Around INR 31,616

The cost is a factor to consider. It's also crucial to choose the English language test that is most appropriate for your specific needs and circumstances.

Q:   How to prepare for UK 10th board exam 2025?

A:

Those who are preparing for the UK Class 10 exam 2025 are recommended to follow the tips below.

  • Know the exam pattern
  • Make a proper time table as per the syllabus
  • Solve previous year question papers
  • Make short notes of important formulas and theorems
  • Revise regularly
  • Figure out weaker areas and learn them well

With proper planning and hard work, students can easily clear the UK 10th board exam.

Q:   Is OET and IELTS the same?

A:

OET and IELTS measure the English language skills of the test takers. These tests the reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills. However, the nature of both of the tests varies. IELTS is designed for you to study, work or migrate to a country where English is the native language. These countries include the UK, USA, Canada, New Zealand and Australia. On the other hand, OET is specifically designed for healthcare professionals who want to practice and register in an English-speaking environment.

Q:   What is University of Wales, Trinity Saint famous for?

A:

University of Wales, Trinity Saint (UWTSD) was founded in 2010, is a public institution for higher education and research at multiple locations. It was set up under the 1828 royal charter of Lampeter, the institution was the result of the merger between Trinity University College and the University of Wales. The institution merged with the Swansea Metropolitan University in 2013.

  • Top Ranked University: The UWTSD is not ranked by any major ranking body, however as per the university ranking given on the official website of the university, it is ranked among:
  1. #1st in Wales and UK Top 5 Film Production and Photography
  2. #1st in Wales and UK Top 5 Fashion and Textiles
  3. #1st in Wales and UK Top 20 Graphic Design
  4. #1st in Wales and UK Top 5 Education
  5. #1st in Wales and UK Top 20 Sports Science
  6. #1st in Wales and UK Top 20 Mechanical Engineering
  7. #1st in Wales for Fine Arts
  • Variety of Courses: UWTSD offers more than 300 programs at various levels including undergraduate, postgraduate degrees as well as multiple online courses.
  • Highly distinguished and learned faculties: the faculty at UWTSD    is highly learned and distinguished which enables students to be the best in their field of study.
  • High Placements: According to Graduate Outcome data 2019-2020 quoted by the UWTSD, more than 95% of its graduates were found to be employed within 15 Months of graduation. The average salary of a graduate is not explicitly released by UWTSD, however, as per some unofficial sources the average salary of the graduates of UWTSD is approximately INR 30-35L. with the highest salary being reported as high as INR 66.5L for jobs in Financial Services.

Q:   Does the University of Essex require IELTS?

A:

International students whose native language is not English must meet the University of Essex English language requirements to get admission. The university accepts IELTS scores as proof of English language proficiency. Mentioned below are the IELTS scores required for UG and PG admission at the university:

English Language Test

 Score

IELTS

Overall score of 5.5 to 8.0 with minimum of 5.5 to 7.5 in each section

The university also accepts the score of other English language tests such as TOEFL and PTE for admission to undergraduate and graduate programs:

English Language Test

 Score

TOEFL iBT

Overall score of 72 to 114

PTE

Overall score of 59 to 84 with minimum of 59 to 80 in each section

Also read: Required IELTS Score for UK Universities

Q:   Which exam is better among IELTS and OET?

A:

While both the exams measure the English language abilities of the candidates. It is important to understand the admission requirement before applying for the test. Candidates should keep in mind that while the OET exam is limited to healthcare professionals, the IELTS exam covers a more generic base of students.

Q:   How can I get a 100% scholarship to study in UK?

A:

Yes, it is possible to get 100% scholarships to study in the UK. There are various external funding agencies that offer 100% scholarships to international students to study in the UK. Three main UK government scholarships for international students are;

However, to get 100% scholarships to study in the UK, international students must meet all the eligibility criteria and apply within the deadlines.

Q:   What is the cost of an Essex MBA?

A:

The University of Essex MBA cost is vary from INR 17 L to INR 27 L for first-year. The university offers an affordable MBA programme to international students. The table below includes the complete first year cost of studying MBA program: 

Fees components

Amount (for 1 year)

Tuition & fees

INR 27,67,000

Hostel & Meals

INR 6,59,321

Insurance

INR 85,888

Total approximate fees

INR 35,12,209

Also read: MBA in the UK Cost 

About the Author
author-image
Written by
Raj Vimal
Study Abroad Expert

Raj Vimal has experience of 7+ years in SEO Content Writing, which includes 5+ years in the Ed-Tech industry. He has written articles about studying abroad, especially in the USA, UK, and other English-speaking coun... Read Full Bio

Explore popular study destinations
Resources for you
Understand the process step by step by referring to these guides curated just for you
qna

Comments