There are two tests that candidates require to qualify for studying and working as a health professional abroad; OET and PTE. The difference between OET and PTE are mentioned in detail in the article below. Give it a read.
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Thinking of studying or pursuing a healthcare career abroad? PTE and OET are the two compulsory tests that need to be taken. Therefore, knowing the difference between OET and PTE is essential. While the former is taken for admission into healthcare, the latter is an English proficiency test for admissions into various colleges and universities.
OET stands for Occupational English Test. The scores are recognised widely by organisations abroad. Furthermore, countries like Australia, Canada, Ireland, Maldives, Malta, Namibia, New Zealand, Philippines, Qatar, Spain, Singapore, U.K., United Arab Emirates, U.S.A., and Ukraine accept the scores.
PTE stands for Pearson Test of English. The PTE scores are acknowledged by more than 3,000 educational institutes such as universities and colleges, including a few of the best universities.
Difference Between OET and PTE
The basic difference between OET and PTE regarding the conducting body, level of examination, time limit, medium of answering is mentioned in the table below. Besides, these are the preliminary particulars that the candidates should be knowledgeable about.
| Particulars | OET | PTE |
| Full Form | Occupational English Test | Pearson Test of English |
| Conducting Authority | Cambridge Boxhill Language Assessment Trust (CBLA) | Pearson PCL Group |
| Level of Examination | International | |
| Duration of Exam | 170 Minutes (Approx.) | 180 minutes |
| Exam Mode | Online & Offline (Both) | Online |
Difference Between OET and PTE - Exam Pattern
The OET and PTE have different exam patterns. The speaking and writing sections of PTE are combined while it is separated for OET. The duration of time for different sections differ as well. Therefore, here is the difference between OET and PTE exam patterns:
| Subjects | OET | Subjects | PTE |
| Speaking | 20 Minutes (approx.) | Speaking and Writing | 75-93 Minutes |
| Writing | 45 Minutes | Reading | 30-40 Minutes |
| Listening | 45 Minutes | Listening | 45-50 Minutes |
| Reading | 60 Minutes |
Difference Between OET and PTE - Exam Syllabus
Mention of any particular syllabus for the OET and PTE exams are not found. However, the candidates' reading, writing, listening and speaking skills are thoroughly assessed.
| OET | |||
| Speaking | Writing | Listening | Reading |
Role-Play to understand the following:
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| PTE | |||
| Speaking and Writing | Reading | Listening | |
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Difference Between OET and PTE - Which One to Choose?
There is the dangling question while learning the difference between OET and PTE, which one to choose? As mentioned earlier, the scores of both exams are accepted worldwide and are internationally recognised. Besides, OET is an occupational test for candidates willing to seek an occupation in the healthcare profession. Simultaneously, PTE is an educational test for candidates seeking education from institutes in foreign countries.
- Therefore, find the purpose. To be precise, search for the reason you want to seek any of these exams? How is it helpful for you in the longspun? What are the privileges of these exams?
- Critically analyse the benefits and drawbacks of each exam. Thoroughly learn the syllabus and exam pattern. Further, compare the frequency of the exams and the availability of the study materials.
Why Should One Take OET or PTE Tests?
When considering the decision to apply for professional healthcare practices, candidates prefer OET over PTE. OET is more straightforward according to the needs of healthcare professionals. Another reason doctors, nurses and physios take the OET rather than the PTE is because they seem more comfortable with the glossary connected with their profession. In the OET writing sub-test, they compose a letter utilising the medical vocabulary they are accustomed to. Besides, they do not face any questions about 'space travel' or 'global warming. The identical runs for reading and listening: The words they catch are medical words; that is well-known.
- Furthermore, the OET encourages professional advancement. The tasks that are specified in the OET are replicas of the workplace setting. Hearing to the interviewer and taking notes in the listening sub-test, for example, is one such real-life assignment. Composing a discharge letter is another. The OET test can equip candidates for their forthcoming role in the hospital or clinic.
- However, when taking admissions into various universities and colleges abroad, PTE is more convenient. Generally, PTE results are published within a few days of the exam date. It is calculated to be cheaper than OET. Moreover, the PTE is held in over 200 locations around the globe. Besides, more than 3,000 colleges accept the score. PTE is more basic and focuses on day-to-day English communication.
- Simultaneously, OET has a more professional approach focusing on communication in a health clinic or other relevant working environment. Therefore, it is not easy to get high scores in OET as compared to PTE.
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