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1. Start with OET's own materials
The official OET website, oet.com, has the most reliable preparation material, because it comes from the people who make the test. Free resources listed there include:
- Sample tests for Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking, for the computer and the paper versions of the test.
- A free Intro to OET course, with versions for nursing, medicine and allied health.
- The OET Study Guide and a Language Handbook.
- Free videos and live Q&A sessions on OET's YouTube and Facebook pages.
oet.com also lists preparation providers, if you want a paid course or feedback on your writing and speaking from an OET teacher. Always check the current details on oet.com, as their offers change.
2. Add our free OET practice
Use these alongside the official samples:
- OET practice test: Reading Part A, a nursing referral letter with a model answer, and speaking role-plays.
- OET Listening practice test: Parts A, B and C, marked instantly.
- OET Reading practice test: all three parts, with explanations.
- OET full mock test: all four sub-tests in the real order and timings.
Then follow a free 6-week plan: grade C+ or grade B.
3. OET practice books (optional)
Who they suit: nurses and doctors who have used the free official samples and want more full practice tests.
What to look for: Cambridge publishes OET Trainer books with six practice tests and answers, for Nursing and for Medicine. Other publishers also have OET books. Whatever you choose:
- check the publication date, and that the test parts match the current OET description on oet.com;
- choose a book for your profession if you can, because Writing and Speaking are profession-specific;
- prefer books with answers, audio and model letters.
How to use them: keep full practice tests for the second half of your preparation, and take them timed.
See OET practice books (paid link).
4. English Grammar in Use (for writing accuracy)
Who it suits: nurses and doctors whose letters are clear and well organised, but lose marks on small grammar mistakes: articles (a, the), tenses, and prepositions.
What's inside: Raymond Murphy's self-study grammar book for intermediate learners (B1–B2), with short explanations, exercises and answers. The current one is the 5th edition.
How to use it: after each practice letter, list your grammar mistakes, and do the matching units. Our referral letter guide covers structure and tone.
Get English Grammar in Use (paid link).
5. A learner's dictionary
A learner's dictionary such as the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary explains everyday and academic words in plain English, with example sentences and the prepositions that go with them. That helps with patient-friendly language in Speaking, and with accurate wording in Writing. Oxford's learner's dictionary website is free; the book is for people who prefer paper. For medical terms, a medical dictionary from your training is better.
Get the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary (paid link).
A note on scores
Grade requirements are set by registration boards and government departments, not by OET or by us, and they can change. Check the current requirement directly with the organisation you are applying to before you book.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best OET preparation material?
OET's own materials on oet.com, because they come from the people who make the test. Many are free, including sample tests for all four sub-tests.
Are there OET books for my profession?
Some books are written for one profession, such as nursing or medicine. Listening and Reading are the same for every profession, so any good OET book helps with those.
How do I know an OET book is up to date?
Check the publication date and compare the book's test parts with the current test description on oet.com. Avoid books that don't match.
What OET grade do I need?
It depends on your profession and the organisation you are applying to. Check the current requirements with your registration board or the government department directly.
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