Everything you need to know about sitting OET at home

Oct 16, 2020.

2020 was a year where we were all forced to adapt… from changes to the way we give and receive healthcare with the increased use of virtual consultations to changing the way we catch up with friends via Skype, Zoom and FaceTime – we have a new way of living.

However, there is a recent change we want to celebrate which is the introduction of OET at Home – the Occupational English language test approved by the GMC and NMC that you can now sit from the comfort of your own home! This change means more efficient, quicker and earlier access to your NHS role.

In this blog post, we answer all of the questions you need to know about sitting OET at Home.

Who can sit OET at Home?

At this moment in time, OET at Home will initially only be available for doctors and nurses.

Why did they introduce OET at Home?

Due to Covid 19, a lot of doctors and nurses were in a position where either A) their OET exam was cancelled or deferred, or B) their successfully passed qualification is due to expire before they could apply for GMC Registration, their UK Health and Care Visa or even secure an NHS post.

Of course, this is unfair and out of their control however, the virus is still very much present and less healthcare professionals will gain access to upcoming dates due to the need to socially distance and we should avoid spending long-periods of time in confined, non-ventilated spaces.

Not only this, but due to the cancellations there is an extremely large backlog of candidates waiting to sit their OET exam.

As a result of all this… The OET body has introduced the fantastic idea of allowing doctors and nurses to sit their exam safely and virtually!

How does it work?

On the day of your test, after you have launched the exam, you will need to complete the following:

Image capture
ID capture
Candidate detail confirmation
360 degree environment check
Physical person check

After you have passed the above steps, you’ll be ready to take the listening, reading writing sub-tests of OET@Home. The Speaking element of the test will take place separately via Zoom. During the test, you’ll have a live examination proctor watching you complete the test and they’ll be available for help should any issues arise.

Please click here for a full guide on how to set up your OET test at home.

If you would like some extra support for your exam preparation, you could partake in an online preparation course for free! If you purchase a Swoosh English course, you will get 100% of your money back when you start working within an NHS hospital secured by ID Medical!

Join our Facebook Group – IMGS: The UK Doctors Network

We post daily blog posts, updates and insights into how to successfully relocate to the UK and join the NHS! What’s more is you can ask us your relocation questions and get specialist advice and guidance! Just hit the ‘learn more’ button below!

Click here to check out our Doctors Network Facebook group

Will I be guaranteed a seat at OET at Home?

Unfortunately, not. OET at Home will initially be introduced as invitation only. The body will invite candidates based on their location and how long their test has been deferred for. That being said, OET has released a statement saying that they plan to allow all candidates to access it from home in the future.

Can I still take a paper-based test?

Absolutely! If you don’t have access to the right technology at home or you would just prefer to take your exam within an official OET test facility, then you will still have this option available to you (both paper-based and computer-based).

Can I sit the OET at Home at any time I want?

You cannot sit the OET at Home at any time you desire; however, depending on your location you can obtain a test on average, once a week! Please do view their available dates here.

How much does the OET at Home exam cost?

The exam costs the same as the paper-based exam, at a cost of £325.

Will the test be harder or easier than the paper-based test?

OET at Home is the same as the exam you would sit at a test centre and so, it’s not harder or easier.

The introduction of OET at Home is a reason to celebrate and not only will it be safer for healthcare professionals to sit their English exam but it will also allow more people to access the exam – which means that one step closer to relocating to the UK and joining the NHS!