I had not yet finished my Nursing Degree and I was already looking forward to working abroad. Rumor had it IELTS was a super difficult test and even though my English level was good, I was a bit reluctant about sitting that exam… That was when I learned Occupational English Test could be an option and, nowadays, looking back, I am ever so grateful I was given the chance to sit the OET.

 

First things first, what is the big difference between IELTS and OET? Which one is easier?

The acronym IELTS stands for International English Language Testing System and it gives you the option to choose between the Academic module and the General Training module. The “tricky” side of this exam is the fact that, for instance, the Reading and Listening modules consist of topics of general interest to students at undergraduate or postgraduate level, which makes it harder to predict or to prepare beforehand.

 

On the other hand, OET stands for, as aforementioned, Occupational English Test and, as the name suggests, its main focus is the ability to speak English fluently within your profession. This is the main reason why many people tend to find it easier: you somehow know what to expect.

 

This exam has got four components: Reading and Listening, which can be about any of the twelve professions (Dentistry, Dietetics, Medicine, Nursing, Occupational Therapy, Optometry, Pharmacy, Physiotherapy, Podiatry, Radiology, Speech therapy, and Veterinary Science) and Writing and Speaking, which are profession-specific.

 

To help you during your preparation journey, VP Formação powered by Vitae Professionals has developed in-depth online OET Preparation Programmes that will surely help you achieve success! Also, you get the opportunity to improve your skills on the OET component you might have more difficulties with, by having access to Pack Mock Exams, Pack Listening + Reading, Pack Writing Tasks and Pack Speaking Sessions. If you would like to go even further, you can attend online and on-site OET Intensive Bootcamps, where you’ll have the opportunity to share your experience with other candidates and learn from different teachers.

To conclude, please accept a sneak peak of what we have to offer with regards to OET preparation.

We are pleased to say we are on the lead when it comes to OET Preparation Courses in Portugal. Join us if you’d like to know more and to have access to specialised content!