The OET is an exam of English language proficiency, not of medical insights, and developers of tests ensure to reduce areas where candidates could use familiarity instead of language expertise to answer. The sub-tests of OET Listening and Reading are therefore not specific to any profession. They, therefore, are generic for all candidates and concentrate on various general medical and health-related issues.
At times, certain subjects may contain subject matter that is customary for one specific health expert’s area of proficiency, the language assignments and matters related to the contents are intended to test language proficiency rather than the applicant’s knowledge of that subject.
The sub-tests of Occupational English Test Writing and Speaking are specific to a profession in a way that an applicant’s profession finalizes which test materials they should get. The intention here is that the skills of writing and speaking offer opportunities to candidates as per their professional duties to establish their levels of communication abilities in familiar workplace conditions.
Although all health professionals consult with patients/clients, they most often engage with those patients/clients about dissimilar issues in different situations. Research by Vidakovic & Khalifa in 2013 points out that getting ready for OET helps in getting candidates ready for the workplace and enhances their confidence in interacting with patients and peers.