Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about the OET exam, how to prepare for it, and the OET Ultimacy platform — answered clearly in one place.

About the OET Exam

What is the OET exam?

The Occupational English Test (OET) is an international English language proficiency exam developed specifically for healthcare professionals. Unlike general tests such as IELTS or TOEFL, OET uses profession-specific scenarios — nurses face nursing consultations, doctors encounter medical case summaries. All four language skills are assessed. It is recognised in more than 20 countries.

Which countries accept the OET exam?

OET is recognised in more than 20 countries including the United Kingdom, Australia, Ireland, New Zealand, Canada, United States, UAE, Singapore, Malta, Qatar, Namibia, Maldives, and the Philippines. Always verify current requirements with your target country's regulatory body.

What score is needed to pass OET?

OET scores range from 0 to 500, expressed as letter grades. The standard requirement across most countries and professions is Grade B (350+) in all four subtests. Special conditions apply for UK NMC, New Zealand Nursing Council, and Australian visa authorities.

Exam Preparation

How much time is needed to prepare for OET?

On average, candidates need around 2 months of structured, focused preparation to reach Grade B readiness. A candidate starting at B2 level may be ready in 6–8 weeks, while a candidate starting at B1 level may need 3–4 months. Quality and consistency of daily study matter the most.

What English proficiency level do I need to pass OET?

OET Grade B corresponds roughly to CEFR C1 level (advanced English). The majority of candidates begin preparation at B1 or B2 level and must work on both general English proficiency and OET technique simultaneously.

My English level is below B1 (A2 or lower). Should I build my level first before preparing for OET?

We recommend starting OET preparation immediately. Working towards OET itself is one of the most effective ways to raise your English level because the content is directly relevant to your medical vocabulary and clinical communication needs.

Exam Logistics

How much does the OET exam cost?

The standard OET exam fee for all four subtests is AUD 587 (approximately USD 375–455). This includes a non-refundable booking fee of AUD 7. There are no student concessions or discounts.

What are the OET exam delivery modes? What is the difference between paper-based and computer-based?

OET is available on paper at a venue, on computer at a venue, and fully remote at home. The questions, scoring, dates, and fees are identical across all formats. Always verify acceptance with your specific regulatory body.

Can I cancel or defer my OET exam? What are the fees?

Yes. You can cancel or reschedule through your OET account. Fees depend on timing: before bookings close it is AUD 120 + booking fee; after bookings close it is AUD 200 + booking fee. Within the last 2 days there is no refund.

Can I retake only one subtest instead of the full exam?

Yes, OET itself allows you to book and resit individual subtests. However, whether your target regulatory body accepts partial retake scores is a separate matter that varies by country and profession. Always confirm with your authority first.

Is OET score clubbing allowed?

Score clubbing means combining subtest results from two different OET sittings. Whether this is permitted depends entirely on your target regulatory authority, not on OET itself. Conditions usually require sittings to be within 6 months.

Is copy and paste allowed during the OET computer-based exam?

Officially, OET has stated that cut, copy, and paste functions are locked down on test day. Anecdotally, some candidates report it working, but you should never build your Writing strategy around it being available. Practise writing completely from scratch.

About OET Ultimacy

What is OET Ultimacy?

OET Ultimacy is an expert-led online preparation platform built specifically for Arabic-speaking healthcare professionals — doctors, nurses, and pharmacists — who need to pass the Occupational English Test (OET). The platform is founded and taught by Dr Ahmed Elgendy.

Who is OET Ultimacy designed for?

Our platform is designed for Arabic-speaking healthcare professionals — including doctors, nurses, and pharmacists — preparing for the OET exam in order to work or migrate to English-speaking countries such as the UK, Australia, Ireland, the USA, New Zealand, or Canada.

What makes OET Ultimacy different from other OET courses?

Dr Ahmed Elgendy combines advanced medical English linguistics with deep knowledge of the specific language barriers faced by Arab candidates. Our platform offers computer-based reading mock exams, expert writing evaluation, and a structured 60-day intensive programme tailored to your specific needs.

Subscription

What subscription plans are available?

We offer three flexible Ultimacy Premium subscription plans: 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months. Each plan unlocks 14 advanced platform features including optimised recall tools, reading mocks, writing mocks, leaderboard access, and exclusive community groups.

How do I activate my subscription?

After signing up, contact Dr Ahmed Elgendy directly via Telegram (@elgendy011) or WhatsApp to complete your enrolment and have your subscription activated. Payment instructions and onboarding details will be shared with you at that stage.

Can I upgrade my subscription plan?

Yes. You can upgrade from a shorter plan to a longer plan at any time. Contact us via Telegram or WhatsApp and we will process the upgrade for you, crediting any remaining days from your current plan.

Course & Content

What OET subtests does the course cover?

The full OET Ultimacy course covers all four subtests: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. The platform includes recorded lectures, timed mock exams, expert writing evaluation, and 1-to-1 Speaking evaluation sessions.

How long is the OET Ultimacy course?

The core course is structured as a 60-day intensive programme with progressively increasing difficulty. You can work at your own pace, but it is designed so that a committed student achieves Grade B readiness within two months.

Are the reading mock exams computer-based like the real OET?

Yes. Our reading mock exams are fully computer-based and simulate the real OET examination environment, including the same time constraints, question types, and interface layout you will encounter on exam day.

How does writing correction work?

You can submit timed writing letters through the platform and receive expert written evaluation and personalised feedback from Dr Ahmed Elgendy. Feedback covers letter structure, vocabulary, register, accuracy, and communication effectiveness.

Technical

Do I need to install any software to use OET Ultimacy?

No installation is required. OET Ultimacy is a fully browser-based platform. You can access everything from any modern desktop or mobile browser.

Is the OET Ultimacy platform available on mobile devices?

Yes. The platform is fully responsive and works on smartphones and tablets. We recommend using a desktop or laptop for reading mocks and writing sessions to best simulate the real exam environment.

Community & Support

Is there a free community I can join?

Yes. We have a free Telegram Channel, a Telegram Group, a Facebook Group, and a YouTube Channel. These are open to everyone regardless of whether you have a subscription.

How do I contact Dr Ahmed Elgendy directly?

You can reach Dr Ahmed Elgendy directly on Telegram at @elgendy011 or on WhatsApp. For general enquiries, you can also email oetultimacy@gmail.com.