IELTS vs. OET Which test is best for you?
Some of the differences between the two tests in terms of their implications on a candidate's nursing practice. It is well known among those aiming for overseas nursing registration that the OET and IELTS test English language skills very differently. It is important to note that the OET is not easier than IELTS, but it requires a different knowledge of English. The OET tries to imitate the target workplace and was designed by both health professionals and language experts together. In comparison, IELTS was developed at Cambridge University as a tool for testing English language proficiency for a wide range of purposes (i.e. entry to universities and various professions). It requires a very high level of English and has been termed as the "gold standard" because those who pass must be extremely proficient. However, there is an argument that this type of proficiency is not necessarily relevant to nursing. Patsy Deverall, an examiner for both the OET and IELTS, states that "There is a huge intersection between language, culture and communication. IELTS is a measure of English proficiency but doesn't have a cultural component that can assess relationships between people or the cultural mores at play in particular situations with patients". (1) On the other hand, the OET tests English in a nursing context, so it can be said to be of greater benefit to the candidate in their future employment. It is important to remember however, that regardless of whether a candidate sits the OET or IELTS, the Nursing Council of New Zealand also requires a Competency Assessment Programme to be undertaken so that overseas nurses are fully prepared to work in a New Zealand environment. There are other small differences between the two tests: IELTS is substantially cheaper than the OET and is offered more often (25 times a year, compared with OET being only 10 times). This, combined with its established reputation, makes IELTS the more popular choice for most candidates. The OET also has its benefits - if a candidate does not gain a B pass in one or more skill areas, they are only required to re-sit those areas (at a lower price depending on how many skill areas need to be tested). Whereas students sitting IELTS must re-sit the entire test if any section is failed. Both tests have their various strong points - IELTS is instantly recognisable worldwide, and the OET can be helpful due to its healthcare context - and passing either of these leads on to nursing registration in New Zealand. Waikato Institute of Education offers preparation courses for both tests and are able to support students in whichever path they choose to gain nursing registration in New Zealand.
(1)
"Language Requirements Exclude Overseas Nurses from Practice" Kai Tiaki Nursing New Zealand: Vol 14 No 6, June 2008, pp. 16-18.
See below a table listing the advantages and disadvantages of IELTS and OET.
IELTS
+ PROS + + Used for a wide range of purposes including University Entrance and Immigration purposes. Can appear more prestigious than OET as is more widely recognized. Test is offered twice a month (25 times a year). Cheaper than OET to sit (see below) Has a testing centre in Hamilton. +
OET
Is more workplace-orientated than IELTS and is aimed at health & medical professions specifically. Designed by both health professionals and language experts. Argued to be more relevant to nursing and healthcare professions. Can re-sit individual skill areas separately. Test specialises in your specific field
+ + + +
+ + + +
CONS _ _ _ _ Cannot re-sit individual skill areas if one skill area is failed must re-sit entire test. Requires a very high level of English to achieve 7.0 score. Is not directly relevant to healthcare or nursing professions. Does not have cultural component relative to New Zealand. _ _ _ _ Students cannot re-sit the test until your previous results have been published. Offered only about 6 times a year in New Zealand. Does not have a testing centre in Hamilton (closest centre is in Auckland). Overall more expensive than IELTS to sit the test. (see cost comparison below)
Cost Comparison
Test: Full sit (4 sub-tests) 3 sub-tests 2 sub-tests 1 sub-test
OET
A$775
IELTS
(NZ$967)
A$600
(NZ$749)
A$425
NZ$365
(NZ$530)
A$225
(NZ$281)
