United Kingdom · English testThe three parts of OET Listening
| Part | What you hear | Questions |
|---|---|---|
| A | Two consultations between a health professional and a patient; you complete notes | 24 |
| B | Six short extracts from healthcare workplaces; one three-option question each | 6 |
| C | Two presentations or interviews; six three-option questions each | 12 |
How is OET Listening marked?
One mark for each correct answer, out of 42, converted to OET’s 500 scale. OET says grade B typically takes at least 30 marks, but since every test is new the number shifts slightly.
In Part A you must use the words you hear, not your own. You lose marks for repeating words already in the notes, adding something that isn’t in the recording, or contradicting yourself. Spelling and grammar can cost marks too, and you’re expected to spell common medical words such as diabetes or cholesterol correctly.
Checking time and accents
On paper you get two minutes at the end to check all three parts. On computer and OET@Home there’s a short pause after each question instead.
The recordings use a range of accents to reflect the healthcare workforce. OET names Australian, British and American as the main ones, with others such as New Zealand, Irish, Canadian and South African.
Where can you get an OET listening sample test?
On OET’s sample tests pages, by mode and profession, with the Listening audio included. OET also sells guided practice eBooks for three of its Listening sample tests.
Sources: OET and 3 more. Checked October 2026.
- OET: OET Test Handbook 2026 (PDF) ↗
- OET: Listening preparation ↗
- OET: Results and scoring ↗
- OET: Sample tests ↗
Rules and fees can change, so check the official site before your test.
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