FAQ

Who accepts the OET?
The regulatory authorities that endorse the OET can be found on our Boards & Councils page. The OET Centre is not responsible for setting regulatory authority standards and policies. You must check their English language requirements as their policies are subject to change.
Do you have an office in _____?
All administrative matters are handled through the OET Centre in Melbourne, Australia. Test venues may change and you should not contact them directly. If you have any questions about your application or the day of the Test, contact the OET Centre through our online enquiry form.
How do I download an application form?
We only accept online applications made through our website for the OET. This is more convenient as everything can be done online and you won’t have to worry about your application arriving at the Centre safely.
When is the next test administration?
Click here for a list of our upcoming test dates. Another way to check our test dates is to start the application process and check when the OET is available at your choice of venue.
Your test administration dates are not convenient. Can I take the Test another time?
Our test dates are set far in advance and cannot be changed. We do not have special or 'one off' administrations.
Where can I sit the OET?
The OET is administered in many locations around the world. Click here for a list of our current venues.
Why don’t you have a test venue in _____ ?
If you don’t see test centre near you, it is probably because we haven’t experienced enough demand in that area. Contact us through our online Enquiry page if you would like to sit the OET in a city not currently listed. It takes time for us to arrange venues so let us know well in advance. We cannot guarantee that we will be able to find a venue for you.
I don’t have an email address. Can I share with a friend?
Every candidate who takes the OET needs their own email address. As we have candidates all over the world, the easiest way to contact everyone is by email.
How much does the OET cost?
To take the Test in Australia, the fees are: To take the Test outside Australia, the fees are: Full sit (4 sub-tests) A$580.80 Full sit (4 sub-tests) A$775 3 sub-tests A$470.80 3 sub-tests A$600 2 sub-tests A$332.20 2 sub-tests A$425 1 sub-test A$193.60 1 sub-test A$225 All Australian prices include GST. All Test fees are in Australian Dollars.
What do I need to apply for the OET?
* You need a suitable digital photo. The photo guidelines are given on the first page of the application process. * You need to know your current identification document (passport) number and ensure that this ID document will be current on the test day. * If you are paying online, you need a Visa or MasterCard credit card [not a debit card].
I don't have a given name / family name. How do I fill in the online form?
In the space for which you have no name put a single dash - and the system will accept your name.
Why do I have to login to resit the OET?
All results are linked to one candidate number. Your results history may be important so you need to login for the system to make this connection. All new applications are full sits - new candidates must sit all four sub-tests
My candidate number is different. Why?
When we launched this system in July 2007, we changed the candidate number system as well. Use your new candidate number (format: xxx-xxx-xxx) for all correspondence and when taking the Test.
I have never taken the OET before and I only want to sit one sub-test. Can I do that?
If you are sitting the OET for the first time, you must sit all four sub-tests: Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking
How can I pay?
When you apply to take the OET, you are given the choice of payment by credit card, bank cheque / money order, or through a third party - an organisation or government department (e.g., AEI-NOOSR if you are taking the Test in Australia). Once payment has been received, the OET Centre will notify you by email that your application has been accepted. Your application is not complete until we receive payment from you
What happens if I choose to pay by credit card?
If you choose to pay by credit card, you will pay when applying through our website. All payments are taken by SecurePay and the OET Centre does not retain your credit card details. We only accept Visa and MasterCard.
What happens if I choose to pay by bank cheque or money order?
If you choose to pay by bank cheque or (in Australia) by money order, you must complete the online application first and send your payment to us by post / courier, along with a printout of the summary page. All funds must be in Australian dollars and drawn on an Australian bank. Make the bank cheque or money order payable to CAE. We do not accept personal cheques. Payment of this type must reach our office by the last working day before the closing date (our office is open Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm). The OET Centre is not responsible if your payment does not reach our offices. If you are overseas, it is a good idea to send the cheque by registered post or courier. Details can be found on our Contact Us page. You must allow adequate time for delivery.Your application is not complete until we receive your payment.
I wasn’t able to send my cheque before the application closing date. What happens now?
Payment must be received before the application closing date or you will not be able to sit the Test. You will be deferred to the next available test administration and charged A$150 as a deferral fee.
I don’t have an electronic copy of my photo. What should I do?
Our application process requires that you upload a digital photo. Our requirements are explained in detail at Apply For the First Time and Apply to Resit. It is very important that you comply with them, otherwise you will not pass the ID check on the test day.
I want to order an additional Statement of Results? What should I do?
f you are applying for an upcoming administration of the OET, you can now order and pay for additional Statements of Results as you submit your application. An additional Statement of Results costs A$50. If you would like your additional Statement of Results mailed via registered post, you are required to pay an additional A$10. If you order and pay for additional Statements of Results as you submit your application, you do so at your own risk. The OET Centre will not process a refund for additional Statements of Results under any circumstances.
The system won't let me apply for the next Test! What should I do?
OET policy is that candidates cannot apply to re-sit sub-tests until their results from the previous Test have been published. Our system is hardwired to enforce this policy. However, it is possible to apply for sub-tests which you did not take at the previous Test. For example, if you sit for Listening and Reading at one Test, you can apply to sit for Writing and/or Speaking at a subsequent Test before the previous results for Listening and Reading are published.
I have a (health) condition that affects how I need to take the Test. What should I do?
You may make a request for special provision. Requests for special provision should be received by the OET Centre at the same time you make your application. If the condition arises after you submit your application, you should make the request immediately. If the request is accepted, your application may be deferred to a subsequent test administration in order to accommodate you. A new request form must be submitted with each application to sit the OET. Download a Request for Special Provision form. Read and complete it carefully and make sure you provide the supporting documentation required. All Requests for Special Provision must be submitted to the OET Centre before the application closing date of an OET administration.
How will you keep me up to date about my application and Test?
It is very important to have an active email address and to check it regularly - this is how we communicate with our candidates. Precise venue details and your timetable will be sent to you by email approximately two weeks before the test date. You should also regularly check the Latest News section on the Home page of this website for important announcements.
I haven’t received any emails from you. Why not?
Check that the username / email address you are using is correct. Also check the spam folder / junk folder of your inbox - our correspondence may have ended up there.
I checked my spam folder but I still haven't received anything. Why not?
Some people who reported communication problems have Rediffmail or 163.com accounts. This is not a problem that can be solved by the OET Centre. If you think you have not been getting correspondence from us, we suggest you sign up for a different email service. To change your email address, log in and view your contact details through your profile page. Even if you change your email address, your login will remain the same as the one you first signed up with.
I made a mistake when I filled in my application form. What should I do?
You can correct most things yourself by logging on to our website and viewing your profile. These include things like address and telephone number, but you cannot change details related to your ID. If you cannot correct the mistake, contact the OET Centre by lodging an online enquiry.
What happens if I realise my identification document does not meet the OET Centre’s policy and Test Regulation on candidate identification and it is less than three weeks before the OET?
You are responsible for the accuracy of the information you enter into our online registration system as part of the OET application process. This includes your identification document type and number. Any updates you require to the identification document information you entered into our online registration system, including identification document type and number, must be submitted to the OET Centre NO LESS than three weeks before the OET. The OET Centre reserves the right to refuse entry to the test venue and retain your application fee if the identification document you present at the Test does not match exactly the candidate register at the test venue and meet the Test Regulations. Click the following link to download the Test Regulations.
What happens if my identification document is lost or stolen before the Test?
You must contact the OET Centre immediately. You can contact the OET Centre by lodging an online enquiry.
I’ve changed my mind. I don’t want to sit the OET now. I want to sit it later. How do I defer the Test?
You can defer your application by logging on to our website, visiting your profile page and clicking the 'Defer' button on the right. If you decide to defer, you must pay A$150 as a deferral fee by credit card (Visa or MasterCard only). Ensure you are aware of our Deferrals & Withdrawals Policy. The deadline for deferrals is three weeks before the Test.
I’ve changed my mind. I don’t want to sit the OET at all. How do I withdraw?
You can withdraw your application by logging on to our website, visiting your profile page and clicking the 'Withdraw' button on the right. Ensure you are aware of our Deferrals & Withdrawals Policy. The deadline for withdrawals is three weeks before the Test.
If I withdraw, am I entitled to a refund? How long will it take?
If you decide to withdraw from the OET in line with our policy, you will receive a refund of 50% of the fee paid. This may take up to six weeks to process.
I’ve [changed my address / changed my phone number / changed my name]. What should I do?
Log on to the website and change your details. Remember, it is your responsibility to keep your contact details up to date. If you have changed your name, you must contact the OET Centre and provide proof of this change at least three weeks before your test date. We are unable to update ID details after that.
I have changed my mind and want to sit the OET in a different venue. What should I do?
If you wish to change the venue where you will sit the Test and if it is before the closing date for applications for the Test, you should contact the OET Centre with your request. There is no guarantee that it will be possible to change the venue, as venue places fill as people apply and venues might be closed.
Help! I can’t log in. What should I do?
There could be a few reasons why you can’t log in. * Technical difficulties – Please try again in a few minutes. * Wrong password – If you have forgotten your password, enter your email (username) in the box below the login and your password will be emailed to your registered email account. * Wrong username – When you create your application for the first time, you must enter your details carefully. If you have entered the wrong email address, let the OET Centre know immediately.
How do I prepare for the OET?
You can download a set of practice materials from our website to help you study. * Additional practice materials can be ordered from the OET Bookshop. * We have a list of training providers. The OET Centre does not endorse any particular training program. There is also information about preparing for each sub-test on the Test Information page.
Where exactly is the Test? When will I receive my timetable and venue information?
We will email you the location of the Test. This information will be emailed to you approximately two weeks before the day of the Test. It cannot be released before then.
What do I need to know about the test day?
You must read the Test Regulations carefully. They can be found on a link through your candidate profile page or here: download the Test Regulations.
What happens if the identification document I take to the test venue does not meet the OET Centre’s policy and Test Regulation on candidate identification?
You will NOT be permitted to take the OET under any circumstances. The OET Centre will retain your application fee. Click the following link to download the Test Regulations.
How long does the Test take?
You must allow the full day for your Test. Please refer to your venue and timetable information for the starting and finishing times of each sub-test at your venue. The individual Speaking interviews are timetabled for the afternoon. You must be available for the whole of this period.
I was ill on the day of the Test and could not attend. What should I do?
Refer to our Deferrals & Withdrawals Policy. Supporting documents can be sent via post to the OET Centre or as an attachment to [email protected] and must be received within two weeks from the day of the Test.
Something happened that affected my performance on the test day. What should I do?
The first step in the procedure is to download the Request for Special Consideration form and instructions. Read the information carefully to see if it applies to you. All requests must be received within two weeks of the day of the Test.
When will I get my results?
The results from your Test are published on the website for you to access by logging in to your online profile approximately 19 business days after the test. Official Statements of Results will be posted as soon as possible after this. We send them to the address given in your contact details at the time the results are published. Up-to-date information about publication of results can be found on the homepage of this website under 'Latest News'.
Can you send my results sooner?
The OET Centre has very strict procedures when assessing test materials. Individual candidates cannot be isolated and fast-tracked – our processes require all candidates to be treated as one group. Results are published on the website for you to access by logging in to your online profile approximately 19 business days after the test. You need to allow for this in choosing your test date, particularly if you need your results in order to meet an application deadline with professional authorities.
I have changed my address. Can you send my results to my new address?
Log in to the website and change your details. Remember, it is YOUR responsibility to keep your contact details up to date.
What does a Statement of Results include?
A current Statement of Results includes your name and date of birth (as provided in your application), your profession (e.g., Medicine), your photo and your candidate number. It lists all the test results you have obtained in the OET for a two-year period, with the most recent first. For example, a Statement of Results for the June 2009 administration includes all test results obtained by the same candidate identity at test administrations since July 2007. Each Statement contains security features which allow confirmation of its authenticity.
I want to order an additional Statement of Results? What should I do?
To order an additional Statement of Results go to the home page of this website, login to your profile using your username and password (if applicable), click on Candidate Information then Statement of Results. Your results will be posted to the address you specify approximately two to three weeks after your application is received. You should wait to receive your results as you do not want to pay for additional copies you do not need.
I tried to print my results from my online profile. Why doesn't it work?
The professional Boards will only accept official Statements of Results - you cannot print them from your online profile to send to Boards.
Can I get my results by email / telephone / fax?
OET Centre policy is to provide candidates' results by post. Candidates can also log on and view results from their profile page.
I don't know why I got this result. How can I get more information?
If you are not sure why you got a certain result, you can apply for qualitative feedback. Qualitative feedback is available for the Writing and/or Speaking sub-test and is provided only when the grade you got requires you to re-sit the sub-test. The feedback consists of a brief written report that provides information against the assessment criteria. Applying for qualitative feedback will not change your result.