Do you know that just by understanding the OET listening score chart, you can make a huge difference in your overall score? But how? It is because when you learn about the marking criteria of the listening section, it informs you how your performance will be assessed. Also, it helps you identify on what basis the examiner will evaluate your exam. Ultimately, this leads to focusing on areas that will help you achieve a good score. But are you aware of the score chart? If not, then read the blog to discover how the OET listening subtest is marked and find a few tips to ace the listening section.
Table of Contents
Firstly, you need to understand that OET listening aims to assess the listening abilities of professionals from the medical field who belong to non-English speaking nations. The listening section of the OET exam lasts up to 40 minutes and consists of three parts.
You can expect 42 questions in total, which are designed to reflect real-life interactions in healthcare. Part A of the listening section includes note-completion tasks, in which candidates need to listen to interactions between patients and professionals to complete the notes. On the other hand, Part B contains multiple-choice tasks based on a workplace conversation, like handovers.
Lastly, part C of the OET listening includes a few audio abstracts in the form of presentations or lectures on healthcare issues, which you must listen correctly to answer the objective questions. It was all about the format of the listening test to help you understand what to expect in the exam.
Before you take the OET test, there are a few things that are crucial to know, such as the OET syllabus, exam pattern, and marking criteria. Hence, let’s understand the OET listening scoring system through the table given below:
| Raw Score (On a Scale of 0-42) | CEFR Level | OET Grade |
|---|---|---|
| 38 – 42 | C2 | A (450 – 500) |
| 30 – 37 | C1 | B (440 – 350) |
| 23 – 29 | B2 | C+ (300 – 340) |
| 18 – 22 | B2 | C (290 – 200) |
| Below 18 | Below B2 | D/E (190 – 0) |
The OET listening is scored on a scale of 42 marks, where you get 1 mark for every correct answer. The sub-test consists of three parts: Part A, B, and C, each worth 24, 6, and 12 marks, respectively. Understanding the OET listening scoring system can help you enhance your overall scores.
Therefore, below is detailed information regarding how each section of the listening sub-test is marked.
Part A of OET listening is evaluated by two qualified examiners who double-mark the answers of each applicant against a precise marking guide. The basis on which the OET score should be awarded to test-takers is specified in the marking guide. Moreover, the aggregate of the OET listening score for A is 24 marks, which you can acquire easily by working on your listening skills.
Part B consists of six short audio clips, which are 45 seconds long. The OET listening score for B can help you secure 6 marks. Further, the examiner will provide one objective-based question for each extract that you will answer after listening to all audio.
A computer is used to calculate OET listening score for part B. This section evaluates your skill in interpreting short conversations, including purpose and details.
Part C of the OET listening subtest consists of 12 questions, each count for 1 mark. Hence, the total OET listening score for part C is worth 12 marks, which makes up a significant portion of overall marks. However, unlike part A, the answers of part C are automatically assessed and scanned through the computer.
The OET listening score may vary depending on the profession in healthcare. However, a minimum score of 350, which indicates a Grade B, is required in almost every profession, including nursing and pharmacy. It means you should aim to achieve 30 marks from the OET listening score out of 42 to secure a B grade. Moreover, some professions may have lower score requirements in the writing section.
Now, let’s take a glance at the table below of the OET listening score chart and find the minimum score requirement for different professions.
| Healthcare Profession | Minimum OET Listening Score Required | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Medicine (Doctors) | 350–400 | Grade B or above |
| Speech Pathology | 350 | Grade B |
| Veterinary Science | 300 | Grade C+ |
| Pharmacy | 350 | Grade B |
| Nursing | 350 | Grade B |
| Occupational Therapy | 300–350 | Grade C+ to B |
| Dietetics | 300–350 | Grade C+ to B |
| Radiography | 300 | Grade C+ |
| Dentistry | 350 | Grade B |
| Physiotherapy | 300–350 (varies by institute) | Grade C+ to B |
Every test-taker aspires to achieve a specific score when they consider taking the test. But is attaining your desired score that easy? Of course not, but it's not impossible if you prepare for your exam by taking some expert tips. Therefore, read the tips to secure a strong score in your OET listening subtest.
Firstly, start working on your listening skills to develop active listening ability; it will help you identify keywords and remember important details. Also, focus on identifying the main gist, the speaker's opinion, and specific details by listening to various audio. Moreover, pay close attention towards the signposts such as "to summarise" or "firstly". It helps to understand the conversation more clearly.
Secondly, you should expand your vocabulary knowledge by working on your language skills. For this, you can keep a notebook in which you should record different vocabulary words and medical terminologies. Additionally, ensure that you familiarize yourself with Australian, American, and British accents by listening to podcasts and YouTube videos.
Thirdly, try to make optimum use of your pre-listening time, which you get before hearing each audio. During these 15 seconds, you can read the context sentences written next to each question number. This tip will help you understand the question's intent and find the correct answer to achieve a score that exceeds a mere passing score for OET listening sub-test.
Lastly, you need to practice regularly to secure a good score on the OET exam. Further, you can practice through an OET listening sample or mock tests available on various websites for free. It is the key thing that can boost your overall score.
Summing up, understanding the OET listening score chart can offer you key insights into what examiners expect from the test-takers. Additionally, it provides details on how the marks are evaluated and which areas you should focus on.
However, reading the score chart is not enough to achieve your desired score. Hence, connect with our experts at Gradding.com to develop effective study strategies for approaching the listening section of OET correctly.
1. What is the format of the OET listening subtest?
The OET listening test consists of three parts: parts A, B, and C, and includes 42 questions. Part A includes note-completion tasks and lasts for 5 minutes. Further, Part B involves six short questions from workplace extracts, and Part C features two interview or presentation extracts that last for 5 minutes.
2. For how long are OET test results valid?
The OET scores are valid for 2 years from the date on which the test was taken by the candidate. However, the precise validity period is determined through regulatory councils, boards, and authorities that require OET scores.
3. Will I get time to read the questions before the audio starts in the OET listening subtest?
Yes, candidates get time to read questions before the examiner starts the audio for each section. This time enables candidates to familiarise themselves with questions and identify what information they need to listen to.
4. Are there different accents used in the audio in the OET listening part?
Yes, the listening subtest of OET includes audio with different accents. It reflects the international nature of the healthcare field and evaluates the candidate’s ability to comprehend various accents. You can encounter mixed accents, like Australian, American, and British.
5. Which is the hardest part of the OET exam?
The hardest part of the OET exam depends on the personal strengths and weaknesses of test-takers. However, according to most candidates, the writing and reading sections of OET are tough, and they fail to pass these sections of the OET.
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