The OET Writing Test
Everything you need to know about the OET writing sub-test: the exact format, what materials you receive, how to allocate your time, and what examiners assess when they read your letter.
Test Format at a Glance
The OET writing sub-test is a single task completed in 45 minutes. Unlike IELTS, which has two writing tasks, OET has one profession-specific letter based on clinical case notes.
45 Minutes Total
5 minutes reading time followed by 40 minutes writing time. The timer is strict and non-negotiable.
One Letter Task
You write a single professional letter based on provided case notes. The letter type varies (referral, discharge, transfer).
Case Notes Provided
You receive detailed patient case notes including history, current condition, medications, and relevant clinical details.
Profession-Specific
The scenario matches your registered profession. Nurses, doctors, pharmacists, and other professions each receive different case notes.
What Materials Are Provided
Understanding exactly what you will see on test day removes uncertainty and helps you focus entirely on the writing task.
Patient case notes
A structured set of notes including patient demographics, presenting complaint, medical history, current medications, examination findings, investigation results, and management plan. These are typically 150-250 words.
Writing task instructions
A brief statement telling you who you are (your professional role), who you are writing to (e.g., a GP, a specialist, a community nurse), and the general purpose of the letter.
Answer booklet
Lined paper for your letter. You write by hand. Your handwriting must be legible for the examiner. There is no word count requirement, but letters are typically 180-200 words.
What you do NOT receive
No dictionary, no electronic devices, no templates, and no extra paper. You may not bring any materials into the examination room beyond your identification.
Time Allocation Strategy
Poor time management is one of the most common reasons candidates underperform. Practise this time allocation until it becomes automatic.
Reading Time (5 minutes)
Read the case notes and writing task carefully. Identify the purpose of your letter, who you are writing to, and what they need to know. Underline the most relevant clinical information. Do not try to include everything. Mentally plan your paragraph structure.
Planning (3-5 minutes)
Briefly note your paragraph plan in the margin. Decide which case note information supports your purpose and which should be omitted. A clear plan prevents disorganised writing and saves time later.
Writing (25-30 minutes)
Write your letter following your plan. Open with a clear purpose statement. Present relevant clinical information in a logical order. Close with a specific request or recommendation. Aim for 180-200 words. Do not exceed the space provided.
Review (3-5 minutes)
Re-read your letter checking for grammar errors, missing information, unclear sentences, and tone. Verify your purpose statement is clear. Check that your closing includes a specific action for the reader.
What Examiners Assess
OET uses six official assessment criteria for the writing sub-test. Understanding each criterion helps you target your preparation and self-assess your practice letters.
Purpose
Is the reason for writing immediately clear to the reader from the opening? Does the letter establish why it is being sent and what the writer wants the reader to do?
Content
Have you selected the right information from the case notes? Is everything included relevant to the reader and the purpose? Have you omitted unnecessary details?
Conciseness & Clarity
Is the letter concise without losing important information? Are sentences clear and direct? Have you avoided unnecessary repetition?
Genre & Style
Does the letter follow professional letter conventions? Is the tone appropriate for the clinical context? Does it read like genuine clinical correspondence?
Organisation & Layout
Is the letter logically organised with clear paragraphing? Does information flow naturally from introduction to closing? Are transitions smooth?
Language
Is grammar accurate? Is vocabulary appropriate and varied? Are there spelling errors? Is punctuation correct? Language errors that impede understanding are penalised most heavily.
Exam Day Tips
Practical advice to help you perform at your best on test day.
Arrive early
Plan to arrive at least 30 minutes before your test time. Late arrivals may not be admitted.
Write legibly
Examiners must be able to read your handwriting. Practise writing at a pace that balances speed with clarity.
Read the task twice
Use your reading time to read the case notes and task instructions at least twice. Missing the intended recipient or purpose is a costly error.
Do not panic about word count
There is no strict word count. Focus on including all relevant information concisely. Letters under 150 words may lack sufficient content; letters over 250 words may lack conciseness.
Check your opening sentence
Your purpose statement is the single most important sentence. If the examiner cannot understand why you are writing after the first sentence, your score suffers across multiple criteria.
Leave time to review
Even 2-3 minutes of review time can catch grammar errors, missing articles, or an incomplete closing that would cost marks.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the OET writing test?
What materials are provided in the OET writing test?
Can I use a dictionary in the OET writing test?
What type of letter do I have to write in OET?
Related guides: OET writing tips · OET writing criteria
OET Writing Correction
Ready to practise? Get expert human feedback.
Submit your OET letter and receive a detailed annotated PDF from a qualified teacher — assessed against all 6 official criteria. Our 5-letter pack is the most popular starting point for candidates targeting Grade B.
11,000+ letters corrected since 2014 · 4.9★ from 1,900+ reviews