Registering for OET is straightforward — but there are a few decisions in the booking process that can cost you money or delay your results if you get them wrong. This guide walks through the entire process step by step, including the choices you'll need to make and what each one means.
Before You Register: Two Decisions to Make First
Decision 1: Which profession?
OET is available for 12 healthcare professions: Medicine, Nursing, Dentistry, Pharmacy, Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, Dietetics, Optometry, Podiatry, Radiography, Veterinary Science, and Speech Pathology.
During registration, you'll be asked to select your profession. Your Writing and Speaking sub-tests will be tailored to that profession. Make sure you select the correct one — changing it after booking typically requires cancelling and rebooking.
Decision 2: OET on Computer or OET on Paper?
| OET on Computer | OET on Paper | |
|---|---|---|
| Results timeline | Within 10 days | Within 17 days |
| Test frequency | Up to 11 sessions per month | Twice per month |
| Availability | Major cities; more flexible dates | Available at most OET centres |
| Format | Computer-based input | Written/handwritten responses |
| Recommended? | Yes — faster results, more dates | Only if you strongly prefer handwriting |
In India, OET on Computer is available at authorised Prometric test centres. OET at Home is not available in India — any booking that shows "Remote" or "Proctored" without a physical venue address is the home edition, which Indian candidates cannot use. Check your venue details carefully during booking.
What You Need Before Starting
- Valid passport — this is the only accepted ID for OET registration and test-day entry in India. Aadhaar, driving licence, and other IDs are not accepted
- Valid email address — you'll use this for your OET account and all communications
- Profile photo — a digital passport-style photograph uploaded during registration
- Credit/debit card or international payment method — the fee is charged in AUD
Step-by-Step Registration Process
Step 1: Go to oet.com Use Google Chrome for best compatibility with the booking system.
Step 2: Click 'Book a Test' Located in the top right corner of the homepage.
Step 3: Enter your location Type your city and country to find test centres near you. Click 'Find a Test' to see available venues with dates.
Step 4: Choose your format Select OET on Computer (recommended) or OET on Paper. Confirm the venue shows a physical address in your city — not "Remote."
Step 5: Create your OET account If you don't have one, you'll need to create a profile. Provide:
- Full name exactly as it appears on your passport
- Date of birth
- Nationality and passport details
- Valid email address
- Digital profile photo
Step 6: Select your profession, test date, and venue Choose your healthcare profession from the dropdown. Then select your preferred test date and centre from the available options.
Step 7: Review and pay Check all details carefully — name, profession, date, venue — before proceeding to payment. The fee is AUD 587 (approximately ₹32,000–38,000 depending on exchange rate). Payment is processed in AUD via credit/debit card.
Step 8: Receive confirmation After successful payment, you'll receive a booking confirmation by email. Save this — you'll need it on test day.
Individual Sub-Test Booking (Paper-Based Only)
If you need to retake only one or two sub-tests after a previous attempt, individual sub-test booking is available — but only for paper-based OET, not OET on Computer.
| Sub-tests | Fee (AUD) | Approx. INR |
|---|---|---|
| 1 sub-test | AUD 200.50 | ~₹11,000–14,000 |
| 2 sub-tests | AUD 339 | ~₹18,500–23,000 |
| 3 sub-tests | AUD 477.50 | ~₹26,000–32,000 |
| All 4 sub-tests | AUD 587 | ~₹32,000–38,000 |
Note: Score combining from two sittings is permitted for most regulatory bodies, provided both results are within the validity period and the combination meets the required minimums in all four sub-tests. Verify the specific policy with your regulatory body.
Rescheduling and Cancellation
| Action | Timing | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Rescheduling | 7+ days before test | AUD 120 (~₹6,500–8,000) |
| Rescheduling (late) | Within 7 days | AUD 200 (~₹11,000–13,500) |
| Cancellation | Before booking closes | AUD 120 cancellation fee; partial refund |
| Cancellation | After booking closes | AUD 200 cancellation fee; reduced refund |
Book your OET date only when your preparation is genuinely on track. The rescheduling cliff at 7 days is steep — a last-minute date change costs nearly as much as a Duolingo test.
Common Registration Mistakes to Avoid
Name mismatch: The name on your OET account must exactly match your passport. Even a missing middle name or different spelling can prevent you from sitting the test on the day.
Booking OET at Home as an Indian candidate: OET at Home is not available in India. If your booking shows no physical venue address, cancel and rebook at a Prometric centre.
Using an outdated email for ECFMG applicants: If you are applying for ECFMG certification (for US medical licensing), you must use the same email address for OET as you use for ECFMG — personal or otherwise.
Booking too late: In Kerala and Punjab, OET test slots at popular centres often fill up 2–3 months in advance. If you're in these regions, book significantly earlier than you think you need to.
Not confirming regulatory body requirements before booking: Before you pay, confirm that your specific regulatory body — NMC, AHPRA, GPhC, HCPC, etc. — accepts OET, lists the required scores, and specifies whether OET on Computer results are accepted. Requirements and accepted tests are updated periodically.
Test Day: What to Bring
- Original, valid passport — the same document used for registration. No other ID accepted
- Booking confirmation — digital or printed
- Arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled time
