How long is the OET test?

Listening, Reading and Writing are taken consecutively with no scheduled breaks (OET regulations). Speaking must be in the same test administration but not necessarily on the same day, and is usually within 8 days before or after the other three; it can come first (OET regulations).

On paper, the usual order is Listening, Reading, Writing, then Speaking after a short break, and you may leave the venue between Writing and a later Speaking slot. In the Americas, Speaking comes first (OET on Paper guide). On computer, Listening, Reading and Writing are at the venue, and OET says Speaking takes about 20 to 30 minutes including security checks (OET on Computer guide).

Add arrival and check-in to the test time. For OET on Computer, arrive at least 30 minutes before Listening, Reading and Writing; for OET on Paper, follow your venue's timetable; for OET@Home, log on at least 15 minutes before the start (OET regulations). OET@Home has one scheduled 10-minute break after Reading Part A, which includes a fresh check-in; at a venue, toilet breaks come out of your test time (OET regulations). The day's rules are in OET test day rules.

Results for OET on Computer come in as little as 48 hours after all sub-tests, with 95% within 6 calendar days (OET); see OET results time and validity for paper. Rules change. Check the test owner's own page before you book or sit the test. This guide is general information, not official advice from the test owner.