English Requirements for Radiographers: OET vs IELTS Compared

One of the first hurdles for overseas-qualified radiographers is the English language requirement. AHPRA accepts several tests, but the two most common choices are OET and IELTS Academic.

So which one should you take? There's no universal answer, but hopefully this breakdown helps you decide.

The Basic Requirements

For medical radiation practitioners, you need:

IELTS Academic:

• Overall 7.0
• Minimum 7.0 in each band (listening, reading, writing, speaking)

OET (Radiography-specific):

• Minimum grade B in each component
• (A, B, C+, C, D, E scale)

Both are accepted equally by AHPRA. Your choice depends on your strengths, background, and preferences.

OET: The Healthcare Option

What it is: A test designed specifically for healthcare professionals. The reading and listening sections cover medical topics. Writing involves a referral letter. Speaking is a role-play with a patient.

Pros:

• Vocabulary is familiar if you've worked in healthcare
• Writing task is practical (something you'd actually do at work)
• Speaking role-play feels more natural than IELTS interview
• Content is directly relevant to your field

Cons:

• More expensive ($587 vs $395)
• Fewer test dates and locations
• Some find the specific medical focus limiting
• Grade B is actually quite demanding

Best for: Healthcare workers who are comfortable with medical English and want a test that reflects real clinical scenarios.

IELTS Academic: The General Option

What it is: A general academic English test. Topics range across science, arts, history, environment - whatever they pick.

Pros:

• Cheaper
• More test dates and locations
• More prep materials available
• Broader topic exposure can help in other exams later

Cons:

• You might get an essay about something completely random (penguin migration, anyone?)
• Listening includes various accents and contexts, not just healthcare
• Speaking interview format feels artificial to some
• That 7.0 in writing is notoriously hard to hit

Best for: People who are confident general English speakers, or who might use the score for other purposes (like visa applications).

The Writing Challenge

Let's be honest - writing is where most people struggle.

IELTS Writing: Two tasks. Task 1 is describing a graph or diagram. Task 2 is an essay on an abstract topic. You need to demonstrate "academic" writing style - formal vocabulary, complex sentences, clear structure.

Many candidates score 7+ in other sections but keep getting 6.5 in writing. It's brutal.

OET Writing: One task - a referral letter based on case notes. More straightforward structure, more familiar vocabulary. But the time limit is tight, and you need to demonstrate appropriate clinical communication.

Verdict: If writing is your weak point, OET might be easier because the format is more predictable. But it's still demanding.

The Speaking Comparison

IELTS Speaking: Face-to-face interview with an examiner. Part 1 is general questions about yourself. Part 2 is a 2-minute talk on a given topic. Part 3 is a deeper discussion.

Some people find this stressful because it feels like an interrogation.

OET Speaking: Two role-plays where you're the healthcare professional and the examiner plays a patient or carer. Scenarios are realistic clinical situations.

If you've worked with patients, this feels more natural. But you need to balance being clear and compassionate - poor communication skills cost marks.

Cost and Logistics

	OET	IELTS
Cost	$587	$395
Test frequency	Less frequent	Very frequent
Results time	16 business days	13 days
Validity	2 years	2 years

Both tests can be taken on computer or paper (though availability varies by location).

My Honest Take

If you've been working in healthcare and your clinical English is solid, go with OET. Yes, it's more expensive. But the content is relevant, and you're not wasting mental energy figuring out how to write about topics you don't care about.

If your general English is strong but you haven't worked clinically recently, or if cost/availability is a major factor, IELTS is fine. Just spend extra time preparing for the writing section.

Preparation Tips (Either Test)

1. Do a practice test first. See where you actually stand, not where you think you stand.
2. Focus on your weak area. Doing more practice in sections you're already good at feels productive but doesn't help much.
3. Get feedback on writing. You can't improve what you can't see. Find a tutor or service that gives detailed corrections.
4. Practice under timed conditions. The time pressure is half the challenge.
5. Budget for two attempts. First-time success is possible but not guaranteed. Don't book your exam for the week before you need results.

---

Whichever test you choose, remember - this is a hurdle, not a barrier. Thousands of radiographers have cleared it, and you will too.