
SIFE: Is Signing Off Without a Language Test Really Working for NHS Nurses?
Back to Menu ↩ When the NMC introduced the SIFE pathway in 2023, it was intended to solve a real and pressing problem: internationally educated
OK, you’re a healthcare professional who wants to pass the Occupational English Test (OET).
Your English is quite good, so you think that maybe all you need to do is take an OET practice test online.
Right?
Well, not always.
An OET practice test is never enough on its own to help you pass the exam.
How do YOU know if you’re ready to take an OET sample test?
Answer these 3 questions to find out.
OET is specific to healthcare professions.
If you’ve only studied general English – for example B2 First (formerly Cambridge First Certificate), or even IELTS, that won’t be enough.
That’s because although IELTS is excellent at academic English, for OET you’ll need to know specific medical English terminology.
That’s why a specialist course is necessary before you take any of the sample tests.
Our tutors recommend taking an online OET practice test if we think you’re almost ready to take the OET.
If your tutor has told you the same thing, a practice test might be all you need, so you can familiarise yourself with the format of the test.
(By the way, our online Reach OET B for Nurses and Doctors courses include two practice tests as standard).
A sample test can also be a good way to discover if you still need a little extra help.
Perhaps you need more support with the Listening or Reading sections, for example.
It’s very normal to be nervous before you take any exam.
Practising with sample tests will familiarise you with the format of the OET.
That way, when you come to sit the test, you’ll know exactly how it will go.
If you want to take a test to see what grade you’d get without studying, go ahead.
Whatever your result, we at SLC will support you at getting the grade you need.
Ask us a question on the OET and we’ll do our best to answer it.

Back to Menu ↩ When the NMC introduced the SIFE pathway in 2023, it was intended to solve a real and pressing problem: internationally educated

If you’re at all interested in how language works in healthcare, you’d be nuts to miss the upcoming webinar from SLC and EALTHY.

Back to Menu ↩ Vocational ESOL focuses on the language that migrants and refugees need when working in the UK. Different sectors require different language
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