OET Exam Booking: Step-by-Step Guide for 2025

OET exam booking is a crucial step for healthcare professionals planning to take the Occupational English Test (OET). Whether you’re opting for the paper-based, computer-based, or OET at Home, booking your exam early ensures you secure a preferred test date and location.

In this guide, we cover everything about OET exam booking, including how to register, fees, deadlines, test centers, rescheduling, and cancellation policies. Read on for a detailed breakdown of each step.

How to Book the OET Exam?

Booking the OET exam involves creating an account, selecting a test format, choosing a date, and completing payment. 

The process is straightforward but requires careful attention to deadlines and ID verification. Follow the steps below to ensure a hassle-free OET exam booking experience.

Step-by-Step OET Exam Booking Process

1. Create an OET Account

• Visit the official OET website.
• Click on "Apply Now" and create an account using your email.
• Enter personal details, including your name (as per passport) and profession.

2. Select the Test Date & Location

• Choose between paper-based, computer-based, or OET at Home.
• Check available slots in test centers worldwide.
• Make sure to pick a convenient location to avoid last-minute travel issues.

3. Fill in Required Details

• Provide information about your profession and regulatory body (e.g., Nursing, Medicine).
• Verify personal details before proceeding to payment.

4. Upload Identification Documents

• Only valid passports or national IDs are accepted.
• Ensure the ID matches your OET registration details.

5. Complete Payment & Confirmation

• Pay the exam fee using a credit/debit card or other accepted methods.
• Receive a confirmation email with your exam details and OET candidate login.

OET at Home: How to Book & Requirements?

OET at Home allows candidates to take the test online under strict proctoring conditions. Before booking, ensure your system meets the requirements, and you understand the rules. This section guides you through the OET at Home booking process.

How to Book the OET at Home Exam?

1. Check Eligibility

• OET at Home is available in selected countries.
• Check the official OET website to confirm availability for your profession.

2. Create an OET Account & Select OET@Home

• Register on the OET booking portal as usual.
• Choose OET@Home as your test format.

3. System Requirements & Technical Checks

• Stable internet (minimum 5 Mbps speed).
• A Windows PC or Mac (Chromebooks and tablets are not allowed).
• Webcam, microphone, and a quiet, well-lit room.

4. Proctoring & Security Guidelines

• Live AI-based monitoring will be used.
• Candidates must remain in front of the camera throughout the test.

5. Complete Payment & Receive Confirmation

• Pay the same exam fee as for test centers.
• Receive an email with login details and test instructions.

OET at Home vs. Test Center: Which is Better?

• OET at Home offers flexibility but requires a strong internet connection.
• Test center exams are recommended if you prefer a controlled environment.
• If you have technical concerns, opt for a physical test center.

For a detailed overview of age criteria, qualifications, and country-specific requirements, refer to our guide on OET Exam Eligibility: Age, Qualifications & Country Requirements 2024.

OET Exam Fees & Payment Methods

The OET exam fee varies based on test format and location. Candidates must also consider additional charges, such as late booking, rescheduling, and test center changes. 

Understanding the accepted payment methods, refund policies, and fee breakdown ensures a smooth booking experience.

OET Exam Fee Breakdown

The standard OET exam fee covers all four sections of the test: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. However, fees vary slightly depending on the country and currency exchange rates.

Test Format	Fee in AUD	Approx. INR	Approx. USD
Paper-based OET	$587 AUD	INR 31,000 INR	$390 USD
Computer-based OET	$587 AUD	INR 31,000 INR	$390 USD
OET at Home	$587 AUD	INR 31,000 INR	$390 USD
Re-sitting One Sub-Test	$200-$250 AUD	INR 10,800-INR 13,500 INR	$135-$165 USD

💡 Note:

• The exact amount in INR, USD, GBP, or EUR may fluctuate based on exchange rates.
• OET does not charge additional fees for taking the exam at home compared to test centers.

Additional Fees & Extra Charges

Along with the standard exam fee, some extra charges may apply based on specific situations:

Service	Extra Charge (AUD)	Approx. INR	Remarks
Late Booking Fee	$50 AUD	~INR 2,700 INR	If booking after the deadline
Rescheduling Fee	$120 AUD	~INR 6,500 INR	If changing test date/location
Cancellation Fee	Varies	Depends	Partial refund applies
Test Center Change Fee	$50-$100 AUD	~INR 2,700-INR 5,400 INR	Depends on availability
Individual Sub-Test Re-sit	$200-$250 AUD	~INR 10,800-INR 13,500 INR	For retaking one section only

💡 Important Points:

• No refunds are provided for late cancellations.
• Candidates must reschedule at least 3 weeks in advance to avoid additional penalties.

Accepted Payment Methods

OET accepts multiple payment options to ensure global accessibility. Candidates must ensure that their bank allows international transactions before making payments.

1. Online Payment via OET Website

• Credit/Debit Cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express)
• PayPal (Secure online payment method)

2. Bank Transfers & Other Methods

• Some test centers accept direct bank transfers (check with your local test center).
• Prepaid travel cards (if they support online international transactions).

3. Payment Issues & Troubleshooting

• If your payment is declined, try:
  • Using a different card/payment method.
  • Checking with your bank for international transaction restrictions.
  • Ensuring your card has sufficient balance.
• If the issue persists, contact OET customer support.

OET Exam Fee Refund Policy

If you cancel your OET booking, you may be eligible for a partial refund based on when you cancel:

Cancellation Timeframe	Refund Amount	Conditions
Within 48 hours of booking	100% Refund	If payment was made incorrectly
More than 4 weeks before the test	Partial Refund (~50%)	Admin charges apply
Less than 4 weeks before the test	No Refund	Cancellation not allowed

💡 Tip: If you’re unsure about your availability, book the exam only when confident to avoid cancellation charges.

OET Exam Booking Dates & Deadlines

The Occupational English Test (OET) is conducted multiple times a year, giving candidates the flexibility to choose a date that suits them. 

However, since test slots fill up quickly, it’s advisable to book well in advance. Understanding the exam calendar, booking deadlines, and late registration policies helps in planning your test schedule efficiently.

OET Exam Calendar

The OET exam is conducted multiple times a year, with test dates available for both paper-based and computer-based formats. OET at-home testing is also available on selected dates.

💡 Key Points About the OET Test Calendar:

• OET releases test dates at the beginning of each year on its official website.
• The exam is usually held twice a month in major cities worldwide.
• Candidates can choose between test center-based exams, computer-based exams, and OET at Home (availability varies by location).
• Popular test centers may have limited slots, so early booking is recommended.

🔹 Best Time to Book: To secure a preferred test date and location, candidates should book their OET slot at least 2-3 months in advance.

Booking Deadlines & Late Registration

OET follows a strict booking deadline policy. Candidates must complete their registration before the standard deadline to avoid late fees or unavailability of test slots.

Regular Booking Deadlines

• The standard deadline for booking the OET exam is 20-25 days before the test date.
• Once this deadline passes, booking closes for that particular test date unless late registration is available.

Late Registration Policy

• In some cases, late registration may be available for a few extra days after the standard deadline.
• A late booking fee of $50 AUD (INR 2,700 INR) applies.
• Late registration is not guaranteed, and candidates may have limited test center options.

How to Choose the Best OET Exam Date?

Selecting the right OET test date depends on your preparation level, visa requirements, and professional goals.

✔ If applying for a visa: Some countries require OET results within a specific timeframe. Ensure your test date aligns with visa processing deadlines.

✔ If applying for jobs: Many healthcare institutions set deadlines for OET score submission. Check with your employer before selecting a test date.

✔ If retaking the test: Candidates who need to retake one or more sub-tests should book their OET exam date based on the next available re-sit date.

OET Test Center Availability & Booking Tips

OET is available in over 60 countries, but not all test centers conduct the exam on every test date.

💡 Tips to Secure Your Preferred Test Slot:

• Check seat availability: Log in to the official OET website to see available test dates and centers.
• Book at least 2-3 months in advance to get your preferred test location.
• Consider alternative formats: If your preferred test center is full, check computer-based OET or OET at Home options.
• Confirm ID requirements: Ensure your passport or national ID meets the OET registration requirements.

OET Test Centers - How to Choose the Best One?

OET test centers are located in over 60 countries worldwide, offering paper-based and computer-based test formats. 

However, test availability varies by location, and some centers fill up faster than others. Choosing the right test center is crucial for a smooth exam experience.

OET Test Center Availability

The Occupational English Test (OET) is conducted globally, but test centers in some regions tend to fill up months in advance due to high demand.

📌 Major countries with OET test centers:

• Australia – Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide
• United Kingdom – London, Manchester, Birmingham, Glasgow, Edinburgh
• United States – New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Houston, Miami
• India – Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kochi
• United Arab Emirates (UAE) – Dubai, Abu Dhabi
• Canada – Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary

💡 Test centers in high-demand locations (e.g., India, UAE, and the UK) get booked quickly. It’s advisable to reserve a slot at least 2-3 months in advance.

To explore the full list of OET-accepting countries along with their required scores and grades, check out our guide on OET Acceptable Countries in 2024: Know Required OET Scores & Grades.

Rescheduling & Cancellation of OET Exam

Sometimes candidates may need to reschedule or cancel their OET exam due to unforeseen circumstances. 

The OET rescheduling and cancellation policy allows candidates to modify or withdraw their booking, but fees and refund eligibility vary based on the timing of the request. Understanding these policies helps avoid unnecessary penalties and financial losses.

How to Reschedule the OET Exam?

If you need to change your OET test date, you can do so by following the official rescheduling process. However, rescheduling is subject to availability, and additional fees apply.

📌 Steps to Reschedule OET Exam:
1️⃣ Log in to your OET account on the official OET booking portal.
2️⃣ Navigate to the ‘My Bookings’ section and select the exam you wish to reschedule.
3️⃣ Check the availability of alternate test dates.
4️⃣ Choose a new test date (if available) and proceed with payment.
5️⃣ Pay the OET rescheduling fee:

• Standard rescheduling fee: $120 AUD (INR 6,500 INR)
• Additional fees may apply if rescheduling close to the test date.

6️ Receive a confirmation email with the updated test date and location.

Key Rescheduling Rules:

✔ Rescheduling is only allowed until a certain deadline (usually up to 3-4 weeks before the test date).
✔ You cannot reschedule within the final 10 days before the test—you must cancel instead.
✔ If your preferred date is unavailable, you may have to choose a different test center or format (paper/computer-based).

🔹 Tip: If you’re unsure about rescheduling, check test slot availability before canceling to avoid missing out on an alternate date.

OET Exam Cancellation Policy

If you no longer wish to take the OET exam, you can request a cancellation. However, the refund amount depends on when you cancel.

📌 OET Exam Refund Policy:

• Full refund (minus an administrative fee) if canceled within 48 hours of booking.
• Partial refund if canceled after 48 hours, but before the cancellation deadline (~3-4 weeks before the test).
• No refund if canceled within the final 10 days before the exam.

Steps to Cancel Your OET Exam:

• Log in to your OET account.
• Go to ‘My Bookings’ and select the exam you wish to cancel.
• Click on ‘Cancel Booking’ and confirm your request.
• The refund (if eligible) will be processed within 7-10 business days.

What If You Miss the OET Exam?

If you fail to attend the exam without officially canceling, you will not receive a refund or reschedule option. This is considered a ‘no-show’, and you will need to book a new test and pay the full exam fee again.

📌 Exceptions for Emergencies:
In case of serious illness, accidents, or other unforeseen emergencies, OET may allow a refund or free reschedule if you:

• Submit official medical documents or evidence within a specified timeframe.
• Contact OET immediately after missing the exam.

Conclusion

Booking your OET exam is a crucial step toward your international healthcare career. Understanding the test dates, fees, test center selection, and rescheduling policies ensures a smooth registration process. Whether opting for OET at a test center or OET at Home, booking early secures your preferred slot and avoids last-minute hassles.

Stay updated with the latest OET exam bookings information by visiting the official OET website. Plan ahead, prepare well, and ace your OET exam!