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OET on Paper, OET on Computer and OET@Home are the same test, marked to the same standard. The real differences are how you write your letter (by hand or typed) and where you take Speaking. First pick a mode your regulator accepts; then, if you have a choice, pick paper if you handwrite well and computer if you type faster. OET Test Handbook 2026.
The three modes side by side
Listening and Reading are the same for every profession. Writing and Speaking use tasks for your profession, such as Nursing.
| OET on Paper | OET on Computer | OET@Home | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Listening and Reading | Handwritten answers at a venue | Answers on a computer at a venue | At home; Listening needs a wired headset or earphones |
| Writing | Handwritten letter at a venue | Typed letter on a standard keyboard | Typed letter on your own device |
| Speaking | Face to face with an interlocutor at the venue | Online from home, or at the venue in some countries | Live online with an interlocutor on OET’s Speaking platform |
| Who can book | Anyone, where a venue runs your date | Anyone, where a venue runs your date | Only if your country has no paper or computer venue, or OET approves exceptional circumstances |
| Breaks | None scheduled in Listening, Reading and Writing | None scheduled in Listening, Reading and Writing | One 10-minute break after Reading Part A |
An interlocutor is the person who plays the other role in your Speaking role-play, such as the patient. Sources: OET on Paper, OET on Computer, OET@Home, OET Test Teachers Handbook 2024, OET test regulations.
OET on Paper
You handwrite your letter and take Speaking face to face at the venue. OET on Paper.
Paper dates cover Nursing, Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy, Physiotherapy, Radiography and Veterinary Science, but some dates offer Nursing and Medicine only. Check the paper calendar for your date.
On test day you may bring:
- Your valid ID.
- Non-mechanical pens and 2B pencils.
- An eraser and pencil sharpener.
- A clear stationery holder.
- Water in a clear plastic bottle.
Listening, Reading and Writing run back to back with no scheduled break. You may go to the bathroom during Reading Part B and Writing, except in the first and last 10 minutes, but no extra time is added. OET test regulations.
OET on Computer
You type your letter on a standard keyboard at the venue. Speaking is usually online from home, and some countries offer it at the venue. OET on Computer.
Your regulator must accept the way you take Speaking. Your Speaking test may be on a different day from the other three sub-tests; follow the appointments in your booking. OET test regulations.
Arrive at least 30 minutes before Listening, Reading and Writing start; there are no scheduled breaks. Bring your valid ID, your Prometric confirmation number and water in a clear plastic bottle. OET test day information.
Search your country in OET’s test finder for current computer dates and professions.
OET@Home
You can only book OET@Home if your country has no paper or computer venue, or if OET approves exceptional circumstances. Your regulator must also accept it. OET test regulations; OET@Home.
You type your letter on your own device, and Speaking is live with an interlocutor on OET’s platform. For Listening you need a wired headset or earphones, plugged in the whole time; Bluetooth headphones are not allowed.
Log on at least 15 minutes early and wait for the proctor (the person supervising you online) to check your ID. You get one 10-minute break after Reading Part A, which includes the time to check in again. Have your valid ID, Prometric confirmation number and proof of residency ready. OET test day information.
Which modes regulators accept
Your regulator’s rules decide your options before your writing preference does. Check the current rule with your regulator before you book.
| Regulator | OET on Paper | OET on Computer | OET@Home |
|---|---|---|---|
| NMC (UK) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| NMBI (Ireland) | Not excluded | Not stated: ask NMBI | No |
| Ahpra (Australia) | Yes | Yes, at a venue | No |
| NCNZ (New Zealand) | Not excluded | Yes, at an approved venue (Speaking may be online) | No (fully online home tests not accepted) |
The NMC also needs nurses to sit the Nursing version. Full scores and conditions are in OET score requirements.
Practise the way you will sit the test
If you will sit on paper, practise writing letters by hand. If you will sit on computer or at home, practise typing them. Try a Writing practice task, read the Writing and Speaking guides, or start a free OETify baseline to see which sub-test to work on first. When you are ready, the booking guide and 2026 test dates cover the next steps.
Common questions
- Is OET on Computer marked differently from paper?
- No. OET says all modes use the same test format and are marked to the same standard. Choose a mode your regulator accepts, then practise writing the way you will sit it: by hand for OET on Paper, typed for OET on Computer and OET@Home.
- Do you type or handwrite OET Writing?
- You handwrite for OET on Paper and type for OET on Computer and OET@Home. At a computer venue you use a standard keyboard; at home you type on your own device. Practise your letters the same way.
- Where is Speaking for a computer test?
- Usually at home, online through OET’s secure Speaking platform; some countries also offer Speaking at the venue. Check that your regulator accepts the option you choose. Your Speaking test may be on a different day from the other three sub-tests.
- Can anyone book OET@Home?
- No. OET@Home is only for people in countries with no paper or computer venue, or with exceptional circumstances that OET approves. Your regulator must also accept it. If both apply, use OET’s test finder to find dates.
- Can you use Bluetooth headphones for home Listening?
- No. OET@Home Listening needs a wired headset or earphones, plugged in for the whole test; Bluetooth headphones are not allowed. Home Speaking is a live session on OET’s Speaking platform with an interlocutor, the person who plays the other role, such as the patient.
Sources
- OET: book a test (OET)
- OET on Paper (OET)
- OET test regulations (OET)
- OET test day information (OET)
- OET@Home (OET)
- OET on Computer (OET)
- OET Test Handbook 2026 (OET)
- OET Test Teachers Handbook 2024 (OET)
- NMC OET requirements (NMC)
- NMBI English language requirements (NMBI)
- Ahpra accepted English language tests (Ahpra)
- NCNZ English language requirements (NCNZ)