OET Speaking Role-Play Cards by Profession
Here are all our free OET Speaking role-play cards, sorted by profession, each with a model answer and useful phrases. The real test has two role-plays of about 5 minutes each, with 3 minutes to prepare each card. Practise under that timing, out loud, with a partner if you can.
OET role-play cards by profession
OET Speaking is profession-specific, so start with your own.
| Profession | Role-play cards with model answers |
|---|---|
| Medicine (doctors) | OET Speaking role-play cards for doctors |
| Nursing | OET Speaking role-play cards for nurses |
| Pharmacy | OET Speaking role-plays for pharmacists |
| Physiotherapy | OET Speaking role-plays for physiotherapists |
For the other professions, OET's official samples are listed on our OET sample tests page. The method is the same for all of them.
Two skills guides work for every profession: empathy and signposting, and handling an angry or anxious patient.
How the OET Speaking test works
You complete two separate role-plays with an interlocutor, who plays a patient, client or carer. Your card tells you the setting, who you are and what you need to achieve. You get 3 minutes to prepare each card, then the role-play lasts about 5 minutes. The whole sub-test takes about 20 minutes including the identity check and a short warm-up conversation, which is not assessed.
On paper, Speaking is on the same day at the venue. On computer it is usually online on a different day, and in some countries at the venue. Details are in OET on computer vs paper.
How to practise a role-play card
- Prepare for 3 minutes. Read the card and plan your opening and the order of your points. Do not write a script.
- Speak for 5 minutes. Ask a partner to read the interlocutor's part and record yourself.
- Listen back. Did you ask what the patient already knows? Did you check they understood? Did you respond to their worry before giving information?
- Compare with the model answer. Note one phrase and one technique to reuse, not the whole script.
- Repeat on a new card. Then get live feedback in a 1:1 OET Speaking practice session.
More method is in our OET Speaking tips.
What earns marks in OET Speaking?
OET uses two kinds of criteria. Scores are combined and converted to the 0 to 500 scale, and most regulators ask for 350 (Ahpra asks for 360). Source: OET results and scoring.
Four linguistic criteria
Marked out of 6: how clearly and fluently you speak, and how appropriate and accurate your language is.
Five clinical communication criteria
Marked out of 3: how you build the relationship, understand the patient's perspective, structure the talk, and gather and give information.
OET Speaking role-play cards: FAQ
Where can I find OET Speaking role-play cards?
This page lists all our free role-play cards for doctors, nurses, pharmacists and physiotherapists, each with a model answer. OET also publishes official samples for all 12 professions.
How long is an OET role-play?
Each role-play lasts about 5 minutes, and you get 3 minutes to prepare each card. There are two role-plays.
How long is the OET Speaking test?
About 20 minutes in total, including identity checks and a short warm-up conversation that is not assessed.
Are OET Speaking cards different for each profession?
Yes. Role-plays are specific to the profession you booked, so practise cards from your own profession.
Can I practise OET Speaking on my own?
You can record yourself and compare with model answers, but a partner or tutor is better because the test marks how you respond to the other person.
Get feedback on your role-plays
Model answers help you prepare. Live feedback shows you how you actually sound to a listener.