1. Begin Preparation Early, but Ensure Mock Scores Meet Expectations Before Booking the Test:

While setting an early test date can motivate candidates, failing to achieve desired scores on mock exams indicates a potential gap in preparation.
Missing the desired bandscore by 30-40 points suggests the candidate may not be performing at the required C1 level according to the CEFR.
The British Council recommends 100 guided study hours to progress from upper intermediate (B2) to operational proficiency (C1), equating to approximately 14 weeks or 3.5 months of consistent study.

2. Effective Time Management:

Early preparation allows candidates to develop effective time management strategies, ensuring they can allocate sufficient time to each section of the test.
Having a strategy for each of the eight sections of the test in place on exam day is crucial for success.

Early preparation enables candidates to identify their strengths and weaknesses, facilitating focused study efforts on areas needing improvement.
Common challenges include understanding various accents, expanding vocabulary, and improving reading comprehension skills for longer texts.

Initiating preparation early enables candidates to gradually build confidence and reduce test anxiety, resulting in improved performance on exam day.

Early preparation grants candidates ample time to access and utilize official study materials, resources, and practice tests provided by OET.
OET frequently hosts free interactive events, such as Reading Week in September, offering additional opportunities for preparation.
By consolidating language skills before utilizing test papers, candidates can avoid relying on potentially low-quality resources found online.

Starting preparation early provides candidates with the flexibility to retake or reschedule the test, if necessary, without feeling rushed or pressured by application deadlines.

Early preparation enables candidates to create personalized study plans tailored to their unique learning styles and schedules, enhancing the effectiveness of their preparation efforts.
Areas such as vocabulary acquisition and advanced reading skills benefit from a gradual approach, ensuring comprehensive understanding and application rather than mere memorization.

Although the expiration of medical qualifications after seven years may not directly impact many candidates, for some, it poses a significant concern about the time and money needed to retake their medical examinations. Getting the desired OET bandscores within the next season relieves this anxiety.

If you would like to practise speaking English and actionable feedback with a caring and patient tutor, please contact me.