How many role plays are in OET Speaking?

Two role plays, each about five minutes, with three minutes to prepare for each.

Who marks the OET Speaking test?

The role plays are recorded and assessed later by trained OET assessors — not by the interlocutor, who simply plays the patient.

Should I start the role play or wait for the interlocutor?

You start. As the health professional you open and lead the conversation; the interlocutor responds in role.

Can I write notes during preparation?

Yes. You can annotate the role-play card during the three minutes and refer to it while you speak.

OET Speaking Role-Play Examples for Nurses (2026)

How the OET Speaking role play works for nurses, a worked example with a usable phrase bank, and the linguistic and clinical communication criteria assessors score you on.

In OET Speaking you complete two role plays, each lasting about five minutes with three minutes to prepare. You play yourself — the nurse — while the interlocutor plays a patient, relative or carer. The role plays are recorded and marked later by trained assessors.

What you're scored on

Your performance is judged on two sets of criteria:

Linguistic criteria: intelligibility (pronunciation), fluency, appropriateness of language, and grammar & expression.
Clinical communication criteria: relationship building, understanding the patient's perspective, providing structure, and information-giving.

A worked role play

Setting: community clinic. Your task card (summary): a patient has been prescribed a new inhaler and is anxious about side effects. Reassure them, explain how to use it, and check understanding.

How a strong candidate handles it

Open and build rapport: "Good morning, Mr Lee. I'm Sam, one of the nurses here. I understand you've been started on a new inhaler — is it alright if we talk through it together?"
Explore concerns first (ICE): "Before I explain, can I ask what you've heard about it, and what's worrying you most?"
Explain in plain language, chunk and check: "The inhaler delivers a small dose of medicine straight to your lungs… Does that make sense so far?"
Address the concern directly: "You mentioned you were worried about your heart racing — that can happen occasionally, and here's what to do if it does…"
Check understanding with teach-back: "Just so I know I've explained it clearly, could you show me how you'll use it?"
Safety-net and close: "If you notice [specific sign], please contact us. Shall I write that down for you?"

A phrase bank you can reuse

Opening: "I'd like to talk with you today about…"
Permission: "Is it okay if I ask you a few questions?"
Empathy: "That sounds really difficult — thank you for telling me."
Signposting: "First I'll…, then we can…"
Checking understanding: "Could you tell me in your own words what you'll do at home?"
Safety-netting: "If any of these happen, I'd like you to…"

Tips that raise your score

Start the conversation — you lead, the interlocutor waits for you.
Respond to cues. When the patient shows worry, acknowledge it before moving on.
Don't read a script. Use the prep time to note key verbs and a lay explanation, not full sentences.
Cover the card's tasks, but keep it a natural conversation, not a checklist.

Verify before you book

OET formats and criteria are updated periodically. Always confirm current details on the official OET website.