OET WRITING BY PROFESSION · PHYSIOTHERAPISTS
OET Writing for physiotherapists: the letter task explained
Most OET Writing advice online is generic, or written for nurses. The OET Physiotherapy Writing subtest asks physiotherapists for a specific kind of letter, built around the situations physiotherapists already handle at work.
This page sets out what that letter task involves, what the six published Writing criteria reward, and how to practise it with feedback rather than guesswork.
THE LETTER TASK
The Writing subtest is a 45 minute letter from case notes, often a referral or progress letter to a GP, consultant, or community therapist about a patient's rehabilitation, or a transfer of care letter. Strong letters organise around function and goals, select what the reader needs, and leave out routine session detail.
WHAT THE SIX CRITERIA REWARD
WHO ACCEPTS IT
OET Physiotherapy is accepted by bodies including the Physiotherapy Board of Australia via AHPRA and the Physiotherapy Board of New Zealand. In the UK, the HCPC sets its own English language requirements, so check its current guidance directly. Rules change, so confirm with your regulator before booking.
See the exact current requirement
LAST REVIEWED 9 AUGUST 2026
COMMON QUESTIONS
What does the OET Writing subtest involve for physiotherapists?
The Writing subtest is a 45 minute letter from case notes, often a referral or progress letter to a GP, consultant, or community therapist about a patient's rehabilitation, or a transfer of care letter. Strong letters organise around function and goals, select what the reader needs, and leave out routine session detail.
How long is the OET Writing subtest?
45 minutes in total: 5 minutes to read the case notes and the task, then 40 minutes to write the letter.
Which criteria does OET Writing mark?
Six published criteria: Purpose, Content, Conciseness and Clarity, Genre and Style, Organisation and Layout, Language.
Which regulators accept OET Physiotherapy?
OET Physiotherapy is accepted by bodies including the Physiotherapy Board of Australia via AHPRA and the Physiotherapy Board of New Zealand. In the UK, the HCPC sets its own English language requirements, so check its current guidance directly. Rules change, so confirm with your regulator before booking.
Independent preparation service. Not affiliated with, or endorsed by, OET or Cambridge Boxhill Language Assessment. Practice feedback is based on published OET criteria and is not an official evaluation. Regulator requirements change: confirm current rules with the regulator directly.
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