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OET WRITING BY PROFESSION · PODIATRISTS

OET Writing for podiatrists: the letter task explained

Most OET Writing advice online is generic, or written for nurses. The OET Podiatry Writing subtest asks podiatrists for a specific kind of letter, built around the situations podiatrists 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 referring a patient with a high risk or deteriorating foot to a specialist clinic or GP, or handing over care. The test rewards urgency communicated precisely: what changed, why it needs escalation, and what you are asking for.

WHAT THE SIX CRITERIA REWARD

Purpose: Is the reason for writing obvious in the opening sentence?
Content: Did the reader get the facts they need to act, and nothing they do not?
Conciseness and Clarity: Is it an effective summary, not a copy of the case notes?
Genre and Style: Does it read as a professional letter to this specific reader?
Organisation and Layout: Can the reader navigate it: address block, paragraphs, sign off?
Language: Does the grammar, vocabulary and punctuation carry the message clearly?

WHO ACCEPTS IT

OET Podiatry is accepted by bodies including the Podiatry Board of Australia via AHPRA and the Podiatrists Board of New Zealand. In the UK, the HCPC sets its own English language requirements, so check its current guidance directly before booking.

See the exact current requirement

LAST REVIEWED 9 AUGUST 2026

COMMON QUESTIONS

What does the OET Writing subtest involve for podiatrists?

The Writing subtest is a 45 minute letter from case notes, often referring a patient with a high risk or deteriorating foot to a specialist clinic or GP, or handing over care. The test rewards urgency communicated precisely: what changed, why it needs escalation, and what you are asking for.

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 Podiatry?

OET Podiatry is accepted by bodies including the Podiatry Board of Australia via AHPRA and the Podiatrists Board of New Zealand. In the UK, the HCPC sets its own English language requirements, so check its current guidance directly before booking.

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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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