If you studied in a non-English medium school and feel that your English proficiency is limited, the time you should dedicate to preparing for IELTS or OET depends largely on your current level, the band score you aim to achieve, and how consistently you can study. However, for most learners starting from a modest English level, an ideal preparation period ranges between four to eight months, with systematic daily practice and guided study.
The IELTS (International English Language Testing System) and OET (Occupational English Test) assess four key language skills—listening, reading, writing, and speaking. Both are designed to evaluate your ability to use English effectively in academic or professional settings. IELTS is more general, used for study, work, and migration, while OET is healthcare-specific, focusing on real-life medical scenarios. Understanding this difference can help you plan your preparation more effectively.
1. Assessing Your Current English Level
Before setting a timeline, it is essential to diagnose your present language ability through an online placement test or practice exam. Platforms such as the Cambridge English website and British Council’s IELTS practice materials offer reliable assessments. If your overall English level is A2 or B1 (intermediate) on the CEFR scale, you may need approximately 6 to 8 months of consistent study to reach the desired IELTS band of 6.5 or above (Council of Europe, 2020 — book). Those already at a B2 level may need only 2 to 3 months with focused test practice.
2. Building Strong Foundations (Months 1–3)
The first few months should focus on grammar, vocabulary, and comprehension. Many candidates underestimate how crucial these are for success in both IELTS and OET. Engage daily with authentic English content—articles, podcasts, news reports, and short stories. This stage is about improving your natural understanding of the language, not just test-specific tricks.
A study by Nation and Newton (2020 — book) highlights that continuous exposure to contextualized English input significantly improves reading and listening comprehension, especially for learners from non-English backgrounds. Pairing this with speaking practice—such as joining English conversation groups or online language exchanges—helps overcome the hesitation common among non-native speakers.
3. Test Familiarization and Skill-Specific Training (Months 4–5)
Once you gain confidence in basic communication, shift focus to understanding the exam structure. Both IELTS and OET have specific formats that require strategy. For IELTS, you must manage time under pressure, while OET demands professional communication suited to healthcare situations.
Practise with official sample papers from the British Council or OET Centre. Pay attention to timing, question types, and marking criteria. According to Green (2019 — article), familiarity with test formats can improve performance by up to 15% because it reduces anxiety and cognitive overload during the real test.
4. Intensive Practice and Mock Exams (Months 6–8)
In the final stage, take mock exams weekly to simulate test conditions. Review your mistakes carefully—identify whether they are due to lack of vocabulary, grammar issues, or misunderstanding the question. This reflective practice helps build exam stamina and accuracy.
Engaging with a qualified English tutor or attending a structured IELTS/OET preparation course can make a significant difference. In a study by Roshid and Chowdhury (2021 — journal article), guided coaching was found to improve writing and speaking scores by providing targeted feedback that self-study often lacks.
5. Consistency and Mindset
It is better to study one to two hours daily over several months than to rush in a few weeks. Consistency builds both skill and confidence. Try integrating English into your daily life—think in English, write a diary, or explain your day’s activities in English aloud. The more natural it becomes, the higher your fluency will rise.
As a general guide:
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Beginner to intermediate learners: 6–8 months of preparation
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Intermediate to upper-intermediate learners: 3–4 months
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Advanced learners: 1–2 months for refinement and mock practice
6. Additional Tips
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Watch English-language news (BBC, ABC, or Al Jazeera) to train your ear for different accents.
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Read articles aloud to improve pronunciation and rhythm.
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Record yourself speaking on sample IELTS/OET topics and evaluate your performance.
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Use apps like Grammarly or IELTS Prep by British Council to track progress.
Conclusion
Starting your IELTS or OET preparation at least six months in advance provides a balanced pace to develop fluency, test strategy, and confidence—especially for learners from non-English backgrounds. With structured study, consistent practice, and self-assessment, achieving your target score becomes not only realistic but also rewarding.
References
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Council of Europe (2020) Common European Framework of Reference for Languages: Learning, Teaching, Assessment, Book.
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Nation, I.S.P. & Newton, J. (2020) Teaching ESL/EFL Listening and Speaking, Book. Routledge.
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Green, A. (2019) ‘Test preparation research and practice in IELTS contexts’, Language Testing Review, Article.
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Roshid, M.M. & Chowdhury, R. (2021) ‘English language proficiency and employability of graduates in globalized contexts’, Asian EFL Journal, Journal Article.
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British Council (2023) Official IELTS Practice Materials, Website.
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OET Centre (2023) OET Preparation Portal, Website.