Choosing Your OET Path: A Guide to Computer-Based vs Paper-Based Exams
Change is constant. Nothing on earth remains the same forever and neither does technology. From keypad cellphones to smart screen phones and CRT Television sets to smart screen LED television, technology modifies itself constantly. COVID-19 pandemic, which affected almost all areas of life. We witnessed the world take a 360-degree shift in just a few months. During this time, not only meetings were held on Zoom but also the education system moved from the classroom to the Zoom screen. This couldn’t restrict the competitive exams and other tests from shifting from pen-paper-based to computer-based.
The Occupational English test aka OET couldn’t resist, making the shift to computer-based from paper-based. Now computer-based OET is widely accepted in English-speaking areas, such as the UK and the USA. Selecting the right format is a crucial step in your preparation journey. If you are someone looking for the best OET Coaching center in Ahmedabad, to help you choose the right path. You are at the right place. In this blog, we are here to help you make the right choice.
Computer-Based OET Test
In recent years Computer-based OET has gained popularity, as it aligns with the modern techno-savvy world. For new-gen aspirants who are much more comfortable around technology, computer-based OET allows them to get rid of old traditional methods. After the Covid-19 pandemic around 200 countries have accepted computer-based OET. Several organizations and institutions such as ECFMG (Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates) for doctors going to the USA and the UK’s General Medical Council and Nursing and Midwifery Council too accepted computer-based OET tests.
Why Technology over Tradition?
1. Quick Results: Computer-based OET tests are not only comfortable and convenient, but they also provide faster results. Not only the exam is conducted on the computer the marking is also done digitally. The marking and grading system is as same as it is for the pen-paper method, but it's done faster.
2. Preparation remains is same: If you think that choosing a computer-based test over a paper-based you will require extra preparation, then you don’t have to worry. The format and syllabus for a computer-based exam remain the same. What changes here is just the practice. You need to practice typing skills and Zoom meetings on a computer before appearing for the test. The computer-based test assesses your English proficiency and not your computer skills, which sets you worry-free.
3. Enhanced Features: If you are comfortable with technology and typing, a computer-based test is the right choice. It offers the advantage of easy editing and highlighting during the test. With features like editing you can improvise your writing and highlighting will help you with making notes. These features are beneficial for structuring your responses efficiently along with sticking to the word limit.
4. Boosts confidence: Three sub-tests of the computer-based OET test are held at the venue you choose. To answer the speaking sub-test venue of your choice is allowed. This will boost your confidence if you are an introvert or shy personality. You can attempt the same from home or your favorite spot. It will also follow the same format and have an interlocutor for the role-play task. The only difference here is they will be on the other side of the screen.
Shortcomings :
1. Potential for Technical Issues: You may have the best location, smart technology, and best network connection but it can still get harder. It is rare but technical glitches such as computer malfunctions or connectivity issues are real. Which can potentially disrupt your test experience. No matter how well prepared you are having multiple backup plans, such issues are likely to occur. This will not only ruin your experience but is likely to lower your confidence.
2. Stringent rules: If you decide to opt for the computer-based test, you strictly need to meet the requirement. The core requirement for the computer-based test is a computer, with a microphone and a webcam or a tab. Computer-based OET doesn’t allow the aspirant to appear for the speaking using a smartphone. Also one needs to decide a day to appear for the speaking test. As per the available slots, it can either happen before or after the writing and listening test. Also, the time limit for choosing this is 7-10 days.
Paper-Based OET Test
Though computer-based tests are becoming widely popular traditional paper-based tests remain the first choice of many aspirants. The paper-based format involves completing the test using pen and paper. Most candidates who are familiar with this format accept it as they have used it multiple times in the past. This format involves completing the test using pen and paper at an approved test center.
Advantages:
1. Globally accepted: Unlike the computer-based test, the paper-based OET test is widely accepted in all OET centers globally. This is for the candidates who can’t access the computer-based OET test or if it's not available in their area yet. Paper-based OET tests will let you answer the exam conveniently without stopping you from achieving your dream.
2. Familiar format: Many candidates are familiar with paper-based exams. Choosing a paper-based OET exam will give the same familiar feeling. Also many find this method more convenient and comfortable for making notes and writing the answers. If you are more comfortable using pen-and-paper then this type of test will help you with your thinking process and the flow of writing.
3. No full-stop on your dreams: At times you are likely to face technical glitches during the computer-based test. But if you choose the paper-based format of exams you don’t have to worry about the same. There’s no risk and hence there’s no reason for you to worry.
4. Easy to navigate: With the exam on paper it is easier for you to navigate through various topics and sub-topics. Also, you can make your notes and highlight the important points hassle-free. The paper-based method makes your exam experience much smoother and better.
Shortcomings
1. Needs Patience: Rightly waiting for the results needs lots of patience. If you decide to choose the paper-based method you need lots of patience. Since the corrections and marking for paper-based OET tests are done manually. The results take longer to process.
2. No editing allowed: If you chose the paper-based method, you need to be ready to accept the mess. As editing and re-editing are not possible on paper, you will have to scribble, erase, or cross out. This will result in creating a mess in your answer sheet. Giving it a messy look.
How to make the right choice:
Computer-based OET exam or paper-based OET exam is completely your choice. No one can decide or choose for you. Making the right decision and choosing the best format that suits you, is a difficult task. You need to keep a few things in mind for choosing the right method of answering OET. This includes comfort and confidence. Reflect on your previous experiences and see which format you are more comfortable with. Seat and think about which format has yielded the best results and choose the same. Also, you need to reflect and figure out the environment you are more comfortable and confident with. You need to sit and think if you are a techno-savvy person and can give your best performance or if you are a person who can perform better only using pen and paper.
Here at In5Knite Solutions we not only provide the best OET coaching, we also help you make the right choice. We provide you with the best practice material, notes, one-on-one sessions, and doubt-solving sessions. Along with this, we give you guidance based on your performance to make the right choice. Join us at In5Knite Solutions now to reach the global horizon.