The listening test includes a wide range of different voices, accents and healthcare contexts and is representative of the type of listening required in the workplace.

Part A – 2 x patient-led dialogues, each lasting between 4.5 to 5 minutes. The topic and content are accessible to all healthcare professionals and candidates answer 12 questions for each dialogue. Questions take the form of structured note-completion.

Part B – lasts approximately ten minutes and consists of 6 x 40 – 60 second recordings and a 3-option multiple choice question for each one. They represent everyday communication in a healthcare setting and are either a monologue or dialogue between the healthcare professional and a patient, colleague, carer or other stakeholder.

Part C – 2 presentations or interviews of between 4.5 and 5 minutes. Each text has 6 x 3-option multiple choice questions and tests for gist, opinion and attitude

The reading test is 60 minutes, is in 3 parts and contains 42 questions. Part A is 15 minutes and parts B and C are 45 minutes.

Part A requires candidates to read x 4 texts (including one numerical text. ie. a graph, table or similar) of the type typically found in the workplace. The first set of 7 questions tests the ability to skim and scan for information and the following sets of questions (short answer and gap fill) require more careful reading and the ability to identify specific information.

Part B – This section comprises 6 x short texts, each with a 3-option multiple choice question. The texts are extracts from procedural and policy documents and test candidates & understanding of the overall purpose and message.

Part C – Candidates read two longer texts, each containing 8 x 4-option multiple choice questions. The texts are similar to those likely to be found in journals or on websites aimed at medical professionals. There are sixteen questions in total, eight for each text. This section requires a deeper understanding of the meaning of larger sections of the texts, as well as an understanding of opinions, rather than facts.

Writing skills are assessed according to the following criteria:

• Purpose
• Content
• Conciseness & Clarity
• Genre & Style
• Organisation & Layout
• Language

The Writing sub-test takes 45 minutes and is profession-specific. The task is to write a letter, usually a referral, discharge or transfer letter, based on a typical workplace situation and the demands of the profession.You will receive instructions and stimulus material (case notes) which include information to use in your response.