The Occupational English Test (OET) is an international English language proficiency test that assesses the language communication skills of healthcare professionals who seek to register and practice in an English-speaking environment. As the test continues to gain popularity among nurses, doctors, and other medical professionals in Kerala, the number of OET coaching centres has mushroomed across the state.
Choosing the right OET coaching institute is crucial to ensure you get high-quality training that maximizes your chances of achieving the desired grade. With so many options to pick from, making the ideal choice can prove challenging. This comprehensive blog provides you with the top 5 research-backed tips to select the best OET coaching centre in Kerala.
Check for Official Accreditation
The first and most important thing to look for when researching OET coaching centres is proper accreditation from the test administrators. Authorized institutions need to comply with certain quality standards regarding faculty, infrastructure, training methodologies, and ethics policies mandated by the OET organization.
This official accreditation is your assurance that the coaching institute has met all criteria outlined by the test makers – which is a huge credibility boost. Accredited centres have earlier test takers who have achieved higher band scores thanks to the quality training. Make sure to check the OET website to see their list of approved coaching partners in your region.
Evaluate Their Teaching Methodologies
Once accreditation is verified, the next key factor is the training methodology adopted by the OET centre. Leading coaching institutes design targeted training programs across all four modules tested in OET – Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking.
Some effective teaching methodologies include:
- Customized small-group classes with personalized attention and feedback
- Regular mock tests and assessors to identify improvement areas
- Smart virtual classes for working professionals juggling different schedules
- Access to fully solved previous year OET papers and model tests
Also examine the study resources they provide, beyond traditional classroom lessons, to supplement your test preparation. Modern centres leverage technology effectively to help you prepare better via mobile apps, online learner portals, etc.
Check Success Rates and Past Test Performance
A credible indicator to gauge coaching institute quality is the pass percentage and band scores of past OET test takers. Better training quality produces more students who achieve the necessary Grade B and A ranks required for practice eligibility.
Leading OET centres publish verifiable score reports from previous test takers with their consent. Peruse these records to check the percentage of students who attained Grades A and B over the past 2-3 years. High scores across different professions signal structured training practices. Also useful is segmenting data by modules to see particular sections where past students have achieved high bands consistently.
If success rates are not published, have an exploratory discussion with the institute manager on exact figures. Insist on factual data rather than vague claims.
Read Student Testimonials
Student experiences reveal key insights about teaching quality, faculty expertise, ethics, and overall competence. Read through Google reviews, Facebook pages, and other forums to find verified testimonials of previous candidates trained at the coaching centre you’re evaluating.
Notice any consistent patterns – both positive and negative, across multiple reviews spanning a few years. What students emphasize as pros and cons of training reveals how capable the institute is. Draw comparisons with other leading competitors to make a wise judgment.
You can also request contacts of past students to have a quick conversation with them on their preparation experience regarding study material quality, tests, faculty guidance, etc. Their first-hand insights will prove valuable in making the decision.
Assess Faculty Expertise and Support Available
The knowledge and competence of OET trainers is integral to success. Opt for institutes with qualified faculty holding expertise in language skills and communications. Check their certifications, academic credentials, industry experience, and years of teaching OET to determine competency.
Also, examine the category of trainers available. Centres with OET assessors and education consultants on payroll can provide multi-dimensional mentorship on exam strategy and preparation techniques. There should also be access to student counsellors for resolving queries and extending mental/moral support.
Evaluate the scope and frequency of individual feedback offered to students during the training period. These teacher inputs can help continually upgrade preparation by targeting weak areas in Reading, Writing, Listening, or Speaking modules depending on personalized assessment.
Tips to Assess New or Unknown Coaching Institutes
What if you are considering a lesser-known emerging OET coaching institute without established credibility? Here are 5 tips to evaluate potential new options:
- Scrutinize Faculty – Check for formally certified trainers with linguists and OET assessors on payroll. Gauge subject matter expertise through qualifications and coaching tenure.
- Validate Testimonials – Are reviews published from verifiable student contacts? Reach out directly to past candidates to ascertain authentic experiences.
- Review Testing Assets – Request trial access to mock tests, past papers, and virtual learning resources to assess diversity and quality.
- Seek IELTS Comparison Data – Ask for passing rates across British Council IELTS tests which share similarities with OET. The performance here signals potential.
- Confirm Accessibility – Check for e-learning provisions, mobile app services, and student counselling options besides traditional classes.
Using these parameters, you can assess if an unknown institute meets quality, competence, and infrastructure expectations as the more established players like Tiju’s Academy.
With this exhaustive guide covering various coaching centre selection factors, tips, and comparisons, identifying and enrolling with the right OET institute should now be much easier. Opting for accredited options with proven track records will maximize your chances of OET success in Kerala.
The Bottom Line
Selecting the ideal OET coaching institute from the multiple options available demands rigorous research on your part across the above parameters. Finding one that offers accredited training programs designed by qualified faculty and supplemented with sufficient test prep resources should be your top priority.
Past student success rates, reviews, and personal feedback also offer clues on teaching quality to help finalize your decision. Use these 5 tips as a checklist before you register for that OET preparation institute you have shortlisted. Getting training from reputed centres with proven track records will maximize your probability of success.
Tiju’s Academy – The Best Choice for OET Coaching in Kerala
One OET coaching institute that stands out from the rest in Kerala is Tiju’s Academy, with centres located in Ernakulam and Kottayam. Tiju’s Academy is an authorized coaching partner accredited by the OET organization to deliver high-quality test preparation programs.
What Makes Tiju’s Academy the Best Coaching Choice?
- Proven Track Record: With many years, Tiju’s Academy has trained hundreds of healthcare professionals for OET with stellar success rates. Their vast experience and demonstrated performance make it hugely popular.
- Bespoke Training Options: Students can choose between specially designed online and offline coaching options at their convenience. The remote classes leverage innovative virtual platforms for seamless e-learning.
- Seasoned OET Faculty: The team of trainers comprises qualified linguists, OET assessors, nurses, and doctors with 10+ years of experience. Their specialized domain knowledge results in better mentoring.
- Benchmark Study Resources: Students gain access to 5000+ OET model questions, a dedicated mobile app for self-preparation, a virtual library of performance videos, level-wise mock exams, and more. The study resources incorporate the latest exam pattern changes.
- Analytics-driven Feedback: Every test attempt is recorded and analyzed by faculty using bespoke tools to generate detailed and visual performance reports. Students know their stronger and weaker skill areas.
The integrated training approach has resulted in an impressive 98% pass rate with 90% of students attaining Grades A and B. Positive reviews by thousands of previous candidates also showcase the high teaching standards at Tiju’s Academy.
So if you are looking for personalized coaching supplemented with proven study resources to clear the OET exam in Kerala with flying colours, Tiju’s Academy is undoubtedly the right destination for guaranteed success.