Combining two OET results for the NMC: the rules, and two worked examples

Many nurses reach the NMC's OET scores across two sittings rather than one. You might get the Writing grade you need in March and the Listening grade in July. The NMC can accept that, but only if both results meet a set of conditions. The headline grades are only part of it: each condition below must also be met.

This post sets out those conditions as the NMC publishes them, then works through the two examples on the NMC's own OET page. Everything here comes from nmc.org.uk, checked in October 2026. The NMC can change its rules, so check its website before you book a test or apply.

The grades you are aiming for

For a single sitting, the NMC asks for at least grade B (350 or above) in Reading, Listening and Speaking, and at least grade C+ (300 or above) in Writing.

When you combine two sittings, you still need those grades. The difference is that you can get each one in either sitting. You can sit OET more than twice, but the NMC combines scores from two sittings only.

The six conditions for combining

1. Two sittings of the same test. You can combine two OET results. You cannot combine an OET result with an IELTS result.
2. Test dates within 12 months of each other. The NMC means the dates you sat the tests, not the dates printed on your certificates.
3. All four sub-tests both times. You must have been tested in Reading, Listening, Writing and Speaking at each sitting. A result from retaking one sub-test on its own cannot be used.
4. The required grade in each sub-test at least once. Across the two sittings you need one B in Reading, one B in Listening, one B in Speaking and one C+ in Writing.
5. No score below the floor in either sitting. In both sittings, every Reading, Listening and Speaking score must be at least C+ (300), and every Writing score must be at least C (250). We call this the floor.
6. Both tests no more than two years old. Both test dates must be no more than two years before the date the NMC assesses your complete application.

Our post on the date your OET result is measured from explains why that date can be later than you expect.

Delivery modes can be mixed

The NMC accepts OET on Paper, OET on Computer and OET@Home. It says you can combine an OET@Home result with a paper or computer result. All three use the same tasks, timings and marking criteria.

The NMC also says all applicants should choose the Nursing version of OET.

Example 1: accepted

This is the first example on the NMC's OET page:

• Sitting 1: Listening C+, Reading B, Writing B, Speaking B
• Sitting 2: Listening B, Reading B, Writing C, Speaking B

It works because every required grade appears at least once: B in Listening (sitting 2), B in Reading and Speaking (both), and at least C+ in Writing (sitting 1). It also works because nothing falls below the floor. The lowest Listening score is C+, and the lowest Writing score is C, which is the Writing floor.

Notice that the C in Writing at sitting 2 is fine. It is below the Writing pass grade, but not below the Writing floor.

Example 2: not accepted

This is the second example:

• Sitting 1: Listening C+, Reading B, Writing B, Speaking B
• Sitting 2: Listening C, Reading B, Writing C+, Speaking B

It fails for two reasons. First, Listening is C at sitting 2, which is below the C+ floor for Listening. Second, Listening never reaches B in either sitting.

The first reason is the one to remember. Even if Listening had been B at sitting 1, the C at sitting 2 would still have stopped the combination, because every score in both sittings must be at or above the floor.

What this means when you plan a resit

• Your strong sub-tests still matter at the resit. You must sit all four again, and none of them can drop below its floor. If your Reading drops to C on the day, the combination will not work, even if you passed Reading before.
• Watch the 12-month gap. Count it from the test date of your first sitting, not from when your results arrived.
• Use the NMC's calculator. The NMC has a test combining calculator on its English language pages. Put your real scores in before you rely on a combination.
• Give permission for both results. When you apply, the NMC asks for both certificates and your candidate number. The NMC says it is important to give it permission in your OET account to verify both results before you submit, otherwise your application may be delayed.
• Taken OET twice and missed one grade by no more than half a grade? If you work in UK health or care, read our post on the NMC's SIFE route.

If you are one sitting away, the resit is where practice pays off most. Practise all four sub-tests, not only the one you need. Clodia gives you full Reading and Listening tests and marked letters and role-plays, so you can see whether any of your stronger scores is slipping before test day.

Check the current rules. The NMC sets these requirements and can change them. The authoritative pages are the OET and accepted tests pages under English language requirements on nmc.org.uk. This article is general information, not regulatory advice.