OET Clubbing Rules Explained:
How to Combine Two Test Results for GMC and NMC Registration
Published by LanguageTest.in | Updated June 2026 | Reading time: 6 minutes
You sat OET. You scored B in Listening, Reading, and Writing — but your Speaking score came back as C+. You are 50 marks short in one sub-test. Do you have to resit the entire exam, or can you combine this result with a previous attempt that had a better Speaking score?
This is the OET clubbing question — and it is one of the most searched topics among healthcare professionals who have narrowly missed a B in one sub-test. The rules are specific, regulator-dependent, and frequently misunderstood. This guide explains exactly how clubbing works for the major registration bodies.
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What Is OET Score Clubbing?
OET score clubbing (also called combining results) refers to the practice of using scores from two different OET test sittings to meet the overall registration requirement. For example: using Listening, Reading, and Writing scores from one sitting, and the Speaking score from a different sitting.
*OET's own policy: OET does not officially endorse or facilitate clubbing. Each test result is issued as a standalone score report. Whether two results can be combined to meet a registration standard is entirely at the discretion of the receiving regulatory body — not OET.*
Which Regulators Accept Clubbing — And Which Do Not
What To Do If You Missed B in One Sub-test
Since clubbing is not accepted by the major UK, Australian, and Irish regulators, the realistic options are:
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How to Avoid Needing Clubbing: Sub-test Strategy
The best protection against a near-miss is entering the exam with a buffer — aiming for 380-400 in every sub-test rather than 350. Here is where the most common sub-test gaps occur and how to address them:
References & Further Reading
- 1NMC UK. (2024). OET requirements — single sitting policy. nmc.org.uk
- 1GMC UK. (2024). Accepted English language evidence. gmc-uk.org
- 1AHPRA. (2026). English language skills standard — OET requirements. ahpra.gov.au
- 1OET. (2026). Frequently asked questions — combining scores. occupationalenglishtest.com