Two OET sittings can be combined when both results satisfy the NMC conditions. They must be the same accepted test, include all four skills, fall within the permitted dates and stay above the minimum score in every sitting. NMC2
NMC's general policy requires two sittings of the same accepted test, all four skills in each, within 12 months of one another. Both results must remain within its two-year window when it assesses the complete application. IELTS and OET components cannot be mixed. NMC2
The score test has two parts
For OET, at least one result must reach each skill's target. In addition, neither sitting can fall below the applicable floor. NMC3
| Skill | Target reached in at least one sitting | Floor in both sittings |
|---|---|---|
| Listening | 350 | 300 |
| Reading | 350 | 300 |
| Writing | 300 | 250 |
| Speaking | 350 | 300 |
Source: NMC OET combination rulesNMC3.
Example 1: score combination meets the numerical rule
These examples use invented scores.
| Sitting | Listening | Reading | Writing | Speaking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A | 360 | 320 | 310 | 370 |
| B | 330 | 360 | 260 | 350 |
The targets are covered by A for listening and writing, B for reading, and either for speaking. Every number also clears its floor. Therefore the score pattern passes these numerical checks.
Notice that B's writing need not independently reach the main writing target in this combination. It must remain above the floor because A supplies the target. Do not confuse the floor with the score a single qualifying sitting would require.
Example 2: good best scores, but a disqualifying low score
| Sitting | Listening | Reading | Writing | Speaking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A | 380 | 370 | 300 | 360 |
| B | 290 | 350 | 320 | 370 |
Picking only the best score in each column hides B's listening result. That number falls below the combination floor, so these two sittings do not satisfy this combining pattern.
However, A already meets the four main targets. Do not conclude that B makes A unusable as a standalone result. Assess A independently under the single-result conditions. Failing a proposed combination and lacking any usable evidence are different conclusions.
Example 3: both above the floors, but one target missing
| Sitting | Listening | Reading | Writing | Speaking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A | 350 | 320 | 310 | 360 |
| B | 370 | 340 | 280 | 350 |
Neither reading score reaches the target. The floors prevent unacceptable low scores; they do not replace the requirement to reach every target somewhere.
Check time separately from scores
Suppose A was taken on 10 January 2025 and B on 11 January 2026. That is more than 12 months apart, even though both years may appear recent in a summary. Do not replace calendar-month conditions with an approximate number of weeks.
Also distinguish the gap between the tests from the age of each result at the NMC's relevant assessment point. Booking a test, starting an application and having the complete application assessed are not the same event. NMC2
Use the official check before making a purchase
Use the NMC test-combining calculatorNMC4 alongside the policy. Record the exact dates and all eight scores. Do not upload real certificate identifiers to a public calculator clone or forum unnecessarily.
A useful output is not just “no.” It is “missing target,” “below floor,” “wrong time interval,” or “another evidence issue.” That reason determines whether further preparation, different documentation or no new testing is the sensible next action.
Read the OET target guide for standalone scores, and course versus feedback only after identifying a remaining skills need.
Sources
- NMC2NMC — Accepted English-language testsAuthority · checked 18 Sept 2026
- NMC3NMC — OET requirements and combining rulesAuthority · checked 18 Sept 2026
- NMC4NMC — Official test-combining calculatorAuthority · checked 18 Sept 2026