Clubbing score for OET: Step by Step Process to Club OET Scores

What is the Clubbing of Scores in the OET Exam?

Many new OET test takers might not be aware of what the clubbing score for OET is. It is a way by which test takers can combine their scores from multiple test sittings in order to meet the overall required scores for a specific registration or migration purpose.

Combining OET two test results is a great way by which you can leverage your best scores from different attempts in order to show your proficiency in English.

However, do keep in mind that there is a specific timeframe within which the test sittings need to occur and a few OET clubbing rules and requirements which we will talk about below.

Who Can Benefit from OET Score Clubbing?

There are many healthcare professionals, like nurses and doctors, who can benefit from the clubbing score for OET as they can combine the score from multiple sittings. This is especially beneficial when the candidate does not achieve the desired OET score in a single sitting.

Below, you will find more details about who can benefit from clubbing scores in OET:

1. Healthcare Professionals Seeking Registration in OET-Approved Countries

Several countries accept OET score clubbing, like:

• United Kingdom
• Australia
• Ireland
• Spain

All these nations accept the OET score validity after clubbing which can help candidates in meeting the required proficiency level over two sittings within six months.

2. Candidates Who Achieve Varying Scores Across Sub-Tests

Other individuals who can benefit from OET score clubbing are the ones who perform well in some sub-tests but fall short in others. For example, if you achieve a grade B in OET Speaking and Listening and only a C+ in Writing then you can combine scores from two sittings so that each of these sub-tests meets the minimum grade requirement in order to fulfil the overall proficiency requirements.

3. Professionals Aiming for Registration with Regulatory Bodies

Lastly, clubbing OET scores can also benefit those professionals who are planning to register with regulatory bodies like the UK's Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) or Australia's Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA).

OET Clubbing Rules with Table of Examples

There are a few OET clubbing rules or requirements we have mentioned below that you need to adhere to to be eligible for OET score clubbing. These rules are:

1. Maximum Two Attempts Within a Specific Timeframe: The first rule for clubbing OET scores is that you need to take a maximum of two OET tests within a specific timeframe based on the requirement of the organization you are applying to.

2. Minimum Scores in Each Sitting: In addition to two attempts, you are also expected to meet the minimum score for individual sub-tests in each of the two sittings to be eligible for clubbing your score.

• Writing: At least C+ grade (300-340).
• Speaking: At least B grade (350-440).
• Reading: At least B grade (350-440).
• Listening: At least B grade (350-440).

3. Individual Test Scores: Your test scores from both the test sittings will be considered and from each sitting, the highest achieved grade will then contribute to the final combined score.

4. Same Test Type: Another one of the OET clubbing rules is that both of the results you wish to combine need to be from the same OET test (For example, OET Medicine, OET Nursing).

5. Target Grades: You are also required to achieve the minimum grade in each of the sub-tests across the two sittings. In addition to this, you cannot combine lower scores to equal a B.

While these are a few rules for OET clubbing eligibility, there are different healthcare regulators such as NMC UK, GMC, and AHPRA, that have slightly different clubbing acceptance policies, so make sure that you check it with the specific authority. Below is a table of examples with eligible scores for clubbing:

Countries Accepting OET Clubbing Score

Even though clubbing score for OET is highly accepted, there are many countries as well as regulatory bodies that do not allow it. Below is a table of all the major destinations for healthcare professionals who accept OET clubbing scores, along with their key rules:

How to Club Your OET Scores (Step-by-Step)

Clubbing your OET two test results is the best way to avoid taking the entire test again if you already scored well in some OET sub-tests in your previous attempts. Below is the step-by-step process on how you can combine your OET score for UK and other regulatory bodies:

Step 1: Check Eligibility for Score Clubbing

The first step before you proceed with clubbing your OET score is to ensure that you meet the minimum requirements. For Listening, Reading, and Speaking, you need Grade B, and for Writing, you need Grade C+.

In addition to this, you also need to check your OET clubbing eligibility and if the healthcare authority or employer you are applying to allows score clubbing or not.

Step 2: Understand the Validity Period

The next step is to understand the OET score validity, as the OET results are usually valid for up to two years. So, it is important to check if all your test scores and exam sitting fall within this timeframe, depending on the rules of the organization you wish to apply to.

Step 3: Review Your Score Reports

Now gather your official OET score reports from all test sitting and then identify your highest scores in Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking across these dates. Once you are done, make sure that combining your best scores from each of the sittings will achieve the overall required standard.

Step 4: Confirm Submission Requirements

Find out whether the authority requires original score reports sent directly from OET or if scanned copies are acceptable. Some may even ask for combined scores to be submitted in a specific way.

Step 5: Submit Your Scores

After you are done with all the prerequisites above, check the submission guidelines of your preferred regularity body or organization.

You will be required to submit test results from both sittings. However, some regulators will require you to submit a formal application or declaration for clubbing.

Step 6: Follow Up with the Regulator or Authority

Lastly, follow up and check if your clubbed scores have been accepted or not and if additional documentation or evidence is needed, then provide it.

Common Mistakes to Avoid While Clubbing OET Scores

As we mentioned above, clubbing score for OET is not always accepted, and there are some rules you need to follow in order to be eligible for it. This can create confusion and lead to unnecessary mistakes, which you can easily avoid by knowing these common mistakes below:

1. Not Checking the Rules Carefully

The most common mistake test takers make is not checking for the rules carefully, as different organizations have different rules about combining OET scores. So, some allow it and some don’t. Make sure you know exactly what the institution or employer wants before you try to mix your scores. Understanding the OET syllabus and the scoring requirements for each sub-test is essential before attempting the clubbing.

2. Only Focusing on One Part of the Test

Another common mistake some people make is that they try to improve just one section, like Writing or Speaking and ignore the other sections. However, to pass, you need good scores in all four parts—Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking.

3. Not Knowing the Test Format

The OET test has specific tasks and time limits, and if you don’t understand them and how the test works, then you might run out of time or make simple mistakes. Always learn the format through the OET mock test and follow the instructions carefully for each part.

4. Specific Subtest Requirements

Last, but the most common mistake that test takers often make is not understanding the specific sub-test requirement. Each of the sub-tests in the OET exam has its specific passing scores and requirements. Failing to achieve them can lead to incorrect assumptions about clubbing scores.

Conclusion

To conclude this blog, clubbing score for OET is a great way for healthcare professionals to leverage their best performance across different test sittings and meet registration requirements. However, this can be a source of confusion for most OET test takers because different organisations have specific requirements and regulations. In order to navigate this, you can get help from our experts at Gradding.com, they will not only help you understand the complex rules of OET clubbing score but also provide you with tailored OET online coaching. Get help from our experts today!