Rules, comparisons and data

Can you resit just one OET sub-test?

Sometimes. Your first OET must include all four sub-tests. After that, OET lets you book one or more sub-tests on their own, but only for OET on Paper and only if your recognising organisation accepts single sub-test resits. On computer and at home you take all four together. Many regulators, including the NMC, Ahpra and NMBI, have their own sitting rules.
  • Guide updated · 30 October 2026
  • 3 sections
  • IELTS
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Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 30 October 2026

OET's own rule

OET's test regulations say all four sub-tests must be taken the first time you sit the test to receive results. After your first test you may book one or more additional sub-tests, but you should first check whether your recognising organisation accepts single sub-test scores. When re-sitting, you do not have to book all four, but this applies only to OET on Paper.

On computer and at home, Listening, Reading and Writing are taken together, and Speaking must be in the same administration, usually within 8 days before or after. Missing Speaking in that window gives a score of 0 for Speaking (OET regulations).

ModeSingle sub-test resit?
OET on PaperYes, after a first full test, if your organisation accepts it
OET on ComputerNo; all four sub-tests together
OET@HomeNo; all four sub-tests together

What regulators accept

A single sub-test result is only useful if the body you are applying to accepts it. These are summarised from our regulator guides, which link the regulators' own pages.

RegulatorRule on combining or resitsGuide
NMC (UK nurses)Two full sittings can be combined; no single-domain retakesOET for NMC
GMC (UK doctors)All grades in the same test, most recent sittingOET for GMC
NMBI (Ireland)One test result only; no combined resultsOET for NMBI
Ahpra (Australia)Its own rules on combining two sittingsOET for Ahpra

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Remark before you resit

If you think a grade is wrong, a re-mark can be requested within 72 hours of results release, at AU$120 per sub-test (US$95 in the US), refunded if your grade changes. It can take three to six weeks, and OET does not refund another test you take while the re-mark is running (OET re-marking policy).

Rules and fees change. Check the test owner's own page for your country before you book or pay. This guide is general information, not official advice from the test owner.

Frequently asked questions

Can I retake only OET Writing?+

Only on OET on Paper, after a first full test, and only if your recognising organisation accepts single sub-test results.

Can I resit one sub-test on OET on Computer?+

No. On computer and at home, the sub-tests are taken together in one administration.

Does the NMC accept a single OET sub-test resit?+

No. It allows combining two full sittings under conditions, but not single-domain retakes.

Should I ask for a re-mark first?+

If you believe a grade is wrong, request it within 72 hours of results. OET will not refund a new test taken during the re-mark.

Is the first OET test always all four sub-tests?+

Yes. All four must be taken the first time to receive results.

Keep reading

Related

Guide updated on 30 October 2026. Individual prices and policies may have earlier observation dates. Confirm current details on the linked official pages before you book or apply.

© 2026 BandLadder. Written and checked by the BandLadder team. You may quote or cite this page with credit to BandLadder and a link to it; republishing it in full needs our written permission. Content use policy

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