SEAB says each GCE examination certificate records the results from a specific examination year. It does not combine results from different years into one certificate.
If an institution accepts results from multiple sittings, ask it which records to submit and how to provide them. The certificate format and the institution’s rules for using several years of results are separate questions.
- Identify the examination year for each result.
- Ask which sittings the receiving institution accepts.
- Provide the official records separately in the required format.
What happens after a later sitting
Keep the original record and the result from the later sitting. The later result belongs to its own examination year. Check the award rules for that qualification if you expect a printed certificate.
For example, a candidate who sat a subject again the following year should keep the two records separate. If a course allows the candidate to use an earlier grade in one subject and a later grade in another, follow that course’s submission instructions.
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How to submit several records
Ask the receiving institution which years, subjects and documents it needs. If it accepts digitised results, send the original files through its approved channel. The OpenCerts verification guide explains how recipients can check each record.
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If you are missing an earlier result
Look for the record by examination year. The past results retrieval guide explains how to retrieve an available digitised result. Ask SEAB for the applicable official route if you cannot access it.
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Frequently asked questions
Can I request one certificate showing my best grades across two years?
SEAB says it does not merge results across examination years.
Can I still use results from both years for admission?
Ask the admissions authority. Its rules determine which combinations it accepts.
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Official information
Consult SEAB’s official FAQ on combining results from different examination years and its guidance on digitised past results. Guidance checked on 8 November 2026.
