What to know?

You can preview your IELTS results online within 2 days for computer-delivered IELTS.

Preview your results here.

The official Test Report Form (TRF) will be ready for collection at your IELTS Test Centre.

The IELTS Scoring System

There is no pass or fail in IELTS. Scores are graded on the 9-band system. Each educational university or school sets its own minimum IELTS scores to meet its requirements.

Test Report Form (TRF)

A copy of your IELTS test results is known as the Test Report Form (TRF). Each candidate is issued only one TRF, which is valid for two years. You will only receive one copy of your TRF unless you are applying to Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC), or the United Kingdom Border Agency (UKBA) – in this case, you can receive two. Proof of application to CIC and UKBA must be provided.

Up to five copies of your ATRF will be posted to the relevant institution(s) you have listed on your IELTS application form. Regular postage is free of charge. Charges for courier services and/or overseas postage will be passed onto you.

Additional Test Report Form (ATRF): Sending the TRF to Universities and Visa Offices

Additional TRFs beyond the first five TRFs can be requested from the test centre which issued the results. Please note, an administration fee may be charged for additional TRFs. If you have lost your TRF, please contact the test centre which issued your results.

Universities and schools, which are subscribed to receive the IELTS scores, do not require original copies of TRFs. They can directly view your scores online.

Enquiry on Results (EOR)

You can apply for a re-mark, known as an Enquiry on Results (EOR), at your test centre within six weeks of the test date. You must pay an enquiry fee, which will be fully refunded if your band score changes. The review request is separately made for the different sections of the exam, directly from the website. Re-evaluation result may take up to ten days. Note that IELTS examiners and markers follow strict assessment guidelines and are regularly monitored. The IELTS testing process has the highest quality control procedures.

Re-sitting the test

It is important to pause and reflect before you decide to resit for the IELTS test.

Pause

It is good to pause and note that your English language proficiency is tested by IELTS. Learning a language takes time and practice, and if you are disappointed with your results, we’ve put together some advice.

Reflect

Have you read about IELTS band scores and what each band score represents?

Have you tried taking the free IELTS practice tests?

Are you practising your English at home and at work/university?

Were you as calm and relaxed as possible when you took the test?

Prepare

If you answered “No” to some of the questions above, you might want to consider the below.

Before the test

Download your free IELTS Support Tools

IELTS Support Tools contains advice and tips every test taker should read, including:

- IELTS Information for Candidates booklet

- IELTS Application form

- Examiner-approved IELTS tips

- What to expect on test day

- Prepare for IELTS checklist.

Consider taking an English language course

It takes time to learn a language and the best way is to take an English course. The feedback you receive from your teacher will help you improve the specific skills involved in Speaking, Listening, Reading and Writing English.

Use English every day

A proven way to improve your IELTS band score is to practise your English every day at home, at work or at the university. Attempt to speak in English with your friends, watch English programmes on television and read more English publications - whenever possible.

Know what to expect

Consider taking an IELTS preparation course in order to familiarise yourself with the types of tasks included in an IELTS test. This will help you:

- practise the type of tasks included in an IELTS test (e.g. Writing a short essay or letter for the Writing component.)

- get feedback and learn from your answers to practice questions

- become more confident in your test-taking skills

Understand the IELTS band scores

Gain an understanding of the IELTS band scores.

Practise sample questions

You may wish to complete the IELTS test sample. Official IELTS Practice Materials (two books available) can be obtained from your test centre or you can use the order form.

Rest and relax

Get plenty of rest the night before your test. Make sure you know how to get to your test venue before test day so that you arrive on time.

During the test

Understand the task

Follow instructions carefully during the test. Remember that the Writing component of the test has specific word length requirements.

Allow enough time for each question.

Some questions have suggested time limits for you to follow. Every test room will have a clock on the wall. Keep track of the time during the test so that you can complete all the questions.

Find out more IELTS Information