IELTS Score Validity

IELTS Score Validity

IELTS Score Validity


If you wish to study in any English-speaking country, you will most probably need to submit your IELTS score. The
International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is one of the few tests that is accepted by universities all over the world for admission to their study programs. The test has four sections; Reading, Listening, Writing and Speaking; and they each contribute to 25% of the total test score. As such, all these sections hold equal importance. 
The test is marked on a 9-point scale, and you will receive scores from 0-9 in each of the sections. Apart from that, you will also receive an overall score. The validity of the IELTS General and Academic is two years.
If you wish to learn in detail about the validity of the IELTS score, scores accepted by different countries, etc., you can read the blog completely.

IELTS Writing Score

The IELTS Writing section will have two questions, and your test will be assessed by two or more top experts in the field. Your score will be based on the criteria tabulated below.

Criteria 

Details 

Task 1 - Achievement

  • Providing accurate information
  • Presenting an overview
  • Highlighting of key features

Task 2 - Response

  • Answering questions by addressing the task
  • Stating main opinions
  • Adding a conclusion

Coherence & Cohesion

  • Putting ideas to paragraphs
  • Putting one idea in each paragraph
  • Using various linking devices

Lexical Resource

  • Using several paragraphs & words
  • Using collocations
  • Spellings 

Grammar Accuracy & Range

  • Using several sentence structures
  • Using different tenses
  • Punctuations 

IELTS Speaking Score

The IELTS Speaking section is calculated with general conversations. The candidate will be called into a private room and will be asked questions by the examiner. The examiner will determine your English language skills on a few grounds. They are tabulated below.

Criteria 

Details 

Fluency 

  • Easy to understand
  • Speaking without pauses
  • Speaking without self-correction

Grammar Accuracy & Range

  • Speaking error-free
  • Using different tenses
  • Using different sentence structures

Lexical Resource

  • Using distinct vocabulary
  • Using several words & paraphrases
  • Using collocations

Pronunciation 

  • Using intonation
  • Ease of understanding
  • Accurate pronunciation of sounds & words

IELTS Reading Score

There will be 40 questions of different types in the Reading section. Among the 40 questions, what you find will be Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs), true or false questions, matching questions, and sentence-finishing questions. Each correct answer will give you one mark. The table below will help you understand better.

General Training Reading Score

Median Marks Required

Academic Reading Score

Median Marks Required

4

15 out of 40

-

-

5

23 out of 40

5

15 out of 40

6

30 out of 40

6

23 out of 40

7

34 out of 40

7

30 out of 40

8

38 out of 40

8

35 out of 40

IELTS Listening Score

The Listening section will have 40 questions, and you have to hear audio samples and answer the questions. We have given a table below that shows details about the scores.

Score 

Median Marks Required

5

16

6

23

7

30

8

35

IELTS Score Validity

The validity of the IELTS score is two years. This is to ensure that your knowledge is up-to-date. However, there can be changes in the validity of the IELTS score depending on the country. For instance, there are a few countries where the IELTS validity is two years, while some other countries have a validity of three years. You will find detailed information on the country-wise validity of the IELTS score in the coming sections.

IELTS Score Validity for Different Countries

As mentioned above, the IELTS score validity differs for different countries. You can write the IELTS test several times a year, and there is no limit on it. You can also submit the latest score or the best score. The validity of the IELTS score for some of the top study destinations is given below.
  • Canada: The validity of the IELTS score in Canada is two years. However, if you are trying for Canadian Immigration, you have to give the same within a year of submitting the application.
  • The USA: The IELTS score validity in the USA is two years. Over 3000 US institutions accept the IELTS test score.
  • The UK: The IELTS test score validity in the UK is two years. If you are not satisfied with your test score, you can go for an Enquiry On Results (EOR) within six weeks of the test score release date.
  • Australia: The validity of the IELTS test score in Australia is three years. The validity was extended from two years to three years recently for the General Skilled Migrations (GSM) program.

Acceptance of IELTS Scores

The minimum IELTS score accepted for admission to popular programs by top universities will be different. It will be helpful for you to get information about the accepted scores in some of the leading study-abroad destinations. They are given below.
  • Australia: The IELTS score requirement in Australia is dependent on the course you choose. For instance, you need a minimum score of 7.0 for Medicine in Australia. For Undergraduate programs, the minimum score required will be 6.0, and the minimum score will be 6.5 for Postgraduate programs.
  • The USA: To study at the top universities in the USA, you will need an IELTS score of 7.5. You can get admission with a score of 6.5 in other universities.
The UK: While you may need a score of 6.5 for Undergraduate and Postgraduate programs in most UK universities, you will need a score from 7.0 to 7.5 to study at those universities like the University of Oxford.

IELTS Score Validity Certificate

An IELTS scorecard will be considered invalid after two years. However, you can also retake the test if you want so that the validity is extended. The IELTS score is accepted by almost all universities in the world’s top study destinations like the USA, the UK, Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, Germany, Dubai etc. 

Tips and Tricks to Achieve a Top Score in the IELTS Exam

We thought it would be helpful for you to get a few tips to score well in the IELTS exam. You can make a note of them and use them for future purposes.
  1. Learn thoroughly about the test
  2. Practice as much as you can.
  3. Polish your vocabulary.
  4. Draft a study plan.
We hope to have included all details about the IELTS score validity. If you wish to learn more about the IELTS test, you can contact AECC. Our expert counsellors will guide you on everything you need to know. You can also read our blogs to learn more about the IELTS test.

AECC is one of the leading study abroad consultants in the world that has been assisting students in studying in respected universities at some of the world’s top countries like the USA, the UK, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Ireland, Dubai and Germany. You can contact our counsellors for free guidance on university applications, study visas, and much more.

FAQs - IELTS Score Validity

The IELTS score is valid for a period of two years.

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