Understand Your IELTS Results & Scores

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is the world's most commonly taken English language test. Over 30 years ago, IELTS pioneered four-skill English language testing. With over 100 test venues in 45 countries, IELTS has broadened its global reach.

The fact that IELTS is the world's leading English proficiency test demonstrates its quality and trustworthiness. Each year, millions of people take the IELTS, which is widely accepted by institutions and major English-speaking countries.

IELTS Results

Candidates can expect IELTS on Computer results much faster now—typically within 1–5 days (often available in as little as 2 days). Students opting for the IELTS on Paper test can expect results within 13 days of completing the test. If you take IELTS Online (from home), results are generally available within 6–8 days.

There is no pass or fail in the IELTS Academic or General Training tests. Scores are rated using a 9-band method. Each educational institution or organisation establishes its own IELTS score requirements to meet its specific needs.

What to do when you are not happy with your test result?

If you did not achieve your desired score, you now have two primary options, depending on your situation:

1. Enquiry on your IELTS Results (Revaluation):
   You can request a review of your band scores (known as an Enquiry on Results) at your test centre within six weeks of the test date. It is worth noting that you pay an inquiry charge when applying for a revaluation. However, this fee is fully reimbursed if your band score changes.
2. IELTS One Skill Retake (OSR): This is a crucial update for test-takers. 
   If you took the IELTS on Computer test, you are now eligible for the One Skill Retake. This allows you to retake just one of the four skills (Listening, Reading, Writing, or Speaking) if you did not achieve your target score in that specific module. You must book this within 60 days of your original test date. This saves you from having to prepare for and pay for the full exam again.

Did you know? When you book your IELTS exam, you have the option of sending your results to up to five selected institutions free of charge.

AECC Pro Tip: If you haven't received your IELTS test result after the expected timeframe, check your online portal first. For paper-based tests, if the physical copy hasn't arrived, you may be able to collect it directly from the test centre.

How long will it take to get my results?

The IELTS results for your IELTS exams can differ depending on the type of exam you take, i.e., IELTS computer-based or IELTS paper-based exams, or even the IELTS Online.

IELTS Test Report Form (TRF) – everything you should know!

The IELTS Test Report Form (TRF) is a document that contains your test results and a complete record of how you performed on the IELTS exam. The TRF is an official certificate of test results produced by the IDP/British Council official authority. You must offer the TRF to educational institutions, employers, immigration authorities, and other organisations to demonstrate English language proficiency.

Information contained in the TRF

• Personal Details: Candidate's name, photograph, and candidate number.
• Test Details: Date of the test, test module (Academic or General Training), and test centre details.
• Overall Band Score: An overall score ranging from 1 (non-user) to 9 (expert user).
• Individual Scores: Band scores for each of the four skills: listening, reading, writing, and speaking.
• Test Report Number: A unique identifier for the TRF.
• Institutional Use: Sections for institutions to verify the authenticity of the report.

Purpose of the TRF 

The TRF serves multiple purposes:

• Verification of English Proficiency: It provides a standardised measure of a candidate's English language skills.
• Admission Requirement: Used by educational institutions to determine eligibility for admission.
• Immigration: Required by immigration authorities in English-speaking countries as part of visa applications.
• Employment: Employers may use the TRF to evaluate the language abilities of prospective employees.

Step-by-Step guide to view your IELTS Results Online

1. Go to the IELTS/IDP official website to get your IELTS test result online.
2. On the homepage, look for a link or tab labelled "Results" or "Check Your Result".
3. Select the mode of examination: Computer, Paper-based, or Online.
4. Enter details like your test date, date of birth, ID number, and candidate number.
5. Click on 'Check Result'.
6. View your result for all 4 sections separately.
7. Download your e-TRF (Electronic Test Report Form) for future correspondence.

How to Check IELTS Results from the Test Centre?

After taking the IELTS test, your test centre will notify you of the availability of your Test Report Form (TRF). This notification is normally delivered via email or SMS.

• Prepare your ID number (Passport or Aadhar no.) to collect your TRF.
• Go to the IELTS test centre where you took the test. (Ensure you visit during operating hours.)
• Ask for your TRF document at the reception by presenting your identification.
• The staff will then provide you with the TRF certificate.

AECC Pro Tip: Make sure to double-check all of your information on the TRF certificate right there at the exam centre so that any problems may be corrected immediately. You will need to send this TRF certificate to the universities and immigration departments to which you applied.

IELTS Results Validity

Generally, the IELTS result validity is 2 years from the date of issue. However, this may differ by country and purpose. Here is a brief overview of the validity of IELTS results:

IELTS Validity Overview:

• Australia: Uniquely, for Skilled Migration applications, the Department of Home Affairs accepts IELTS results for a period of three years.
• Canada: IELTS results must be valid at the time of application (within the last 2 years).
• UK, New Zealand, and USA: Generally follow the standard 2-year validity period based on the concept of second language loss or "attrition".

How are IELTS bands calculated?

IELTS scores are calculated between 0 and 9. The scores are given out in decimals (e.g., 6.5, 8.5). This band score is given for each section separately. The overall score is the average of all skills.

It is important to note that your final IELTS score is rounded to the nearest whole or half band.

Example: If your average is 6.25, it is rounded up to 6.5. If it is 6.75, it is rounded up to 7.

How should I read my IELTS score?

When you get your IELTS score, you should interpret both the overall score and the individual section scores.

1. Overall Band Score:
   • Calculation: The average of the four component scores, rounded to the nearest whole or half band.
   • Interpretation: Represents overall proficiency, ranging from 1 (Non-User) to 9 (Expert User).
2. Individual Component Scores:
   Each component (Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking) is scored separately on a 9-band scale. Here’s what each band score typically means:
   • Band 9: Expert user
   • Band 8: Very good user
   • Band 7: Good user
   • Band 6: Competent user
   • Band 5: Modest user
   • Band 4: Limited user
   • Band 3: Extremely limited user
   • Band 2: Intermittent user
   • Band 1: Non-user
   • Band 0: Did not attempt the test
3. Reading and Understanding Your TRF (Test Report Form) 
   The Test Report Form (TRF) provides a detailed breakdown of your scores:
   • Personal Information: Your name, photograph, candidate number, and other personal details.
   • Test Date and Details: Information about the test date and type (Academic or General Training).
   • Overall Band Score: Your average score across the four components.
   • Component Scores: Individual scores for Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking.
   • Verification Details: Unique TRF number and details for institutions to verify the authenticity of your score.
4. Using Your IELTS Score
   • Educational Institutions: Check the required band score for admission to your chosen institution.
   • Immigration: Different countries have specific band score requirements for visa applications.
   • Employment: Some employers may require a specific overall band score or minimum scores in certain components.

Example TRF Breakdown

In this example, the average of the four component scores (7.5, 6.5, 6.0, 7.0) is 6.75, which is rounded up to 7.0 as the overall band score.

Achieving the desired IELTS score is crucial for fulfilling your dreams of studying or working in an English-speaking country. With the new flexibility of One Skill Retake and faster Computer-based results, achieving your goals is more manageable than ever. Ensure you verify the specific validity requirements of your destination country (especially for Australia's 3-year rule).

Achieving the desired IELTS score is crucial for fulfilling your dreams of studying or working in an English-speaking country. With AECC's expert guidance and comprehensive preparation courses, you can excel in your IELTS test and reach your goals. For more details on how AECC can help you succeed, contact AECC today.