How are the tests marked ?

IELTS uses a 9-band scoring system to measure and report test scores in a consistent manner. You receive individual band scores for Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking and an Overall Band Score on a band scale from one to nine. Find out more about how IELTS is marked.

Who sets the ‘pass’ mark for the IELTS test ?

There is no pass or fail in IELTS. Scores are graded on the 9-band system. Each educational institution or organisation sets its own level of IELTS scores to meet its individual requirements. To find out more, search the IELTS Global Recognition System for specific organisations and scores.

When will I receive my test results ?

Your Test Report Form will be posted to you 13 calendar days after your test date. All test centres will post your Test Report Form to you. Keep your Test Report Form in a secure place as you only receive one copy. Some test centres provide SMS alerts and an online results service.

Contact your local test centre to find out more.

How many Test Report Forms (TRFs) am I entitled to ?

You will be given one (1) copy of your test report form. Up to five (5) copies of your TRF 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 candidates.  Additional TRFs beyond these five can be requested from the Test Centre which issued the TRF. 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 TRF.

How can I order more Test Report Forms if my test centre has closed since I took the test ?

If the test centre where you took your test has closed we can still send a copy of your Test Report Form to any Receiving Organisation for the first two years after your test. If you have not done so, please check under the IELTS Worldwide Search to make sure that your centre has been closed.

To request a Test Report Form you will need to :

• Complete the Application for additional TRFs (from closed centres) form. It is very important that you complete your Family and Given names exactly as they appear on your identification document.
• Submit the form by clicking the Submit button at the end of the form.
• Include a scanned copy of the passport or identification document that you used when you sat the test (this is done after you click the submit button on the form).
• Test Report Forms can only be sent to Receiving Organisations and additional copies will not be sent to the candidate, their families or friends.

There is no charge for this service.

How soon can I re-sit the test ?

There is no limit on sitting the test. However, IELTS recommends you do additional study before taking the test again. Some test centres offer preparatory courses and language classes. See here for further guidance. You can also improve your skills by using the Official IELTS Practice Materials.

What if I feel my test result is wrong ?

You can apply for an Enquiry on Results procedure at your test centre within six weeks of the test date. You must pay an enquiry fee, which is fully refunded if your band score changes. Note that IELTS Examiners and markers follow strict assessment guidelines and are regularly monitored. The IELTS testing process has the highest quality control procedures.