When will I get my IELTS results?

You won’t have to wait long for your IELTS test results.

You can preview your results on the Test Taker Portal. Depending on which IELTS test you have taken, you will get your results as shown below:

Test Time
IELTS on paper 13 days
IELTS on computer 3-5 days
IELTS Online Between 6 – 8 calendar days
IELTS for UKVI on paper 13 days
IELTS for UKVI on computer 3-5 days
IELTS Life Skills 7 days

IELTS Results remain online for 28 days but should not be used as an official confirmation of your performance. Please note that if you have taken IELTS for UKVI, you will be able to preview your results, only when you receive an email with the link to the system. 

If you lose your Test Report Form or forget your test results, please contact your test centre.

When will I get a physical copy of my result ?

If you have taken IELTS on paper, we will send out a paper copy of your IELTS test score the Test Report Form (TRF) via mail delivery 13 days after the test date. Please allow at least three working days for the delivery.

If you have taken IELTS on computer, you will receive your results electronically only. You can download the electronic version (eTRF) from the Test Taker portal 3-5 days after your test. We will not issue an additional paper Test Report Forms. You can print your electronic Test Report Form (eTRF) to send it to the organisations you are applying to, or you can send it via email. Alternatively, you can send your results direct to the organization through the Test Taker portal.

If you have taken IELTS Online, you will receive your results electronically only, but you can print your electronic Test Result Form to send it to the organisations you are applying to.

IELTS results will not be disclosed over the phone or through email.

We’ll send your Test Report Form (TRF) directly to the institutions you’re applying to if you have taken your test on paper and computer. (This is not applicable to IELTS Online.) 

IELTS on computer and paper (paper: only for tests taken on or after 7 Nov 2020)

We can send up to five additional copies of your TRF directly to institutions you are applying to (for instance universities, immigration offices, etc.) free of charge. If you would like to do this, please either:

  • Add organisation information when you book your test

Or

  • Add organisation information on your Test Taker Portal after you have registered – up to 10 days before your test date – or/and after your results have been published

You can request a total of up to five additional free TRFs via your Test Taker Portal for up to two years after your test date.

Please note that we will process additional TRFs on a weekly basis. 

Can I get additional copies of my IELTS results?

Once you have had five additional free TRFs sent to institutions, any additional copies will incur an administration fee of €10 per copy (this is for both tests on computer and paper). 

To apply for extra copies, please send an e-mail to contactexams@britishcouncil.org with the full postal address of the institution(s), any contact person and application number.

What does my IELTS score mean?

You will be awarded an IELTS band score from 0-9 for each test section, which reflects your proficiency in English.

Your TRF shows a score for each of the four skills (Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking), as well as an overall band score. You can score whole band scores (for example 5.0, 6.0, 7.0) or half band scores (e.g. 5.5, 6.5, 7.5) in each section of the test.

Find out more about what your score means here.

How long are my IELTS results valid for?

Whether you have taken IELTS on computer or paper, organisations will usually not accept your results if they are more than two years old, unless you provide evidence that you have actively maintained or tried to improve your English since taking the test. The IELTS Partners cannot confirm the validity of test results that are more than two years old.

How can I get my IELTS test re-marked?

If you did not receive the score you expected, you can apply for your test to be re-marked. This is called an Enquiry on Results (EOR). You can choose which test sections you want to be re-marked and will need to request this at the test centre where you sat the test.

The fee for this service is €90, which will be refunded if your score is increased for any section of the test.

You need to apply for a re-marking no later than six weeks after the test date.

To request an EOR, please follow these steps:

  • Log into the Test Taker Portal and click on the ‘completed exams’ tab.
  • Choose the date of the exam you would like to request an EOR for. 
  • Select the ‘Results’ tab and test results will display. 
  • Scroll to the bottom of the page and click on the hyperlink to request the test remarking. You will see a brief overview of the remarking and the EOR fee. 
  • Select the modules you would like to be remarked and provide a justification for your request. 

Please note that we accept online payments with credit cards only.

The outcome of Enquiry of Result (EOR) can become available on the same day as your application and up to 21 days after your application, depending on several factors including the number of sections requested for remark. If you have not received a response after 21 days, please contact your test centre.

The enquiry fee will be fully refunded if your band score improves, and you will have to give back your old certificate in order to receive the new one.

Please note that it is not possible either to have a qualitative feedback of the exam or see the test. 

Should your results change as a result of the EOR, you will be required to return your previously issued Test Report Form by post to the test centre before a new one can be issued. Your test centre will contact you, should this be the case. 

Can I re-take my IELTS test?

There are no restrictions on re-taking IELTS. You can book a test as soon as you feel you are ready to do so.

Please note that your score is unlikely to increase unless you make a significant effort to improve your English before re-taking the test. Visit the preparation section to take a practice test and assess your level.

Contact us

For more information about IELTS please send an email to contactexams@britishcouncil.org.