When will I get my IELTS results?

You won’t have to wait long for your IELTS test results. In fact, if you take IELTS on computer, your results will arrive typically within two days.

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 Online 6 – 8 days
IELTS on computer 1-2 days
IELTS on paper up to 13 days
IELTS for UKVI (on computer) 1-2 days 
IELTS for UKVI Life Skills up to 7 days

Your results will be available to view online after they are released, 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.

Please note that although we aim to deliver the results in the usual period, the IELTS on Paper results from the from 14.12. may be delayed due to holidays until the first week of January

Why haven't I got my result within 1-2 days?

While most IELTS on computer tests results are available within 1-2 days, occasionally a test will need additional time to review to make sure your score is correct, and your ID details are correct.

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 1-2 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 through the test centre where you took your test. You need to apply for a re-marking no later than six weeks after the test date.

IELTS on Computer, IELTS on Paper, and IELTS for UKVI on Computer:

You can submit and pay for an Enquiry on Results online from the Test Taker Portal.

IELTS for UKVI on Paper, and IELTS for UKVI Life Skills:

If you have taken an IELTS for UKVI on Paper or IELTS for UKVI Life Skills test and would like to apply for an Enquiry on Results, please contact us for information on how to proceed.

The fees for this service is 126 EUR.

The Enquiry on Results fee will be refunded if your score is increased for any section of the test.

The outcome of an Enquiry on Results can become available on the same day as your application and up to 21 days after your application. The time it takes depends on several factors, including the number of sections you have asked us to re-mark. If you have not received a response after 21 days, please contact your test centre.

It is not possible to have qualitative feedback on the test or see the test.

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.