IELTS Results and 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, over 1.3 million people in India take the IELTS, which is widely accepted by institutions and major English-speaking countries.

Candidates can expect IELTS computer-based results within 3-5 days after taking the test, while students opting for the paper-based test can expect results within 13 days of completing the test.

• 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 level of IELTS scores to satisfy its specific needs.

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

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 interesting to note that you pay an inquiry charge when applying for a revaluation of your IELTS test score. However, this fee is fully reimbursed if your band score changes.

Did you know that when you book your IELTS exam, you have the option of sending your results to up to five selected institutions?

IELTS computer test results come within 3-5 days of taking the test while paper-based test results take about 13 days.

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. TRF is an official certificate of test results produced by the IDP IELTS official authority. You must offer TRF to educational institutions, employers, immigration authorities, and other organisations to demonstrate candidates' 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 is 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.

Description Text on TRF

The TRF includes the following descriptive text:

• Candidate Information
• Test Scores
• Score Interpretation
• Authenticity Statement

Did you know AECC provides leading IELTS preparation in India?

• Go to the IELTS official website to get your IELTS test result online.
• On the IELTS homepage, look for a link or tab labelled "Results" or "Check Your Result." This is typically accessible in the main menu or in a separate area dedicated to candidates.
• Select the mode of examination: Online or paper-based
• Enter details like your test date, date of birth, ID number, unique TRF number provided at the time of registration
• Click on check result
• View your result for all 4 sections separately.
• Download or print your IELTS result for future correspondence to universities or immigration departments.

• 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 like your passport no. or aadhar no. to collect your TRF.
• Go to the IELTS test centre where you gave the test. (Ensure you visit them during operating hours)
• Ask for your TRF document to the reception staff by presenting your identification and test date details.
• The staff will then provide you with the TRF certificate.

IELTS result validity is 2 years from the date of issue. However, this may differ from country to country. Here is a brief overview of the validity of IELTS result validity:

IELTS Validity

• Australia: IELTS results are valid for Skilled Migration applications for a period of three years.
• Canada: IELTS results must be dated within the last two years (24 months) to be valid for applying for permanent residency.
• UK, New Zealand, and USA: Based on the concept of second language loss or "attrition," the IELTS partners recommend a 2-year validity period for the test results.

IELTS scores are calculated between 0 and 9. The scores are given out in decimals as well like 6.5, 8.5. This band score is given out for each section separately. And, the overall score is the average of all skills.

It is important to note that your final IELTS score is calculated to the nearest whole score. For example, your average score is 6.75 then it will be pushed to 7 in the final result.

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

1. Overall Band Score

Calculation:

• The overall band score is the average of the four individual component scores.
• This average is rounded to the nearest whole or half band.
• For example, if the average score is 6.25, it is rounded up to 6.5. If it is 6.75, it is rounded up to 7.

Interpretation:

• The overall band score represents your overall proficiency in English, ranging from 1 (Non-User) to 9 (Expert User).

2. Individual Component Scores

Each of the four components (Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking) is scored separately on a 9-band scale. Here’s what each band score typically means:

• Band 9: Expert user - Full operational command of the language.
• Band 8: Very good user - Fully operational command with occasional inaccuracies.
• Band 7: Good user - Operational command with occasional errors and misunderstandings.
• Band 6: Competent user - Generally effective command of the language despite some inaccuracies.
• Band 5: Modest user - Partial command of the language, coping with overall meaning but frequent errors.
• Band 4: Limited user - Basic competence is limited to familiar situations.
• Band 3: Extremely limited user - Conveys and understands only general meaning in very familiar situations.
• Band 2: Intermittent user - No real communication is possible except for the most basic information.
• Band 1: Non-user - Essentially has no ability to use the language beyond possibly a few isolated words.
• Band 0: Did not attempt the test - No assessable information provided.

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.

IELTS scores are calculated based on the average of the four individual component scores: listening, reading, writing, and speaking. Each component is rated on a band score range from 1 to 9. The overall band score is then rounded to the nearest whole or half band.

Language proficiency is a mandatory requirement for studying abroad or moving to an English-speaking country for work. IELTS is widely accepted and has been taken by 4 million test-takers around the world. The best thing about IELTS is its flexibility; test-takers can choose between a computer-based test and a paper-based test according to their availability and preference. It is extremely important for test-takers to learn everything about IELTS to achieve the desired score required to reach their goals.

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!