How long does my IELTS result take?

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. IELTS results cannot be communicated by phone or email.

Depending on which IELTS test you have taken, you will get your results as shown below: 

Test type IELTS result time
IELTS on computer 1 - 5 days
IELTS Online 6 - 8 days
IELTS for UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI)  1 - 5 days
IELTS for UKVI Life Skills 7 days

Please note: If you have taken IELTS Online or IELTS on computer, you will receive your results electronically only. You can download the electronic version (eTRF) from the Test Taker portal 3-8 days after your test. We will not issue additional 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 organisation through the Test Taker Portal.

Institutions need original copies of your Test Report Form. Photocopies will not be accepted.

We can send up to ten additional copies of your TRF directly to institutions you are applying to (for instance universities, immigration officers, etc.). If you would like us to do this, please include the relevant addresses when you book your test.

 

If you want us to send another copy of your TRF to a recognising organisation in addition to the ten copies we provide, you will need to pay an administration fee to send to international destinations via courier. Here are the charges per destination:

  • Europe: GHS 400
  • America & Canada: GHS 550
  • Asia: GHS 500
  • Australia & New Zealand: GHS 550
  • Africa: GHS 250
  • Accra & Kumas: GHS 45
  • Other locations in Ghana: GHS 140

 An additional amount of GHS 25 may be charged if you request an additional TRF more than a month after taking the test.

If your test centre has been closed, you can order additional test report forms from ielts.org.

You will need to provide the institution’s address and make the request here. We will then send the TRF directly to the institution.

Please note that an additional Test Report Form takes around 10 days to be processed. 

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.

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.

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

IELTS on computer 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 Life Skills:
If you have taken an IELTS for UKVI Life Skills test and would like to apply for an Enquiry on Results, Please visit here.

The fee for this service is GBP 60 for Standard IELTS and GBP 100 for IELTS for UKVI.

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.

 

FAQs below for additional information:

1. If the score changes, can we send the new TRF before we receive the old one from the test taker?

Centres are required to receive the original TRF before a new one is issued to the test taker, in case the EOR score changes. You would need to send us your original TRF via courier at your own cost, upon receiving it we will acknowledge via email. We will then send you the new TRF for free to your location.

2. What happens if a test taker has lost their original TRF and the scores have changed following an EOR?

There could be several reasons why a test taker may not have their original TRF. Test centres must investigate reasons for a test taker’s inability to return a TRF and ask the test taker to retrieve the original TRF as a condition for re-issuing the new TRF. 

In cases where a test taker is unable to retrieve the original TRF, the test centre must issue a new TRF clearly stating that any previously issued TRFs become invalid following a score change. Centre should keep a record with reason why a candidate failed to provide the original TRF.

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.