IELTS results – when and how to get your score

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 - 2 days
IELTS for UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI)  1 - 5 days
IELTS for UKVI Life Skills 7 days

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

While most IELTS on computer test 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 certificate of my IELTS scores?

We will send out a paper copy of your IELTS test score the Test Report Form (TRF), via courier to the address you provided during registration. This is done on the day results have been released online. Please allow at least seven working days for the delivery.

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

How do I send my Test Report Form (TRF) directly to the institutions I'm applying to?

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

We can send up to five 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.

Please do not forget to give the full postal address of the institution. Without the complete address, we are not able to check whether the institution has access to the IELTS Test Report Form Verification Service that allows it to view your results after we have submitted them electronically. In case they do not access this service, we will send your TRF by post.

Can I get additional copies of my IELTS results?

If you want us to send another copy of your TRF to a recognising organisation in addition to the five copies we provide, you will need to pay an administration fee:

To send it via electronic dispatch: no extra charge

To send to international destinations via courier (payable by bank transfer):

Our international mailing charges are as follows:

  • Australia, Asia & New Zealand: NGN41,880
  • Ireland & UK:  NGN24,240
  • Ghana: NGN25,800
  • Middle East & Eastern Europe: NGN38,760
  • West Africa, Finland & Rest of Europe: NGN29,040
  • Rest of Africa: NGN37,080
  • USA & Canada: NGN32,280
  • South Africa: NGN35,520
  • South America: NGN27,534

This process applies to both IELTS on Computer and on Paper.

To order additional test report forms, please download the Online Additional TRF service Easy-Step guide in the Downloads section. You will need to log in to your Test Taker Portal and provide the institution’s address. We will then send the TRF directly to the institution. 

If you sat for an IELTS for UKVI test, please click here to apply for the Additional TRF service.

Please note that an additional Test Report Form takes up to 10 working days to be processed. Additional TRF requests that require payment are processed only when the British Council receives evidence of your payment.

How do I send the electronic Test Result Form (e-TRF) to the organisations I'm applying to?

Your results will be available on the Test Taker Portal by the date indicated for each test in the table above.

You will receive your Test Report Form (TRF) certificate electronically only. You can download the electronic version (eTRF) of your certificate from the Test Taker Portal. We will not issue an additional paper Test Report Form. 

You can send your electronic Test Report Form (eTRF) to the organisations you're applying to in the following ways:

  • print out and send by post
  • send by email
  • send directly through the Test Taker Portal.

Please note that IELTS results cannot be communicated by phone or email.

What should I do if I lose my Test Report Form?

If you lose your Test Report Form or forget your test results, please contact your testing point. You can find the relevant contact details on the Test Taker Portal.

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.

How long are my IELTS results valid for?

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.

Standard IELTS and IELTS for UKVI:

To apply for a Standard IELTS re-mark, please download the 'How to Apply for Online EOR' guide from the downloads section below. Follow the instructions provided to submit and pay for an Enquiry on Results (EOR) through 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 click here (https://bit.ly/BCremark).

The fees for this service are:

  • NGN 133,000 for Standard IELTS
  • NGN 142,500 for IELTS for UKVI
  • NGN 124,500 for IELTS for UKVI Life Skills

You may choose to pay online with your debit/credit card or pay by bank transfer. Once you complete the online EOR form and choose to 'pay another way', bank transfer payment instructions will be sent to your registered email address.

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.

How do I apply to get my IELTS test results re-marked on the Test-taker Portal?

  1. Log in to the Test Taker Portal.
  2. Click on the Completed Exams tab and the date of the test you want re-marked.
  3. Choose the Results tab and you will see your results.
  4. Scroll down and click on the link to request the test re-marking.
  5. Select the section you would like to get remarked – you can choose any one or all.
  6. Provide an explanation why you would like the section re-marked.
  7. Pay the service fee online with your credit card (other payment methods are not accepted).

Can I re-take my IELTS test?

There are no restrictions on re-taking IELTS. You can book a test whenever you are ready.

Keep in mind that your score is unlikely to increase unless you practise and improve your English skills before you take the test again.

We have a wide range of free preparation resources for you: study guides, online courses and practice tests to provide you with valuable insights and strategies to succeed in the IELTS test.

Find out more about our free preparation resources.