After the test

Read about what happens once you've completed your test.

Results release

Results are issued 13 calendar days after the IELTS on Paper test and 1-5 calendar days after the IELTS on Computer test. An email notification is sent to the email address you registered with, when the results are released. You can also check the results online once available. 

Test Report Form (TRF)

IELTS on Computer candidates will receive an electronic copy of their results only. You will be able to access a downloadable and printable version of your electronic Test Report Form (eTRF) from the online booking platform used to register for the test.

Test Report Forms (TRFs) for IELTS on Paper candidates will be sent to the address on the application form 13 days after the test date by first class Royal Mail.

Please allow a week for UK post or a month for international post for the results to reach your address. We have to wait 2 weeks for UK post or 4 weeks for international post before we can consider your TRF lost.

If you think your TRF is lost in the post, please contact us.

If you would like to have your results sent by courier, this can be arranged at an extra charge (UK/EU £15, worldwide £20). Please contact us to arrange this before your results are due to be sent out.

It is your responsibility to ensure that your address is accurate and complete during the application stage. Please provide full details, including house or flat number, street name, town/city, country and postcode or zip code as appropriate, in the relevant fields within the application form.

We will charge £15 for replacement TRF if your TRF gets lost in the post because you have given us an incorrect address.

If you would like to collect your TRF in person, please tell us on the Test day or at least 3 days before the Result Release date.

How examiners are tested

IELTS Writing and Speaking assessments are carried out by trained and certificated examiners, all of whom are qualified and experienced English language specialists. Before becoming a certified IELTS examiner, the examiners must participate in standardized training conducted by an experienced IELTS examiner trainer. Part of the training includes showing that they can accurately and consistently mark IELTS Speaking and Writing exams based on the British Council specific marking criteria.

Once certified, all examiners are regularly monitored to ensure they are consistently and accurately following the standards for marking speaking and writing exams. Examiners must also get re-certified every two years.

How results are calculated

You can’t fail IELTS - the test assesses all levels of English and results are reported on a scale.

You will be given a score from 0 to 9 for each part of the test – Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking. You can score whole (e.g., 5.0, 6.0, 7.0) or half (e.g., 5.5, 6.5, 7.5) bands in each part of the test. The average of these four areas produces your overall band score.

More information on how band scores are calculated can be found on the British Council 'Understand and explain the IELTS scores' page.