General FAQs about IELTS
Q. What is IELTS?
A. IELTS stands for International English Language Testing System. British Council owns IELTS, IDP: IELTS Australia and the University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations (Cambridge ESOL). IELTS test assesses the English proficiency of a candidate in four sections of the language and then assigns a Test Report with individual and overall band scores.
Q. What is GT IELTS?
A. IELTS test has two versions – Academic and General Training. GT IELTS stands for General Training IELTS. The General Training test is suitable for those who want to do work experience or training programmes, enrol on a secondary school, or migrate to an English-speaking country.
Q. What is the purpose of the IELTS test?
A. The IELTS exam assesses a candidate’s ability to handle the English language. It scores people/students who want to study or work in a country where English is the language of communication/ instruction. The test establishes someone’s ability to listen to spoken English as well. IELTS result is also necessary for immigration purposes.
Q. What are the differences between Academic IELTS and GT IELTS?
A. Academic and GT IELTS have the same Listening and Speaking tests but different Reading and Writing tests. Academic IELTS is taken by candidates for academic purposes (i.e. getting admitted to a university). At the same time, GT IELTS is suitable for working experience or training programmes, seeking admission to a secondary school, or migrating to an English-speaking country.
Q. Why are there two versions of the IELTS test?
A. IELTS aims to test the skills and competency level of English for students and professionals alike, and that’s why IELTS has prepared two versions of the test, depending on their academic/educational and professional needs, respectively. The IELTS Academic test is for students and people applying for higher education in English-speaking countries. This particular type of test reflects some of the features of academic language to assess whether the students are ready to begin studying/training or not. On the other hand, the IELTS General Training test is for those people or professionals who are going to English-speaking countries for secondary education, work experience or training programmes. This particular test is also a requirement for migration to Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the UK.
Q. What is IELTS Life Skills (for UK visa applications)?
A. If you are applying for a visa to move to or remain in the UK and must prove your speaking and listening skills at levels A1 or B1 of the CEFR, you take IELTS Life Skills. The IELTS Life Skills test will test your Speaking and Listening skills only. To know more about the IELTS Life Skills test, please visit IELTS Life Skills – FAQs.
Q. Who owns IELTS?
A. British Council jointly owns IELTS, IDP: IELTS Australia and the University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations (Cambridge ESOL).
Q. Which organisations accept IELTS?
A. IELTS is a standardized English test accepted by more than 10,000 organisations worldwide. These organizations may include universities, immigration departments, government agencies, professional bodies and many multinational companies worldwide.
Q. Does the USA accept IELTS?
A. Yes, the USA accepts IELTS. Over 3,400 institutions accept the IELTS test result in the USA, including boarding schools, associate, undergraduate, graduate, professional and law programs. Approximately 99% of American 4-year colleges and universities with more than 1,000 international students now accept IELTS as proof of English proficiency for their international applicants. However, it is advisable to check with the college or university before you take the test.
Q. Is GT IELTS suitable for me?
A. GT IELTS is designed for candidates who want to migrate to an English-speaking country, enrol in secondary school, or do work experience or training programmes. If your purpose matches the criteria, you should take GT IELTS. If you are planning to get admitted to a college or university, Academic IELTS is the one you should take. Nevertheless, you should contact the organisation or institution you are applying to or talk to the immigration department before finalising the IELTS version.
Q. I want to migrate to an English-speaking country. Should I take GT IELTS?
A. Yes, you should take GT IELTS.
Q. Can a native English speaker take the IELTS exam?
A. Yes, anyone over 16 can take the IELTS exam regardless of nationality or background. Some native speakers take the test for immigration purposes to fulfil the requirements set by the immigration authority.
Q. Can I take Academic IELTS if I want to migrate to an English-speaking country?
A. No, for immigration purposes, you should take GT IELTS.
Q. Which organisations, apart from universities, accept IELTS?
A. Besides universities, IELTS is accepted by immigration departments, government agencies, professional bodies and multinational companies. You can use IELTS as a valid result whenever you need to prove your English proficiency.
Q. What are the structures and durations of the IELTS GT Test?
A. IELTS GT exam has four parts:
Listening: has 4 sections and 40 questions. Duration: 30 minutes.
Reading: has 3 sections and 40 questions. Duration: 60 minutes.
Writing: has 2 tasks. Task 1: Letter writing – write at least 150 words and do not spend more than 20 minutes. Task 2: Essay writing – write at least 250 words and spend 40 minutes. Total Duration: 60 minutes.
Speaking: a conversation between the candidate and an expert examiner in a closed room. Duration: 11 to 14 minutes. The conversation is recorded.
NB. The speaking module may be taken on the same day as the written parts or a different day seven days before or seven days after.
IELTS Registration Process
Q. How do I book/register for my IELTS GT test?
A. You can book or register for your IELTS test by visiting a test centre and paying the registration fee online.
You can contact an IELTS test centre to book your IELTS GT test. Alternatively, most IELTS test centres offer a convenient online booking system. To complete this you will need to upload a clear colour scan or photo of your passport and use your credit card to finalise payment. Alternatively, you can download an application form to print, complete and submit to your local test centre.
Q. When can I take the IELTS GT test?
A. The test is available on 48 fixed dates a year – up to four times a month, depending on local demand. You should contact the IELTS test centre to find the available exam slots. Find exam venue and schedule from ieltsessentials.com/global/registerforyourtest
Q. How much does IELTS GT test cost?
A. IELTS has a set fee for its test, defined by the exam authority. The Academic and General Training tests cost the same. Your test centre will notify you about the cost while registering. If you apply online, you will get the fee during the payment process. The cost may vary from country to country, but the cost to take IELTS is between $215 – $250.
Q. What documents do I need to register for my IELTS GT test?
A. You need to provide a copy of your valid identity document. This can be a passport or a National Identity Card. You must enter your passport or National Identity Card number in your application form. You will also need to present the same identity document on the day of the test. Candidates taking the test outside their own country must use a current passport. The document must be valid/not expired on registration and test day.
Q. How do I get the test venue address and the exam timetable?
A. You will receive an email (the email address you provide during the registration) 5-7 days before the test. This email will contain details of your test venue address and the exam timetable. If you do not receive this email, contact your test centre immediately.
Q. I am having difficulty submitting my online application. What should I do?
A. If this is related to uploading your ID document or payment by credit card, please contact the Test Centre by selecting “Assistance for online registration, ID upload, payment”
Note: The scan-copy of your ID must be in colour and include the parts of the document with the photograph of the bearer, signature, ID document number and personal details.
If this is related to your Internet connection, wait for a few minutes and then try again.
Q. Can I change my IELTS GT test date or venue once I register for the test?
A. Yes, you can do that, but it has to be two weeks before the exam date. If less than 14 days remain for your test, you are not allowed to change your test date and venue. You cannot change it either to a different year. For instance, if you have registered to take the test on 21st December 2019, you cannot change it to January 2020.
Q. What is the minimum age requirement to take the IELTS GT test?
A. The minimum age requirement to take the IELTS GT test is 16. However, if your age is less than 18, you must collect the Minor Consent Form and your timetable from the test centre. This must be signed by your parents or legal guardian and forwarded to the test centre by email. You can also bring the signed Minor Consent Form when you attend the first test component.
Q. What help is available for disabled candidates?
A. IELTS test centres make every effort to cater for the unique needs of disabled candidates. When registering, talk to your local test centre when you have a particular need. Centres may need three months to organise arrangements.
Q. Can I postpone or cancel my application?
A. Changing any of your booking details can be done through the test centre where you booked your test.
» If you postpone or cancel your application more than 5 weeks before the test date, you will receive a refund, minus an administration charge.
» If you postpone or cancel within 5 weeks of the test date, you will be charged the full fee unless you have a serious medical reason.
» If you provide a medical certificate within five days of the test date, you will get a refund minus the local administrative cost.
Q. Which one is better – IDP or British Council?
A. They are the same in administrating and marking your IELTS test. It is a wrong assumption that you would score higher or get some benefits if you take your IDP or British Council test. IELTS exams are the same worldwide, it doesn’t matter who supervises the test, the British council or IDP.
Taking the IELTS Test
Q. When should I arrive at the exam centre?
A. On the day you take the test, your identification will be checked first. You will then be asked to submit any gadget or bag you bring with you, take “Test Day Photography” and then enter the exam hall. All these processes can take up to half an hour. So, you should reach your test centre at least 45 minutes before the test begins.
Q. What can I bring into the test room?
A. You can only bring pens, pencils and erasers to take the test. You must also bring the passport/national identity card on the IELTS Application Form to the test. However, you are not allowed to bring any personal belongings and must leave mobile phones, watches, pagers or electronic devices in the area designated by the test centre supervisor.
Q. Can I bring something to eat and drink? And what about medicines?
A. You can only bring water in a transparent bottle with the label removed. You can not bring anything else into the test room, including sweets, snacks or tablets.
As for the medicines, candidates asking for an exemption on medical needs should tick the relevant box when they register for the test. They also must supply medical evidence, in original, paper format, before the test date.
Q. Can I use a dictionary?
A. No, you are not allowed to use any form or type of dictionary while taking your IELTS test.
Q. What is Test Day Photography? Why does the test centre take it?
A. Many IELTS test centres have introduced a new procedure for enhancing IELTS test security that involves taking and authenticating photographs of the test-takers on the test day. Under this new procedure, IELTS administration staff will take an individual, passport-style, photograph of all candidates present on the test day. The photograph is known as ‘Test Day Photography.
The test centre takes this photograph to ensure IELTS test security. With “Test Day Photography”, only the original candidate can take the test. The test day photograph will also be printed on a candidate’s Test Report Form.
Q. Is the IELTS GT test completed in one day?
A. No, the IELTS test might not always be completed in one day. Of course, the listening, reading and writing tests are always completed immediately after each other and with no break. But, the Speaking test is held either on the same day or seven days before or two days after that, depending on arrangements of the local IELTS Test centres.
Q. Which part of the test do I take first?
A. Unless otherwise instructed or specified, IELTS test takers would need to take the Listening test first, followed by the Reading and writing tests (please be advised that there are no breaks between these tests). The Speaking test will be held either on the same day, seven days before, or two days after that, depending on the arrangements of the local test centres.
Q. Who writes the IELTS test questions?
A. IELTS Authority nominates and affiliates qualified international writers and teachers. They contribute to IELTS test materials. Those IELTS test writers are from different English-speaking countries and develop IELTS content and questions.
Q. What if circumstances beyond my control delay me?
A. You must prove that the circumstance was grave and beyond anyone’s control. In such circumstances, the test centre may offer the applicant a test on the next available date.
Q. Can I use a pen for the Listening and Reading tests?
A. No. One must use a pencil to take the listening and reading test since a computer scans the answer sheet, and the computer cannot scan or read the texts written in pen.
Q. Can I make notes on the Listening and Reading question papers?
A. Yes, you can make notes on the listening and reading question papers since the IELTS Examiner will not see the question papers.
Q. Does the Listening tape provide instructions and pauses?
A. Yes. In the beginning, instructions and pauses are provided to help the student hear a sample question clearly and adequately. After that, students/candidates are allowed just about enough time to read and listen to section 1 questions and then answer them.
Q. What kinds of accents can be heard in the Listening and Speaking tests?
A. Since IELTS is an international test, a variety of English accents are used in both of these tests to test the linguistic skills and abilities of the examination participants as far as the English language is concerned. The accent may include British, American, Canadian, Australian, South African, Irish and other English.
Q. Is the Reading test a similar period of 10 minutes to transfer the answer?
A. No. The Reading test is specified for one hour, and one must write all the answers on the answer sheet within this one hour. No separate time will be given.
Q. What is the IELTS GT Speaking test?
A. The Speaking test is a conversation between an IELTS participant and a certified IELTS examiner. By the way, please be advised that the Speaking test comprises three sections. The conversation between the examiner and the candidate is recorded on an audio cassette or a digital recorder.
Q. What do I need for the IELTS GT Speaking test?
A. You must bring the same identification documents you supplied on an IELTS Application Form to take the Speaking test. The ID will be checked before you can enter the interview room. Personal belongings, like electronic devices and watches, are not allowed in the Speaking test room.
Q. Can I get a better score at an IELTS test centre than others?
A. No, you can’t. IELTS questions, tests and result standards are strictly maintained worldwide. So, no matter where you take the test, you will be assessed based on the same criteria.
Q. Can I repeat only a particular section of the IELTS test?
A. No, you can’t repeat a particular section of the IETLS test. You must take the entire test (four sections) each time.
Q. If I retake the test, will I get a discount?
A. No, you will not get any discount for retaking the IELTS test. Each time you register for the test, you need to pay the full amount for test registration.
Q. What happens if I am absent on the IELTS test date (without any valid reason)?
A. If you are absent on the IELTS test day, you will be treated as a ‘No Show’ candidate. You will lose the full test fee.
Q. What if I am absent (or sick on my test day) for a valid reason?
A. If you cannot attend on test day due to a severe medical condition, let your test centre know as soon as possible. You’ll need to provide a medical certificate within 5 days of the test date, and you will receive a refund minus the local administrative cost.
If circumstances beyond your control prevent you from attending the test day – for example, a transport strike or severe weather event – the test centre may offer you a test on the next available test date. You will lose your full fee if you are absent on the test day without prior notice.
Computer-delivered IELTS Test
Q. What is a computer-delivered IELTS?
A. Computer-delivered IELTS test is taken on a computer instead of paper. The computer-delivered test will also cover the same Listening, Reading and Writing components as the paper-based IELTS version in terms of content, scoring, and the level of difficulty and question types. The Speaking test in the computer-delivered IELTS will still be conducted by a certified IELTS Examiner, just like the paper-based test.
Q. How is the computer-delivered IELTS test different?
A. The IELTS test is delivered in two formats. One type of test is paper-based, while the other type is taken on a computer. There is virtually no difference between computer-delivered IELTS and paper-based tests since all aspects of the tests are identical, including the question types, content, timings and marking. However, in the case of a computer-delivered IELTS test, the candidate takes the test (except for speaking) on a computer. Besides, the timing in the computer-delivered Listening test is slightly different from the paper-based test. This is because the paper-based test requires candidates to transfer answers to an answer sheet, and they are allowed an additional 10 minutes to do so. This step becomes redundant when answering directly on a computer.
Here is a video by the British Council that highlights the benefits of taking Computer-delivered IELTS. This is a pretty good video that would clarify some doubts about taking the Computer-delivered IELTS.
Q. Will my computer-delivered IELTS test score be accepted by all universities?
A. In terms of test score acceptance, there are no differences between the computer-delivered and paper-based IELTS tests. So, universities that accept traditional (paper-based) IELTS will also accept computer-delivered IELTS test scores.
Q. Is the computer-based IELTS harder than the paper-based IELTS?
A. No, it isn’t. The computer-delivered test covers the same Listening, Reading and Writing components as the paper-based IELTS version in terms of content, scoring, difficulty level, and question types. Besides, a certified IELTS Examiner will still conduct the Speaking test. On top of that, some candidates might prefer to take a computer-delivered IELTS test because they feel more comfortable writing on a computer. To find out what are some advantages of taking a computer-delivered IELTS test.
Q. Can I take a computer-delivered IELTS if I need to attend the IELTS GT module?
A. Computer-delivered tests are available for both IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training.
Q. Does the computer-delivered IELTS test cost the same as the paper-based IELTS?
A. Yes, the costs of taking the computer-delivered IELTS test and paper-based IELTS test are the same.
Q. Which test is best for me – Paper-based or computer-delivered IELTS?
A. Well, it depends on personal preference. While some test takers prefer paper-based exams as this might feel similar to other exam situations from schools, others might feel more comfortable with computer-delivered IELTS test that involves typing answers. While all four sections of computer-delivered IELTS are completed on the same day, only the Listening, Reading and Writing sections of paper-based IELTS are completed on the same day. The order in which these tests are taken may vary. There are no breaks between these three tests. However, the Speaking test on the paper-based test can be completed up to a week before or after the other tests. Finally, you can expect your test result earlier if you take a computer-delivered IELTS test.
So, if a person wants a faster test result, he or she should go for a computer-based IELTS test. Another advantage of the computer-delivered test is that more test sessions are available throughout the week. Computer-delivered test also offers the speaking test on the same day. Finally, the computer-based IELTS test offers last-minute test registration also. However, special needs candidates still prefer paper-based IELTS tests.
Apart from these options, all other features of both test formats are the same. So, an IELTS test candidate may want to weigh the options for formats and decide which test is best for him or her.
Q. Can I take all the sections of a computer-based IELTS test on a computer?
A. No, someone may not be able to take all the sections of a computer-based IELTS test on a computer, just as one can’t take all the sections of a paper-based test with paper and pencil because, in both forms of tests, the speaking test is completed face-to-face with an authorized IELTS examiner. This kind of face-to-face discussion is needed because it allows the candidates to have a real-world speaking experience in real time.
Q. Is the computer-delivered IELTS test marked by a computer or by a person?
A. The IELTS Reading and Listening sections are marked automatically by the computer, while the Writing and Speaking sections continue to be graded by the trained Examiners. So, essentially, both human and computers mark the IELTS test, be it a paper-based IELTS test or a computer-delivered IELTS test.
Q. Does the computer-delivered test cover the same content as a paper-based version?
A. Yes, the computer-delivered test covers the same content in the listening, reading and writing parts as a paper-based version. The test will be the same as the paper-based IELTS version in terms of content, scoring, difficulty level, and question types. A certified IELTS Examiner will still conduct the Speaking test in a computer-delivered test, so they are essentially the same.
Q. Is the computer-delivered IELTS available on demand?
A. The computer-delivered IELTS is unavailable “on-demand” since registration for the computer-delivered IELTS follows the same procedure as the paper-based IELTS. However, booking a computer-delivered IELTS is much easier and hassle-free, according to many. You can take a computer-delivered IELTS test on different slots in a day (ie. in the morning or evening) and finish the test on the same day.
Q. Do I need a computer of my own to take a computer-delivered IELTS test?
A. No, someone doesn’t need to bring his or her computer to the test centre. Test takers are also not allowed to bring equipment, like headphones and keyboards, because the test centre will supply everything necessary.
Here is another video explaining how easy and user-friendly the Computer-delivered IELTS is.
Q. Can I pause or restart my Listening test?
A. No, you can’t pause or restart your computer-delivered Listening test. All the candidates start the Listening test simultaneously, and they can’t pause or restart it. However, you can go back to previous questions or pages to correct an answer or can go forward as you would be able to do in a paper-based test.
Q. Is there any advantage of taking the “Listening” test in a computer-delivered exam?
A. According to most test takes, there are no significant advantages of taking the ‘Listening’ test in a computer-delivered test. However, some test-takers have reported that the “text highlighter”, which you can select and highlight a section of the text, is a good feature. Besides, you can use the “Tab” key on your keyboard to move from one section to another.
Let’s compare the Listening tests between computer-based and paper-based exams. We will notice that there is a little – just a little disadvantage in taking the listening test on a computer-based exam, as far as the issue of getting some extra time and its utilization is concerned. You won’t get an additional 10 minutes in a computer-delivered “Listening” test (because you don’t need to transfer your answer to the answer sheet), so you can’t utilise this additional time to check your answers or correct any mistakes.
Q. Will all the questions in the Listening and Reading section be multiple choice on the computer-delivered test?
A. No, the questions in the Listening and Reading sections on the computer-delivered test will NOT be only multiple choices as both the computer-delivered test and paper-based IELTS test ask a variety of question types, such as short answer questions, matching, multiple-choice, sentence completion, diagram labelling, summary completion, form completion, note completion, flow chart completion and table completion. However, we should also remember that not all these question types are necessarily always asked on both forms of the computer-delivered IELTS test and paper-based IELTS test.
Q. Can I bring my own laptop or keyboard?
A. No, unfortunately not. No equipment from outside is permitted. Besides, there is no need to bring your keyboard or laptop as the test centres provide all equipment.
Q. Is the computer-delivered test easier because a computer marks it?
A. There is no difference in the difficulty level between a paper-based test and a computer-delivered test since the assessment criteria are the same for both the computer-delivered and paper-based IELTS.
Q. Does the computer-delivered IELTS mean I’ll get my results sooner?
A. Yes, getting the IELTS result sooner is possible if you take the computer-delivered IELTS test. A candidate who takes the computer-delivered IELTS test receives the results within five to seven days after the test is taken. On the other hand, it would take approximately 13 days to get the paper-based IELTS test results.
Q. Will there be more IELTS sessions available now with the introduction of computer-delivered tests?
A. Initially, only a few computer-delivered IELTS sessions were available per month in a limited number of test centres. However, increased frequency and availability of IELTS were introduced in 2018. Nowadays, it is ubiquitous that you can book a computer-delivered IELTS test on the day you like and even at the time you want (ie. in the morning or in the evening). If you want to find further information on this subject, please check with your local IELTS test centre.
Q. I think I need special arrangements for me to take IELTS. Can I still sit the computer-delivered test?
A. Several options are available to support unique requirements through the paper-based format. Gradually, computer-delivered IELTS is also offering those support. Test takers with special needs and requirements are generally encouraged to take the paper-based IELTS test. We would, however, advise you to contact the local British Council or IDP office to assess your needs and discuss if the computer-delivered test is suitable for you.
Q. Is the computer-delivered IELTS more widely available than PTE and/or TOEFL IBT?
A. Computer-delivered IELTS tests are now more widely available than TOEFL IBT, with about 3 test sessions, 7 days a week, for computer-based IELTS, while TOEFL IBT has only 50 test dates per year. On the other hand, PTE academic tests are offered 365 days a year, which makes them a little less widely available than IELTS.
Q. How does the computer-delivered IELTS compare to PTE and/or TOEFL IBT?
A. With IELTS, test takers can feel confident they are sitting the world’s most popular high-stakes English language test for study, work and migration since IELTS is trusted by 10,000 organisations worldwide for its fairness, reliability and high-quality standards. This can be said for both computer-delivered and paper-based tests. More than 10,000 institutions and organizations also accept TOEFL IBT worldwide. PTE is a little less popular among English test-takers than the TOEFL and IELTS tests, even though PTE test results are a bit faster than IELTS and TOEFL test results.
Q. Why isn’t IELTS fully computerised, like PTE and TOEFL tests?
A. With IELTS, a candidate can deal with real people because face-to-face testing helps test takers develop their English skills in real-life situations and the context in which they’ll be used. The IELTS Speaking test is delivered by a certified examiner, enabling real-life, two-way interaction. Since the IELTS authority feels that keeping it that way makes the exam more suitable, it is still not fully computerised.
Q. Which test is more expensive – IELTS, TOEFT or PTE?
A. IELTS strives to offer the same test experience to all its test takers regardless of where he/she takes the test. And that’s why it charges just a little bit extra money compared to other English language tests. For example, while IELTS charges about USD 215-240, depending on the region/country in which the test is taken, for the IELTS academic version, TOEFL and PTE charge USD 205 and USD 200, respectively, for the same. [Note: The price may vary based on test location and country.]
IELTS Test Result
Q. How are the tests marked?
A. IELTS uses a 9-band scoring system to consistently measure and report test scores. A candidate receives individual band scores for Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking and an Overall Band Score on a band scale from one to nine.
Q. Who sets the pass mark for the IELTS GT test?
A. There are no “pass” or “fail” marks in IELTS. Scores are graded on a 9-band system. But, still, one would be well advised to keep in mind that each educational institution or organisation sets its IELTS test scores to meet their requirements.
Q. When will I receive my IELTS test results?
A. The Test Report Form will be posted 13 days after the test is taken to an address that a test taker provided to the exam centre. Since an applicant will receive only one copy of the test scores, he/she would be well advised to keep the test reports in a secure place. However, if you take a computer-delivered IELTS test, you will get your result much earlier, usually five to seven calendar days from the test date.
Q. Can I see my result on the internet?
A. Yes, you can see your result online once it is published. You will receive an email on the 13th day from the date you take the test, and your login information to view your IELTS result will be given in that email.
Q. For how long my IELTS result will be valid?
A. Your IELTS test result will be valid for two years from the test date.
Q. What do different band scores mean?
A. IELTS test results are prepared and reported on a 9-band scale. The nine bands and their description are given below:
9 Expert User
Has fully operational command of the language: appropriate, accurate and fluent with complete understanding.
8 Very Good User
Has fully operational command of the language with only occasional unsystematic inaccuracies, and it appropriates. Handles complex, detailed argumentation well.
7 Good User
Has operational command of the language, though occasional inaccuracies, inappropriateness and misunderstandings in some situations. Generally handles complex language well and understands detailed reasoning.
6 Competent User
Has generally effective command of the language despite some inaccuracies, inappropriate and misunderstandings. Can use and understand fairly complex language, particularly in familiar situations.
5 Modest User
Has partial command of the language, coping with overall meaning in most situations, though is likely to make many mistakes. The candidate should be able to handle communication in his or her own field.
4 Limited User
Basic competence is limited to familiar situations. Has frequent problems in using complex language.
3 Extremely Limited User
Conveys and understands only general meaning in very familiar situations. Frequent breakdowns in communication occur.
2 Intermittent User
No real communication is possible except for the most basic information using isolated words or short formulae in familiar situations and to meet immediate needs. Has great difficulty understanding spoken and written English.
1 Non User
Essentially cannot use the language beyond possibly a few isolated words.
0 Did not Attempt The test
No accessible information was provided.
Q. What if I feel my IELTS test result is wrong?
A. If an applicant wants to enquire about his or her test results, he/she may need to apply at the centre where the applicant booked his or her test within six weeks of the test date. However, it is essential to remember that one has to choose which section(s) of the test he or she wants to have re-assessed. Anyway, there is a charge for an enquiry on IELTS test results, but the charge will be refunded if the score increases for any test section. The result should typically be available within 2-21 days, depending on the number of sections requested for re-marking.
Q. What if I lose my Test Report Form?
A. Test Report Forms (TRF) are valid for two years from the date you take the test. However, copies cannot be sent to test takers directly in case a test report is lost. But the IELTS test centre will forward a Test Report Form to the relevant institution or embassy. Up to five copies will be sent free of charge. Additional copies will incur a small administration charge. For further information on this subject, one may want to talk to his or her test centre. One can also contact the British Council/IDP for further information on the lost test report.
Q. How soon can I re-sit/retake the IELTS GT test?
A. Fortunately, there is no limit on sitting the test. However, the IELTS authority recommends the applicants do additional study before retaking another test. Some test centres offer preparatory courses and language classes, and the applicants can undoubtedly take advantage of these preparatory courses and classes before appearing for the test again. One can also improve his or her skills by using the IELTS Official Practice Materials from different IELTS test resources.
Q. Can I combine test scores from my two IETLS exams?
A. No, you can’t. IELTS does not permit you to combine or average your test scores from multiple exams.