When will I get my IELTS results?
You won’t have to wait long for your IELTS test results.
You can log in to the Test Taker Portal to preview your results. IELTS Results remain online for 28 days but should not be used as an official confirmation of your performance.
If you have taken the paper-based test, you will be able to preview your results after 13 calendar days from the test date.
If you have taken the computer-delivered test, you will be able to preview your results after 3 to 5 calendar days from the test date.
You may refer to the 'user guide for checking IELTS results' if you are not familiar with the online results checking.
If you lose your Test Report Form or forget your test results, please contact your test centre.
When will I get a physical copy of my result?
We will send out a paper copy of your IELTS test score the Test Report Form (TRF), via mail delivery 13 days after the test date for paper-based test and 3 - 5 days after a computer-delivered test. Please allow at least seven working days for the delivery. We will use a domestic courier for all local addresses and Registered post for any overseas addresses.
If you would like us to courier your Test Report Form to an overseas address please make an additional payment of LKR 14,800 to the British Council Customer Services counters before your selected test date quoting your registration reference number.
IELTS results will not be disclosed over the phone, through email or through the British Council branches.
How can the institutions I am applying receive my Test Report Form?
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 on the Test taker portal within two years of taking the test.
*Only applicable for results obtained within 2 years from the exam date
How to send your IELTS score online up to 5 organisations, Free of Charge:
Click “the easy step guide for Test Result Form (eTRF)’’
Important: Please 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 it. Universities / Institutions that have subscribed to the electronic download of scores (STED RO) will be sent results electronically.
In case they do not have access to this service, we will send your Test Report Form by post.
Timeline: 5 working days
Please note, you will not see the option to ‘Add new organisations’ in the following instances:
- If you have already applied for five free additional copies of your TRF
- If you are trying to apply after two years of taking the test
In the above instance, please follow the process outlined under the section ‘Can I send additional copies of my IELTS results?’
Can I send additional copies of my IELTS results?
Applicable for the following scenarios:
- If you want us to send another copy of your TRF to a recognising organisation(RO) in addition to the five copies we provide (reffer the list below in downloads)
- Your organization of choice is not a recognising organisation
- You would like us to send your TRF via an alternative delivery option
How to Apply
Using this "Online Form"
Important - These requests need to be made within 2 years of the exam date (Listening/Reading/Writing).
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?
Whether you have taken paper-based or computer-delivered IELTS, 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.
Test takers may appeal against
1. Results Investigation Outcomes (e.g. score cancellation)
2. TRF Investigation Outcomes (e.g. ban due to confirmed TRF tampering)
3. Enquiry on Results Outcomes*
4. Areas related to Test Administration**
* Test takers who are not satisfied with the initial test scores awarded must be firstly directed to the Enquiry on Results Process.
** Test takers who are not satisfied with an area related to the administration of the test must firstly complete the Candidate Complaint procedure.
Appeals on these two areas cannot be considered if the initial procedures have not been completed. Please refer to the 'Appeals Policy and Process' in the download section and use the 'Appeals Application Form'
Can I re-take my IELTS test?
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.