Question 1

How long does it take to get my IELTS test results?

Accepted Answer

Results for IELTS on computer tests are available within 3-5 days, and for IELTS on paper it is available within 13 calendar days.

Question 2

How do I access my IELTS test results?

Accepted Answer

Provisional online results are available after 5pm on the IELTS New Zealand website, 13 days after each test (paper-based tests).

Access results online now

The provisional online test results are not considered formal advice of results and must not be considered as the final test result and cannot be used to support any applications, test takers make to recognising organisations.

Results will be mailed directly to the New Zealand or overseas address you supply in your test application form.

Test results mailed to addresses in New Zealand are sent by standard New Zealand Post services and usually take 3-6 business days.

If you would like your test results posted to an address overseas you will need to supply your test centre with a pre-paid envelope. Please write the address where you would like your test results sent on the envelope and give it to the test centre on or prior to the test day. The address must be written in English as well as the language used where the envelope will be sent.

Question 3

Can you send the results to my email ID?

Accepted Answer

No. We are unable to share results via email or phone.

Question 4

Do you send results by SMS?

Accepted Answer

In some instances, your IELTS Test Centre will offer you to receive your provisional IELTS results direct to your mobile phone by text message. If you want to know if this option is available, please check with your test centre before your results are released.

Question 5

Can I collect my IELTS results from the test centre?

Accepted Answer

You may have the option to pick up your Test Report Form from the test centre on the results release day.
Please check with your test centre first.

Question 6

Who accepts IELTS in New Zealand?

Accepted Answer

IELTS is recognised by more than 12,000 universities and employers globally. It’s also recognised by professional bodies, immigration authorities and other government agencies.

Click here to find out who accepts IELTS in New Zealand and what the minimum band scores are for your university or institution.

Question 7

There is an error on my Test Report Form, how can I get it corrected?

Accepted Answer

If there is an error on your Test Report Form, please contact your IELTS test centre. The test centre will re-issue a new Test Report Form.

Question 8

How is IELTS marked?

Accepted Answer

Unlike other English tests, the IELTS test relies on human input to assess your English. There is, however, a firm structure and process around this to ensure the marking is consistent no matter where in the world you take your IELTS.
A minimum of two expert markers look at your writing and they follow detailed assessment criteria that dictate how they must grade your skills. There is also a strict monitoring process in place to further ensure marking quality and consistency, as well as ongoing training provided to our examiners, globally.
For more information about marking and band scores click here.

Want to understand how we mark your test? Attend an expert IELTS Masterclass for free.

Question 9

Is there room for human error in the marking process?

Accepted Answer

We see the human aspects of IELTS as being equally reliable as a computer-based marking and in some cases even advantageous to you as a test taker.

In the IELTS Speaking test, for example, the examiner is listening to your level of skill and will adjust the level of difficulty of the questions to enable you to best demonstrate your ability. They can adjust their pace to suit you, and you can ask them to clarify or repeat a question. While you are responding, there is no limit or pressure, waiting to cut you off. These are aspects of IELTS that are not part of other English tests.

Question 10

How do I request a re-mark?

Accepted Answer

You may request a test remark by applying for an Enquiry on Results with your Test Centre, within six weeks of sitting your test.

Please contact the team at IELTS Customer Service for more information.

Should your band score increase, the cost will be refunded in full and a new Test Report Form will be issued.

Question 11

How long are IELTS test results valid?

Accepted Answer

While it is up to each organisation to set a validity period that works for their purposes, the IELTS partners recommend a 2-year validity period for IELTS test results.

Question 12

Can I re-sit the test?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you may re-sit the IELTS test if you do not achieve your desired test result. Before you re-sit the test, we encourage you to pause, reflect and prepare. Take a moment to consider your IELTS preparation – have you done enough to increase your band score if you re-sit the test?

View our IELTS preparation materials here.

Question 13

If I have to repeat the test, can I do only one part (e.g. just Reading, or just Writing, etc.)

Accepted Answer

No, you must do all four parts if you need to repeat the test. This is the same at all Test Centres. Locate your closest IELTS Test Centre here.

However, if you need to retake only one section of the test, you can check if you are eligible for the IELTS One Skill Retake.
Read more about the IELTS One Skill Retake

IELTS Academic

IELTS General training

IELTS for UKVI

IELTS One Skill Retake

English self-assessment tool

IELTS Reading test: how to manage your time?

Grammar 101: Affect vs. Effect

Grammar 101: Understanding verb tenses

When can I get my test results?