IELTS One Skill Retake allows test takers to retake just one section of their IELTS test – Listening, Reading, Writing or Speaking – if they want to improve their score without repeating the entire test. However, acceptance of IELTS One Skill Retake varies depending on the organisation and application type, so it is important to check whether your chosen university, employer or immigration authority accepts it before booking.
Knowing which organisations accept IELTS One Skill Retake helps you make informed decisions and take the next step towards your study, work, or migration goals.
What is IELTS One Skill Retake (IELTS OSR)?
IELTS One Skill Retake allows you to retake any one component of the test, Listening, Reading, Writing, or Speaking, without redoing all four sections. It is available for eligible IELTS Academic and General Training test takers.
You're eligible to book IELTS One Skill Retake after you have recently completed a full IELTS on computer test and received your IELTS test results from an eligible test centre. You must book your IELTS One Skill Retake within 60 days of your original test date.
Who accepts IELTS One Skill Retake test results?
IELTS One Skill Retake is now accepted by more than 2,000 organisations worldwide, including universities and colleges, professional registration bodies, employers and government organisations.
Acceptance varies depending on the organisation, programme, profession, and application type. Below are some examples of organisations that accept IELTS One Skill Retake results.
Universities and colleges
Many universities and colleges accept IELTS One Skill Retake as evidence of English language proficiency for admission, allowing applicants to improve their score in one skill without repeating the entire test. For example, the University of Melbourne, RMIT University, and the University of Sydney in Australia list IELTS One Skill Retake among their accepted English language tests.
Professional bodies and immigration authorities
IELTS One Skill Retake may also be accepted by professional registration and licensing bodies, including certain healthcare regulators, as evidence of English language proficiency. Requirements vary by profession and registration pathway, so check directly with the relevant body before booking your IELTS OSR.
For immigration, acceptance depends on the destination country and the specific visa category. For example, Australia's Department of Home Affairs accepts IELTS results that include One Skill Retake for eligible visa applications, subject to the applicable requirements. The UK also accepts IELTS One Skill Retake for IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training tests on computer at selected locations for UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) purposes.
Click here to find out which organisations accept IELTS One Skill Retake test scores.
*You must always check the website of the organisation you intend to apply to for more information about eligibility requirements.
How to check if your organisation accepts IELTS One Skill Retake
Before booking an IELTS One Skill Retake, you must confirm that your chosen university, professional body, or immigration authority accepts it for your specific application. A quick check can help you understand your options and avoid unexpected requirements later. Here's how you can do so in a couple of simple steps:
Start by identifying your course and intake
If you’re applying to a university, check the English language requirements for your specific course, level of study and intended intake. Requirements may vary between programmes, even within the same institution.
Check the organisation’s official policy
Visit and check the relevant organisation’s website. If it is not listed that they accept IELTS One Skill Retake, this does not necessarily mean it is rejected; its acceptance status may simply be unconfirmed. Contact the organisation directly for more information and clarification.
Confirm the details before booking
Ask whether IELTS One Skill Retake is accepted for your application, what overall and individual skill scores you need, how long your results remain valid, and whether your updated Test Report Form must be submitted by a particular deadline. Remember that admission and visa requirements are separate, so check both if applicable.
*We recommend that you always check with the organisation directly to see if they accept IELTS One Skill Retake before booking your test.
How does IELTS One Skill Retake work
IELTS One Skill Retake allows eligible test takers the opportunity to improve one skill while retaining their original scores in the other three skills.
Here's how it works:
Complete your full IELTS on Computer test at an eligible test centre.
Receive your original IELTS results.
Identify the skill you want to improve: Listening, Reading, Writing, or Speaking.
Book your One Skill Retake within 60 days of your original test date.
Complete the retake at an eligible test centre.
*You can take One Skill Retake only once for each original IELTS test.
After your retake, you’ll receive a new Test Report Form (TRF) showing your updated score for the skill you retook, alongside your original scores for the other three skills. Your overall band score will be recalculated to reflect the retake result. You can then choose whether to use your original TRF or your new one, depending on which result best meets your needs and the requirements of the organisation you’re applying to.
IELTS One Skill Retake fees and cost
The IELTS One Skill Retake fee varies depending on your country and test centre. There is no single global price, so the amount you pay will depend on where you book your retake.
To check the IELTS One Skill Retake price in your location, log in to your IDP IELTS account, check your eligibility, and select the skill you want to retake. The applicable fee will be displayed during the booking process.
For the latest pricing and availability, check with your local IDP IELTS test centre.
How to book IELTS One Skill Retake with IDP
If you've taken a full IELTS on computer test at an eligible test centre, and you're eligible for IELTS One Skill Retake, here's how to book:
Log in to your IELTS profile.
View your past test results.
Click the “retake” button on the skill you wish to retake.
You must use the same valid passport you used to book your original IELTS test when booking your IELTS One Skill Retake test. This allows us to verify your identity and helps ensure a smooth test-day experience.
Also, double-check your details before test day, as bringing a different passport or ID document may prevent you from sitting the test.
Ready to improve your IELTS score? Book your IELTS One Skill Retake test today with IDP!
