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We've collected the most frequently asked questions from our IELTS test takers, covering every stage of your IELTS journey. Our IELTS experts have provided answers and shared their unique insights.

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iconMay 21, 2025

Last answered by Vincent

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Vincent Blokker
IELTS Expert
There is no minimum wait period before you can take the IELTS test again. However, if you didn’t get the results you were aiming for, I recommend you take some time to reflect on your scores, take some time to study and prepare, and then take the test again. IDP has lots of free preparation material to help you.
May 21, 2025
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iconSep 15, 2025

Last answered by Lewis

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Lewis Crannitch
IELTS Expert
For paper-based IELTS, eTRFs (electronic Test Report Forms) are not currently available, so you’ll receive a paper TRF instead. This is issued 13 days after your test, and we’ll notify you by email once it’s ready. If you’ve asked for your TRF to be posted, it will be sent by standard New Zealand Post. Delivery usually takes 3–5 working days, though occasional postal delays can happen. If you need your TRF sooner, you can collect it directly from the test centre on the day it is released or arrange for a courier service. Contact your chosen test centre to discuss courier options and how to set this up.

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Sep 15, 2025
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iconJun 30, 2025

Last answered by Reza

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Reza Tasviri
IELTS Expert
It largely depends on how much you practice and where your mistakes are. First work out how many more questions you need to get right. Here is a good guide: IELTS Scoring . Then do some practice tests and focus on parts of the test that you think can help you get the needed extra scores.You may also realise that you need to improve your listening skills generally and that’s when listening daily to radio, television or podcasts in English help a lot.

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Jul 1, 2025
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iconJun 17, 2025

Last answered by Reza

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Reza Tasviri
IELTS Expert
There is no definite answer because it depends on how much you practise, which skills you need to improve most in and in which areas (e.g. grammar, vocabulary, or pronunciation e.g.). What is clear is that you need to work out what you need to work most on and practice daily.
Jun 30, 2025
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Rocco Nigro
IELTS Expert
It depends on how much work you are prepared to do. Consider setting some goals to help you stay motivated as you need to be consistent in your practice. Remember, there is no short cut, so be prepared to put in the effort.
Jun 17, 2025
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iconMay 28, 2025

Last answered by Vincent

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Vincent Blokker
IELTS Expert
You can book your IELTS test as soon as a day before you take the test. This depends on the demand and availability in your city or country. But my recommendation is to book at least two weeks in advance. Why? When you book your IELTS test with IDP, you get access to a free online preparation course, developed by Macquarie University in Australia. People who prepare for their test usually get a higher score. So, take advantage of this free course!

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May 28, 2025
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iconJun 16, 2025

Last answered by Vincent

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Vincent Blokker
IELTS Expert
A maximum of one skill of the IELTS test can be retaken for each full IELTS test. That means you cannot request a second IELTS One Skill Retake on the same test. If you wish to improve your IELTS score in more than one skill, you will need to book a complete IELTS test (all four skills).
Jun 16, 2025
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iconMay 28, 2025

Last answered by Vincent

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Vincent Blokker
IELTS Expert
When your results for IELTS One Skill Retake have been released, we’ll send you an email. You can then log in to your IELTS account to check your scores. When you see your IELTS scores, you can download a PDF or send your results electronically to an organisation that accepts IELTS.
May 28, 2025
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iconJun 4, 2026

Last answered by Jess

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Jess Christie
IELTS Expert
IELTS can offer a wide range of access arrangements. For hearing difficulties we can offer modified listening tests in a private room that are played through twice. For those with more severe hearing difficulties we can also offer lip reading listening tests including practice sessions with the designated staff who will assist you on the day. Exemptions can also be obtained in the most severe of cases. Please contact your local test centre to arrange these ammendments to your test. Ensure you allow enough time as applications for access arrangements must be approved by Cambridge in advance.

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Jun 4, 2026
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iconJun 17, 2025

Last answered by Rocco

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Rocco Nigro
IELTS Expert
These are words or phrases that you do not hear so often, but carry the same meaning as words that are used all the time. E.g. 'obtain' can have the same meaning as 'got' but is used less often.
Jun 17, 2025
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iconJun 17, 2025

Last answered by Rocco

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Rocco Nigro
IELTS Expert
When previewing the question, have a look at the options that are near each other. Think about how they are similar and different. E.g. both option A and option B appear before the river, but option A is opposite the school and option B is next to the school.
Jun 17, 2025
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Linda Alley
IELTS Expert
These question types can be challenging because you have to think about where you are on the map while you listen. I’d recommend reviewing vocabulary related to location and giving directions e.g. take the second street on the right, it’s on the corner in front of the pharmacy etc. Become familiar with compass directions in English (north, northeast, east, southeast etc) to orientate yourself during the recording.

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May 13, 2025
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iconMay 27, 2025

Last answered by Linda

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Linda Alley
IELTS Expert
Unfortunately, no. IELTS One Skill Retake is only available if you took your full IELTS test on a computer in an eligible test centre.
May 27, 2025
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iconFeb 7, 2025

Last answered by Linda

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Linda Alley
IELTS Expert
Did you take your IELTS test on a computer at a test centre that offers IELTS One Skill Retake? If so, you might be eligible to take IELTS One Skill Retake for Listening if you are within 60 days of your original test date. You can check your eligibility and book a test here: IELTS One Skill Retake

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Feb 18, 2025
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Fahad Rafique

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Canada

16 years

Experience

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IELTS Expert

Hello! I'm Fahad, and I've been a part of IELTS since April 2010. Having been born and raised in the UAE and then migrating to Canada, I can truly say that IELTS takes you places. I firmly believe that success belongs to those who actively seek it. I'm here to help answer any questions you may have about IELTS and guide you on how to take that crucial first step toward achieving your international dreams – whether it's study, migration or work. I look forward to supporting you!!

Last online Aug 2, 2025

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Jess Christie

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Australia

8 years

Experience

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IELTS Expert

Hi, I'm Jess and I’m an IELTS Expert who has worked in the world of IELTS for 7 years. I help test takers do the best they can in the IELTS test by providing them with helpful tips to ensure they have a smooth test day. I am originally from regional Victoria in Australia, but I was an international student when I went to Ireland for University. I came back and decided to work in the world of international education, which led me to IELTS.

Last online Jun 25, 2025

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Lewis Crannitch

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New Zealand

2 years

Experience

role

IELTS Expert

Hi, I’m Lewis. I’ve worked with IELTS in New Zealand since 2017 and taught English in Japan, China, and NZ. Having also learned a language myself in China, I understand the challenges test takers face. I track English proficiency requirements in NZ and deliver IELTS Masterclasses and familiarisation sessions to support preparation, share resources, and make test day easier. I look forward to connecting with you on your IELTS journey.

Last online Sep 15, 2025

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Linda Alley

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Australia

11 years

Experience

role

IELTS Expert

Hi! I’m Linda. I’m here to help you reach your IELTS goals by answering any questions you might have about the test and how to prepare. You may have seen me on our video podcast, IELTS Prepare by IDP. I also create learning materials and blog posts for IELTS test takers. Over the past 10 years, I’ve taught English as a Second Language to students from all over the world, so please get in touch if you have any questions on how to improve your language skills.

Last online Sep 16, 2025

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Reza Tasviri

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Australia

18 years

Experience

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IELTS Expert

Hi, I’m Reza. I’m here to help you with advice on how to effectively use your knowledge of English to get the best outcome in your IELTS test. I can answer questions on what the test asks you to do, how it assesses your performance, and how you can show you have what it takes. I’ve been involved with IELTS for 17 years now. I’ve been an English Language teacher for 27 years and a lifelong learner (English is not my first language. I started when I was 17 and haven’t stopped since).

Last online Jul 9, 2025

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Rocco Nigro

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Australia

26 years

Experience

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IELTS Expert

Hello, my name is Rocco and I am one of the IELTS Experts here at IDP. Since 1995, I've been involved in English language teaching, teacher training, assessment and academic management, which has helped me develop a wealth of knowledge about the IELTS test. I enjoy meeting students and test takers from all over the world. If you have any questions about how to do your best in the IELTS Listening, Reading, Writing or Speaking tests, I can give you some good approaches to help you on test day.

Last online Jun 18, 2025

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Vincent Blokker

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Australia

11 years

Experience

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IELTS Expert

Hi! I’m Vincent, and I'm here to help you succeed in your IELTS journey. I live in the beautiful city of Melbourne, Australia, but I work with students from all over the world. I can help with advice and resources and answer your questions about IELTS. I also write blogs with tips for the test and have created study materials for IELTS. I’m an expert on any questions about the organisations, universities, and governments that accept IELTS for work, study, or your visa. Feel free to contact me!

Last online Jul 1, 2025

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