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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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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 Rocco

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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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iconJun 30, 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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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 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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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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iconMay 28, 2025

Last answered by Vincent

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Vincent Blokker
IELTS Expert
Medical professionals in Australia need to demonstrate high levels of English language proficiency. That’s important, because people’s lives and wellbeing depend on it. The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (Ahpra) sets English requirements for nurses and currently requires the Academic IELTS test. But, always check with the organisation which regulates your profession before you book your IELTS test.

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May 28, 2025
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iconMay 28, 2025

Last answered by Vincent

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Vincent Blokker
IELTS Expert
Occasionally even native English speakers need to take an IELTS test. That’s because some organisations have strict requirements what counts as a “native speaker.” For example, a university might consider you a native speaker if you hold a passport from a country where English is the main language. Other organisations only consider you a native speaker if you’re a citizen of an English-speaking country and have lived there for a minimum number or years or have completed education in that country. One of the biggest mistakes native English speakers make is not preparing for the IELTS test. Here are some tips to help you get the score you’re looking for if English is your first language: IELTS for native English speakers – some tips to get a top score

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May 28, 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

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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

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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

role

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

role

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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Vishal Ramesh

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India

1 year

Experience

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IELTS Expert

Your friendly neighbourhood community manager

Last online Mar 4, 2025

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