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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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iconLast updated on Feb 18, 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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iconLast updated on Feb 14, 2025

Last answered by Vincent

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Vincent Blokker
IELTS Expert
If you feel that your performance on the day of your test does not reflect the score you received, you can ask us to remark your test. It is part of our commitment to be fair and transparent. When you request a remark (IELTS calls this an Enquiry on Result, or EOR), a Senior Examiner will take another look at your test. You can ask us to remark your Listening, Reading, Writing or Speaking. Or all of them. The fee is the same whether you ask for one skill to be remarked, or all of them. You’ll have to pay a fee to get your test remarked but if your score goes up, we will refund you that fee in full.

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Feb 14, 2025
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iconLast updated on Feb 7, 2025

Last answered by Vincent

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Vincent Blokker
IELTS Expert
Yes, we look at every single re-mark request. Even if your score did not change, IELTS will have re-marked your test. So, how come we can do this so quickly? We understand you want an outcome as soon as possible. We have a team of senior IELTS examiners around the world to re-mark your test. So, when you submit your remark request in the middle of the night in Canada, a Senior Examiner in Australia might start looking at your test straight away. And, each Senior Examiner only marks one section of your test which means they can mark different parts of your test at the same time. This process usually takes a few days, but sometimes it’s as quick as a couple of hours. Getting results very quickly is the same with IELTS on computer tests.

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Feb 7, 2025
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iconLast updated on Feb 7, 2025

Last answered by Reza

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Reza Tasviri
IELTS Expert
The IELTS partners recommend that IELTS results are valid for two years. However, individual organisations may set their own validity period. It’s best to check this with the organisation that you’re applying to.
Feb 7, 2025
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iconLast updated on Feb 7, 2025

Last answered by Reza

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Reza Tasviri
IELTS Expert
A team of senior IELTS examiners will mark your test again. Of course, none of these examiners will have marked your original test. And they also don’t know your original test score. That ensures it’s a fair remark. IELTS relies on qualified IELTS examiners. They are intensively trained and monitored to ensure consistency and quality of marking, no matter where in the world the test is taken. For example, a minimum of two examiners will mark your Writing test, and sometimes even up to three or four – we do this to ensure the highest level of accuracy and fairness possible

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Feb 7, 2025
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Last answered by Vincent

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Vincent Blokker
IELTS Expert
Yes! IELTS One Skill Retake is available in Indonesia, and also in 50+ other countries around the world.You're eligible for IELTS One Skill Retake when you have completed a full IELTS on computer test at an eligible IDP test centre, and you've received your IELTS test score. You must take IELTS One Skill Retake within 60 days of your original test date.

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Feb 7, 2025
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iconLast updated on Feb 7, 2025

Last answered by Vincent

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Vincent Blokker
IELTS Expert
When you sit a IELTS test, you get an official Test Report Form (TRF) that shows your band scores. When you do IELTS on paper, your scores will be available 13 days after your test. You test centre will then issue you a hard copy of your IELTS results. My tip: If you do IELTS on computer, you get your results very fast. And you have access to your eTRF (electronic Test Report Form), a digital version of your official IELTS certificate. You can download this, and there's no need to wait for your results to be delivered by post!

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Feb 7, 2025
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Last answered by Vincent

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Vincent Blokker
IELTS Expert
When you request a remark (Enquiry on Result or EOR), we will start reviewing your test the moment you submit your request. We know how important this is to you, and we aim to get the remark to you as quickly as we can. Remarks may be completed within less than an hour or sometimes up to 21 days. If your result is changed to a higher band score you will receive a full refund of your remark fee and get a new Test Report Form with the changed scores.

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Feb 7, 2025
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iconLast updated on Feb 7, 2025

Last answered by Vincent

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Vincent Blokker
IELTS Expert
We know most people get the score they need in their first test. However, it does sometimes happen you don’t get your required score. In that case, there is IELTS One Skill Retake. IELTS One Skill Retake is not a guarantee of a higher score. It could happen you get the same, or a lower score when you retake one skill of the test. Don’t beat yourself up: there are many reasons why you could receive a lower score on your IELTS One Skill Retake. For some, they need to work a bit on improving their English with a qualified teacher. For others, health issues, such as illness or fatigue, can negatively impact performance.

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Feb 7, 2025
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Last answered by Vincent

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Vincent Blokker
IELTS Expert
Unfortunately, not. IELTS One Skill Retake is currently only available if you’ve done your full IELTS test on computer. But, if the score you received didn’t reflect your performance on test day, you could request a remark (IELTS calls this an Enquiry on Result, or EOR). IELTS will then take another look at your test. There is a fee to get your test remarked but if your score goes up, we will refund you that fee in full. IELTS is the only major English language test that offers you the option to retake one part of the test. If you want this security before you sit the test, look for IELTS on computer.

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Feb 7, 2025
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Last answered by Vincent

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Vincent Blokker
IELTS Expert
IELTS One Skill Retake is accepted by organisations in more than 80 countries. You can check our list. Governments of the UK, Australia, New Zealand and Canada all accept IELTS One Skill Retake. Also, top universities in the world, like University of Cambridge, University of Bristol in the UK, or the University of Melbourne and the University of Sydney in Australia all trust OSR for your study application. And, you can also use your OSR results at McMaster University in Canada and Massey University in New Zealand. My tip: Always check directly with the organisation where you intend to apply to see if they accept IELTS One Skill Retake.

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Feb 7, 2025
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Last answered by Vincent

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Vincent Blokker
IELTS Expert
Good question! Unfortunately, the short answer is no. With IELTS One Skill Retake, you can only do one of the four skills again: Listening, Reading, Writing or Speaking. But you still have some options. Option 1: Request a remark. IELTS will then take another look at your Reading and Writing test. You’ll have to pay a fee to get your test remarked but if your score goes up, we will refund you that fee in full. Option 2: If you need to improve your Writing and Reading scores, it means your Listening and Speaking scores are good. That’s a great start! Take some time, prepare, and book a new test. My tip: Download the free IELTS by IDP app. You get access to lots of free study material.

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Feb 7, 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

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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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