The official IELTS by IDP app is here! Download it today.

Close

Get expert answers to your IELTS questions

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.

Read more about what IELTS experts have to say

icon1
iconShare
iconLast updated on May 27, 2025

Last answered by Linda

person
Answers from experts
personverified-icon
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
icon1
iconShare
iconLast updated on May 27, 2025

Last answered by Linda

person
Answers from experts
personverified-icon
Linda Alley
IELTS Expert
Use your one-minute preparation time to plan what you’re going to say about your topic. Every task card will have three bullet points you have to cover in your description. Make sure you make notes for each point. Use the question words on the task cards to help you focus your ideas. For example: What? Where? How long? Why? If you have time, brainstorm any vocabulary you might need.   Practise this technique with different sample questions before the test, so you feel confident to speak about a wide range of topics.

Read more

May 27, 2025
icon1
iconShare
iconLast updated on May 27, 2025

Last answered by Linda

person
Answers from experts
personverified-icon
Linda Alley
IELTS Expert
It’s okay to use some informal language or slang in your IELTS Speaking test, but make sure it’s appropriate for the situation. Avoid using slang that is considered to be impolite or too informal. It’s important that you communicate your ideas clearly, so if you’re use slang, make sure it is widely understood across the English-speaking world.
May 27, 2025
icon1
iconShare
iconLast updated on May 27, 2025

Last answered by Linda

person
Answers from experts
personverified-icon
Linda Alley
IELTS Expert
Yes, the audio conversation will always follow the order of questions in the test. Make sure you pay attention to what the speaker(s) are saying so you can listen for the answer and understand when they are moving onto the next question.
May 27, 2025
icon1
iconShare
iconLast updated on May 21, 2025

Last answered by Vincent

person
Answers from experts
personverified-icon
Vincent Blokker
IELTS Expert
Yes, if you did the UKVI IELTS test, you also have the option to retake one skill if you didn’t get the score you were aiming for in one of the components. You're eligible for IELTS One Skill Retake when you have completed a full UKVI 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.

Read more

May 21, 2025
icon1
iconShare
iconLast updated on May 21, 2025

Last answered by Vincent

person
Answers from experts
personverified-icon
Vincent Blokker
IELTS Expert
No, you can’t “buy” and IELTS certificate without taking the test. You might see people across social media or on certain websites offering fake Test Report Forms if you pay them money. Sometimes they pretend to work for IELTS. Don’t waste your money and risk your future opportunities. Immigration authorities and universities always check the validity or IELTS scores directly with us. If you’re caught using fake IELTS results, you risk a visa refusal or cancellation, withdrawal of an offer of study, and you may get banned from taking IELTS in the future.

Read more

May 21, 2025
icon1
iconShare
iconLast updated on May 21, 2025

Last answered by Vincent

person
Answers from experts
personverified-icon
Vincent Blokker
IELTS Expert
No, it's a misconception that taking the IELTS test in another country is easier or harder. Your test is marked to the same standard wherever you take it. Besides, IELTS is very transparent about how we mark your test: the marking criteria examiners use are available for you to look at, too. IELTS Examiners are highly trained and follow global standards. That makes the IELTS test is fair and consistent, and the reason why more than 12,500 organisations around the world trust IELTS scores.

Read more

May 21, 2025
icon1
iconShare
iconLast updated on May 21, 2025

Last answered by Vincent

person
Answers from experts
personverified-icon
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
icon1
iconShare
iconLast updated on May 21, 2025

Last answered by Vincent

person
Answers from experts
personverified-icon
Vincent Blokker
IELTS Expert
Good question! That depends on the country you are looking to move to. For example, in Australia you can generally use either IELTS Academic or IELTS General Training. However, immigration authorities in Canada usually only accept IELTS General Training. So, always check with the immigration authorities (or a qualified migration agent) which IELTS test you require before you book your test. Legislation about immigration and visas changes frequently. When you’re looking to move to another country, it’s important to check the relevant government website for changes that may apply to you.

Read more

May 21, 2025
icon1
iconShare
iconLast updated on May 21, 2025

Last answered by Vincent

person
Answers from experts
personverified-icon
Vincent Blokker
IELTS Expert
No, every time you take an IELTS test, you get a unique IELTS Test Report Form (TRF). This document has details about the test, and your score. When you sit IELTS a second time, you will get a new TRF but your previous one also remains valid. It’s up to you which one you want to share with the organisations you’re sending your scores to.
May 21, 2025
icon1
iconShare
iconLast updated on May 21, 2025

Last answered by Vincent

person
Answers from experts
personverified-icon
Vincent Blokker
IELTS Expert
Don’t worry: if you ask IELTS to remark your test, your band score will never reduce or go down. It can only stay the same or go up. So, when you feel that the results you received from your IELTS test don’t reflect how you performed on the day of your test, you can ask IELTS to remark your test without having to worry that your score may go down.
May 21, 2025
icon1
iconShare
iconLast updated on May 15, 2025

Last answered by Linda

person
Answers from experts
personverified-icon
Linda Alley
IELTS Expert
Yes, we have an option for this called IELTS One Skill Retake. If you didn’t get the Speaking score you were hoping for, you can take this section of the test again if : 1. you have completed a full IELTS test at a centre that offers One Skill Retake 2. your full test was an eligible IELTS on computer test 3. you take your One Skill Retake within 60 days of your full IELTS test You can view the cost and book a test time here .

Read more

May 15, 2025
profileverified-icon

Fahad Rafique

flag

Canada

16 years

Experience

role

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

profileverified-icon

Jess Christie

flag

Australia

8 years

Experience

role

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

profileverified-icon

Lewis Crannitch

flag

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

profileverified-icon

Linda Alley

flag

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

profileverified-icon

Reza Tasviri

flag

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

profileverified-icon

Rocco Nigro

flag

Australia

26 years

Experience

role

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

profileverified-icon

Vincent Blokker

flag

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

Show less

Powered byTap logo

Read more about what IELTS experts have to say