IELTS Enquiry on Result vs IELTS One Skill Retake: What's the difference?

We know with the right preparation and support, our test takers can achieve their best score on test day the first time around. However, if you didn't get the results you were aiming for, there's no need to worry. With IELTS, now you have more than one way to improve your score.

The first option is the conventional IELTS Enquiry on Result (EOR), or IELTS Remark, which enables you to request a review within six weeks of taking the test. Another newly introduced alternative is IELTS One Skill Retake. Typically with other English tests, if you’re seeking to improve on one area of the test, you would be required to retake the entire test from scratch. With IELTS One Skill Retake, you can just retake any one skill (Listening, Reading, Writing or Speaking) without having to retake the full test. 

Let's look at the precise differences between these two options to help you get a better understanding.

What is an IELTS Remark or EOR (Enquiry on Results)? 

If you feel that your performance on test day is not reflected in the score you received, you can request IELTS to review your score. This is also called an IELTS remark or IELTS Enquiry on Result (EOR). So, what is an IELTS Enquiry on Result and what happens when you apply for one? 

 When you apply for an EOR, your test is re-marked by senior examiners. These examiners are unaware of the original marks score you received for each test skill (Listening, Reading, Writing or Speaking). Generally, you'll receive an outcome within a couple of days, but it may take up to 21 days. The re-marking process is a way of ensuring that the test is fair. With an IELTS remark, you may choose to have one or more test skills re-marked. For instance, you can request a remark on just your Speaking test or your IELTS Writing and Speaking together. You can also request a remark on all four skills (Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking) at the same time. The fee is the same regardless. 

What is IELTS One Skill Retake? 

To help you feel confident going into your IELTS test, we’ve developed IELTS One Skill Retake. You can now retake any one skill of the test; Listening, Reading, Writing or Speaking without redoing all four skills. IELTS One Skill Retake can help you get back on track. 

You're eligible to book IELTS One Skill Retake after you have recently completed a full test on computer and received your IELTS test score from an eligible test centre. You must book your IELTS One Skill Retake within 60 days of your original test date. Check the explainer video and FAQs page below for more information about IELTS One Skill Retake. 

To find out more about IELTS One Skill Retake and where it is available, please click here.

If you want to submit an Enquiry On Results against your original full IELTS test, you must do so within two weeks of your original IELTS Listening, Reading and Writing test date, and wait until you receive your remark status before registering for IELTS One Skills Retake against the same IELTS test. 

In conclusion, IELTS is a flexible and supportive testing system that strives to help test takers achieve their best scores on test day. However, in case you do not obtain your desired result, IELTS offers a variety of options to help you improve your test score.