You've taken your IELTS test and have waited patiently for 13 days. Then, on day 13, you receive an email saying your results are being withheld. You're wondering, how could this happen?
Well, your results can be withheld due to any of the reasons that are listed in the terms and conditions. Continue reading to learn all there is to know about these terms and conditions as well as what to do if you’re put in this situation
Points in the terms and conditions
If you discover that your results are being withheld, the first thing we recommend is to contact the test centre. Keep in mind that when you apply for the IELTS and complete the application form, you'll find the terms and conditions attached to the form. These terms and conditions contain three very important points which provide information about why IELTS results may be withheld or cancelled.
The following points are found under the terms and conditions:
Your result may not be issued 13 days after the test if the IELTS Test Partners decide that it is necessary to review any matter associated with your test or the administration of your test. You may be required to provide writing and speaking samples to assist in any investigation. In exceptional circumstances, you may be required to retake one or more IELTS components.
This means that you may not receive your results after 13 days because the IELTS Test Partners need to check the results more thoroughly. The two most common reasons for this are: 1) your test needs to be checked again or 2) quality control checks are being conducted on how the test was managed.
Your result may be cancelled after it has been issued if any irregularity is identified. You may be required to retake one or more IELTS components.
This means if it's determined that there are any problems with your test, your results may be cancelled, and you may need to take your test or sections of your test again. The term "irregularity" means something happened regarding your test or how it was managed which was not acceptable or usual.
If any of the data on the Test Report Form provided by you or your agent to Recognising Organisations has been altered in any way, your original test result may be cancelled.
This means that if it's determined that any of the information given was altered, your result may be cancelled. Please be very careful when providing your information and only deal with reputable agents.
IELTS maintains the right to withhold or cancel your results for analysis or quality checks.
When you sign your application form, you agree to accept possible delays in your results. Your signature on the form confirms that you agree to the terms and conditions.
IELTS will email you if your results are withheld or cancelled. If you do not receive an email and cannot access your results, please check your spam or contact the centre where you took your test.
Why can't I see my IELTS results online?
If you can’t see your IELTS results online, then it will be due to one of the three beforementioned points in the terms and conditions which advise that your results may be withheld or cancelled. In this case, simply contact your test centre and they will be able to provide you with more information.
What to do?
What can you do if your results are delayed?
If your results are delayed, you need to be patient and wait.
There is no fixed time limit. Some test takers will receive their results within a week or two, but others may have to wait a month or even up to 3 months.
Can I retake my test?
Yes, you can take your test again if you don't want to wait or can't wait for your delayed results.
If you take more than one test, you can choose which test result to use. It won't matter if you end up with two sets of results. You can pick the highest set.
Planning when to take your test
When deciding on what date you want to take your IELTS, ensure that you schedule your test date a few months before your deadline as unforeseen delays may occur.
FAQs
1. Where are IELTS results declared?
You can view your IELTS results online for 28 days via your IDP account. However, this should not be used as an official confirmation of your performance.
A copy of your IELTS score is on your Test Report Form or TRF. You will receive only one copy of your IELTS Test Report Form, which is valid for two years.
Your official Test Report Form (TRF) will be sent to your postal address. If you take IELTS on Paper, your TRF will be posted 13 days after your test date. If you take IELTS on Computer, your TRF will be posted 3 to 5 days after your test date.
2. Why are my IELTS results withheld?
There are three important points in the terms and conditions which provide information about why your IELTS test results may be withheld or cancelled, and they are:
The IELTS Test Partners decide that it is necessary to review any matter associated with your test or the administration of your test. You may be required to provide writing and speaking samples to assist in any investigation. In exceptional circumstances, you may be required to retake one or more IELTS components.
Your result may be cancelled after it has been issued if any irregularity is identified. You may be required to retake one or more IELTS components.
If any of the data on the Test Report Form provided by you or your agent to Recognising Organisations has been altered in any way, your original test result may be cancelled.
3. Can IELTS results be viewed online?
Yes, you can view your IELTS results online for 28 days. However, this should not be used as an official confirmation of your performance.
You can access your IELTS results via your IDP account. You will need your passport or ID number (the same number you used when you registered for the test) to access your results online. Contact your test centre if you have any queries or issues.
4. How long can IELTS results be delayed?
There is no fixed time limit. Some test takers will receive their results within a week or two, but others may have to wait a month or even up to 3 months.