IELTS band scores are reported on a 9-band scale ranging from band 1 to band 9. Each part of the test is awarded a band score for performance. The Listening and Reading parts of the IELTS test are marked in a different way to the Speaking and Writing tests.
In the Listening and Reading test parts, each have 40 questions and each correct answer receives 1 mark. The total score out of 40 is converted to the IELTS 9-band scale.
IELTS Speaking are evaluated by certified IELTS examiners in a face-to-face interview using a set of assessment criteria to award band scores for each of the four criteria, fluency and coherence, lexical resource, grammatical range and accuracy and pronunciation.
IELTS Writing are evaluated in the same way with the examiner awarding band scores for each of the four criteria that best match the performance at each band level for Writing Task 1 and Writing Task 2.
Understanding the assessment criteria can help you prepare for your test and how to better approach each test section.
Band scores
Overall band scores
What to expect in a computer-delivered IELTS test
Taking IELTS on a computer is a little different. Find out what your test day might look like, from the check-in process to each of the test parts.
How is IELTS scored?
To help you work towards the IELTS score you need, watch this short video and find out how IELTS is scored in all four parts of the test.
IELTS Speaking hears accents
IELTS Speaking examiners understand a variety of accents and can communicate effectively with you in a face-to-face conversation.
