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

Have you taken your IELTS test, received your official Test Report Form, but missed out on the score you were aiming for? We understand the frustration of not achieving your desired IELTS band score for employment, study or migration purposes. 

Other English tests might require you to sit the full test again. But IELTS offers you more options to help you after your results have been released. 

With IELTS, you can request a review of your test scores. This is also called an IELTS remark or an Enquiry on Result (EOR) within six weeks of sitting your test. Recently, we’ve launched IELTS One Skill Retake (OSR). If you didn’t show your potential in one skill on test day, IELTS One Skill Retake allows you to retake one section of the four-part English language test. 

Every year millions of people around the world use their IELTS scores to achieve their study, work and migration goals. With the right preparation and support, you can achieve the best score, too. 

Now, let's explore the differences between an Enquiry on Result (EOR) and a One Skill Retake (OSR). 

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 you received for each test section (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. 

 In Canada, the fee for an Enquiry on Result is between $165 - $290 depending on the location and test center. But there is good news: If your result is changed to a higher band score you will receive a full refund and a changed Test Report Form with your new scores. 

To help you feel confident going into your IELTS test, we’ve developed IELTS One Skill Retake. Where an Enquiry on Result can help when you feel the score you received did not match your performance on test day, One Skill Retake is an option if you didn't get to show your potential in one skill on test day. 

 IELTS One Skill Retake allows you to retake one section of the four-part English language test. If you would like a better score, IELTS One Skill Retake means you can retake one section Listening, Reading, Writing or Speaking) within 60 days of your original test date. 

You can only book IELTS One Skill Retake if you've taken your full IELTS test at an eligible IELTS One Skill Retake centre. OSR is only available if you've taken IELTS on computer external icon and if you sat your full IELTS test at a test centre that offers IELTS One Skill Retake. You can check this if you have an existing profile and can see your past IELTS test on your IELTS account. At the moment, IELTS One Skill Retake is not available for IELTS on paper.

IELTS One Skill Retake helps you show your full potential. Every year millions of people around the world use their IELTS scores to achieve their study, work and migration goals. With the right preparation and support tools, you can achieve the best score. 

More support and news about One Skill Retake 

Whether you need to find out how to book IELTS One Skill Retake, or you want to know 4 tips on how to best prepare for One Skill Retake, we're here for you. You can also check the difference between One Skill Retake and an Enquiry on Result (or a re-mark).  

Who accepts IELTS One Skill Retake? 

IELTS One Skill Retake is accepted* by universities, colleges, academic institutions, and professional bodies. Click here to find out which organisations accept your IELTS One Skill Retake test scores. IELTS One Skill Retake is expected to be available for Canadian Immigration in the future.     

Always check the website of the organisation you intend to apply to for more information about eligibility requirements. 

Over 12,000 organisations around the world accept IELTS. You will need to check with these organisations to see if they also accept IELTS One Skill Retake results. You can learn more about the difference between your original IELTS Test Report Form (TRF) and your One Skill Retake results.