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Have you taken your IELTS test, received your official Test Report Form, and need to improve your score in just one area? IELTS One Skill Retake allows you to retake one of the four skills: Listening, Reading, Writing, or Speaking.

We know most test takers get the scores they need the first time. But if you feel you haven’t performed to your best in all areas, IELTS One Skill Retake can help you get back on track.

Here are 5 tips to get you ready for IELTS One Skill Retake!

How to succeed in IELTS One Skill Retake - 5 tips you must know!

Tip 1: Know where to improve

Want to know where you went wrong on your IELTS test? And how to improve for your IELTS One Skill Retake test?  

If you plan to take IELTS One Skill Retake soon and would like expert feedback on your English skills, we recommend IELTS Assist.

With IELTS Assist, you get a sample test for IELTS Reading, Speaking or Writing. An official IELTS coach will look at your work, and give you expert and detailed feedback on your performance.

IELTS Assist allows you to improve on your mistakes and prevent them when you sit your IELTS One Skill Retake.

Tip 2: Understand IELTS marking criteria

At IELTS, we share with you how we test, how we mark your work, and what is important.

When preparing for your IELTS One Skill Writing or Speaking, make sure you understand what examiners look for, and how your band score is calculated.

  • Between two and four examiners mark your IELTS Writing test. That's to ensure the highest level of accuracy and fairness in the marks awarded. To find out more about the assessment criteria used by IELTS examiners, read the IELTS Writing Task 1 and IELTS Writing Task 2 assessment criteria.

  • An expert examiner assesses your Speaking test. The examiner assesses your spoken English according to the IELTS Speaking test assessment criteria.

Example: You scores a 6.0 for Speaking on your IELTS test, but you need a 7.0. When you read the Speaking assessment criteria, you'll see that a band 6.0 allows for "occasional repetition, self-correction or hesitation." At an IELTS 7.0, you should "speaks at length without noticeable effort" although "some repetition and/or self-correction" is still okay.Can you see areas where you can improve?

Tip 3: Access an IELTS Masterclass

Preparation is essential for IELTS One Skill Retake, just like it is for the full IELTS test.

So, when you read Tip 1 and understand your strengths and weaknesses, and you've accessed the marking criteria we told you about in Tip 2, it's time to listen to an expert.

Our free IELTS Masterclasses are designed to help you target an advanced level of English. You’ll get tips on how to achieve a higher score. We’ll explain the marking criteria and help you avoid mistakes. 

Tip 4: Don't rush, and take your time

If you want a better score for one of the skills of your IELTS test, you need to book and sit the IELTS One Skill Retake test within 60 days of your original test. That means you have enough time to prepare.

Okay, sometimes you need your English language test results quickly. For example, when you're applying for a visa or for university. But, if possible, take some time to prepare before sitting IELTS One Skill Retake.

Our tip: Book IELTS One Skill Retake early because the demand is high and places are limited. But, when selecting a test date to retake your one skill, ensure you leave at least a couple of weeks to prepare.

Tip 5: Download the IELTS App

The official IELTS by IDP app is a free and easy way to access practice material and check your test results.

Prepare with confidence, using a personalised app experience, based on your level of skill. From articles and videos to online courses and practice tests, there's learning content for every type of preparation at your fingertips.

With the IELTS app, you can view exclusive preparation articles, webinars, and test taker videos. You can also hear from world-class IELTS experts as they share tips and tricks to ace your test.

IELTS by IDP app

Book, prepare, and preview your results all in one place. Download the IELTS by IDP app today!

IELTS One Skill Retake: show your full potential

We've developed IELTS One Skill Retake to help you feel confident going into your IELTS test. With this new feature, you can retake any one component of the test (Listening, Reading, Writing or Speaking), without having to take a full test.


You're eligible for IELTS One Skill Retake when you have completed a full IELTS on computer test, and you've received your IELTS test score. You must take IELTS One Skill Retake within 60 days of your original test date.


Only IELTS offers One Skill Retake, so book your test now.