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Candidates are graded on their performance in the test, using scores from 1 to 9 for each part of the test – Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking. There is no pass or fail in IELTS. Your results from the four parts then produce an Overall Band Score.
This unique 9-band system measures scores in a consistent manner – wherever and whenever the test is taken. It is internationally recognised and understood, giving you a reliable international currency.
The IELTS 9-band scale
Each band corresponds to a level of English competence. All parts of the test and the Overall Band Score can be reported in whole and half bands, eg 6.5, 7.0, 7.5, 8.0.
Band 9: Expert user: has fully operational command of the language: appropriate, accurate and fluent with complete understanding.
Band 8: Very good user: has fully operational command of the language with only occasional unsystematic inaccuracies and inappropriacies. Misunderstandings may occur in unfamiliar situations. Handles complex detailed argumentation well.
Band 7: Good user: has operational command of the language, though with occasional inaccuracies, inappropriacies and misunderstandings in some situations. Generally handles complex language well and understands detailed reasoning.
Band 6: Competent user: has generally effective command of the language despite some inaccuracies, inappropriacies and misunderstandings. Can use and understand fairly complex language, particularly in familiar situations.
Band 5: Modest user: has partial command of the language, coping with overall meaning in most situations, though is likely to make many mistakes. Should be able to handle basic communication in own field.
Band 4: Limited user: basic competence is limited to familiar situations. Has frequent problems in understanding and expression. Is not able to use complex language.
Band 3: Extremely limited user: conveys and understands only general meaning in very familiar situations. Frequent breakdowns in communication occur.
Band 2: Intermittent user: no real communication is possible except for the most basic information using isolated words or short formulae in familiar situations and to meet immediate needs. Has great difficulty understanding spoken and written English.
Band 1: Non-user: essentially has no ability to use the language beyond possibly a few isolated words.
Band 0: Did not attempt the test: No assessable information provided.
For more information, see Frequently asked questions (FAQ’s) or download the Information for candidates booklet
- Your results can be accessed online 13 days after the written test date (i.e. after 1500 on Friday of the following week if the test was on a Saturday).
- You need to collect your IELTS results from the British Council or you can authorise someone to collect it on your behalf. A signed letter must be presented to the Customer Services at the British Council giving this person’s name and passport/ID number (the person must carry the mentioned ID), and copy of your passport/National ID.
- You will get one copy of your results for yourself; we cannot issue a replacement.
- You are entitled to a maximum of 5 extra copies of your results. Download and fill this form.
Do not send your own copy of the results to any institution or organisation. They will only accept results sent by the British Council.
- To request a re-mark of your test you must complete an IELTS Enquiry on Results form within four weeks of receiving your results. Take this form, your original Test Report Form and the £60 fee to the British Council office. If your mark changes you will receive a full refund of the re-mark.
- If you change or cancel your test date more than five weeks before the test you will get a full refund less an administrative charge of 75,000 LBP; if you notify us less than five weeks before your test date you will forfeit the whole test fee.
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