The IELTS (International English Language Testing System) opens numerous opportunities for aspirants. Getting a high band score means you are already a few steps ahead in your ambition to work, study, or migrate abroad. The fact that IELTS is accepted by more than 12,500 organisations worldwide only increases its value. Because the stakes are so high, it’s natural that waiting for the results can be overwhelming.
If you’re experiencing the same, you are in the right place. We bring you a step-by-step process of checking your result online. Keep reading until the end to save yourself the trouble of having to find where to check results on the day itself.
When Will IELTS Results Be Available?
Based on the type of exam you’ve taken, the number of days required to publish results can vary. As you already know, the IELTS exam is conducted in 2 ways: computer and paper-based. If you’ve taken a computer-based test, expect the results to be available between 1 and 5 days. On the other hand, a paper-based test requires a few more days, and you receive the score on the 13th day.
It’s important to note that this is not a fixed time. For example, in Australia, the IELTS test when taken on a computer yields results within 1-2 days, sometimes in as little as 24 hours.
How to Check IELTS Result Online?
There are a few ways in which you will know that the results are out. The first being test partners such as British Council or IDP IELTS sending an email to your registered email address. Secondly, some test centres may send an SMS alert. Also, if you’re using the official apps, you can receive a push notification for the same. Whichever way you receive the information, the next step is to find the relevant websites and check your results.
Note: Online scores are provisional until you receive the official TRF, i.e. Test Report Form. For those who’ve taken computer-based tests, an electronic Test Report Form or eTRF is available. Once your results are live, a download button will appear next to your scores. You can download it and use it as required. If you’ve appeared for a paper-based test, you might receive a physical copy either by post or in person at the test centre.
Now that you understand the results, let’s learn how to check the scores online.
IDP IELTS
IDP IELTS is one of the partners conducting the IELTS test in Australia. If you’ve taken a test at a centre, your results can be accessed through IDP’s official website. Here is how you can check it:
- Log in to your IELTS profile.
- Enter the required credentials.
- Click on the “My Tests” tab.
- Access your results.
- Check if there is a download eTRF button and click on it.
- Find the “Notify Institution” button and use it to send the result to your chosen organisation.
British Council
The British Council is another official partner of IELTS. However, in Australia, IDP exclusively administers all the in-person tests. In case you’ve opted for the IELTS Online test from home, you’ll have registered through their website. Here’s how to access your results:
- Open their official website.
- Enter your credentials (email address and password, created when you booked the test).
- Log in and find the “Completed Tests” or “My Tests” tab.
- Select the specific IELTS Online test date.
- Click on the Results tab and download the eTRF.
If you’re facing technical issues when logging into the portal and are unable to access the results, you can contact your test centre. While they may not be able to give out the scores via phone call or email due to security reasons, they can:
- Help you troubleshoot the online account issue.
- Arrange for you to pick up a physical copy of TRF.
- Confirm whether your physical copy has been posted to your address.
What Happens After Receiving the Results?
The IELTS results are valid for 2 years. If you’re satisfied with the results, you can:
- Double-check if the overall band scores meet the university expectations.
- Send the TRF to universities.
- Submit to the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) for relevant visas.
- Check if the scores grant you extra migration points.
If you are not satisfied with the scores and you feel these might be inadequate for your aspirations, you have two options:
One Skill Retake
The IELTS test comprises 4 sections, i.e., reading, writing, speaking and listening. If your original test was computer-delivered, you can register for the “One Skill Retake” and sit for just one section again, within 60 days of your original test date, rather than the whole exam. This option is available once per original test, and it’s worth checking with your university or immigration authority beforehand, as not every institution accepts One Skill Retake scores in place of a full-test result.
Enquiry on Results
If you’re confident your performance was stronger than the score reflects, you can apply for an official “Enquiry on Results” or EOR. This is most useful for the more subjective modules, Writing and Speaking, where a re-mark by a different examiner can make a real difference.
You’ll need to submit the request within six weeks of your test date, and there’s usually a fee involved. If your score goes up after the review, that fee is refunded in full. Turnaround time depends on the test format: computer-delivered results are typically re-marked within a week, while paper-based EORs can take up to three weeks.
Concluding Remarks
Although the IELTS results are most probably available within the timeframe, there are chances of delays. High test volume periods, verification delays, public holidays and incorrect details can all play villains. If your test result does not show up within the stipulated time, avoid panicking and wait for another 24 to 48 hrs. If still not available, reach out to the test centre.
IELTS can be critical to achieving your goals, so strong preparation becomes a non-negotiable. Reach out to the team at EnglishWise. We offer trial classes that can gauge your current preparation level and guide you accordingly to score the desired marks. We have a fully equipped lab so you can practice and be ready for your test.
