IELTS is a test that allows individuals to get the necessary marks for learning or working in lands overseas. The International English Language Testing System is a standard proctored exam designed by the British Council and the International Development Program. It examines the capacity to communicate in four primary approaches which are spoken, read, written, and listened. Prior to writing your exam, you should understand the exam timetable, the scoring and the requirements, exam time, the fees, and the timeline for how long is IELTS valid, among others. However, the validity of the exam scores is the most important one because it helps you know how much time you have to plan your move.
How Long is IELTS Valid: Everything You Need to Know
This computer-based exam’s duration is fixed and lasts for two hours and forty-five minutes. You can score from one to nine bands. The highest score you can be awarded is 9 and 1 is the lowest. You get a zero band if you do not appear for the exam.
Before discussing how long is the validity of IELTS, know these things:
The minimum IELTS score depends on the university you are planning to apply for or an organisation. It is recommended that you check the IELTS requisites for the university or organisation you’re applying to.
There are two kinds of exams:
- IELTS Academic Test: check a student’s ability to understand and communicate in English. The students take this test to be eligible to study in an English-speaking country.
- General Training IELTS: checks an individual’s ability to communicate in English. It is used for people with the passion to migrate to another country for work purposes. For academic purposes, IELTS validity is 2 years, 3 for skilled worker visas.
So, once you appear for the exam, your score will expire at some point. This is why you need to know how long your scorecard is valid so that you can plan your move and applications.
How Long is IELTS Valid: As Per Different Countries
The validity of the IELTS scores is different for each country. Some countries have extensions while others do not. If you’re planning to take the IELTS test in Sydney or any other location, it is very important to understand how long your scores are valid. Knowing this information can help plan for your future more effectively. Here is a comprehensive breakdown of IELTS score validity in various countries:
IELTS Validity in the US
Most US universities accept 6 to 6.5 IELTS scores which are under the two-year mark since the result date. However, high-ranked universities may accept 7.0 as the minimum requirement. The same applies to the General Training IELTS test.
IELTS Validity in Australia
IELTS, in Australia, for student visa purposes, is 2 years with an overall score (minimum) of 6.0. For skilled migration, however, the validity is for 3 years.
IELTS Validity in Canada
The validity for IELTS exam scores in Canada is 2 years for both work and student visas. However, a thing to note if you’re moving to Canada is that the IRCC takes around 6 months to process your applications. If two years are up before the IRCC processes your application, it will be rejected.
IELTS Validity in the UK
In the UK, unlike the IELTS score validity for Australia, it is 2 years for work and student visa. The minimum score requirement differs from university to university and organisation to organisation.
Some FAQs on IELTS and Score Validity
Apart from knowing how long the IELTS test is for, you need other pieces of information for a good result. Firstly, the score is graded on “band” scores, which is a reflection of raw scores. When you appear for the exam, you will find that you’ll be graded 40 marks, which are the raw scores. The result will be graded on 40 and converted to the band scores which is from 0 to 9.
The results of IELTS are not valid for a lifetime. Usually, the validity is for 2 years. If you want to move after two years from the issuance of your scorecard, then you will have to reappear for the exam. You cannot apply for a student or work visa without a valid scorecard. It is recommended that you check the requirements, which are validity, application process time and the minimum score requirement with the organisation or university you want to apply.
Tips to Prepare for IELTS for a Good Score
When you prepare for IELTS consider the following tips to score better:
- Make sure that you understand the syllabus and the structure. Since every section is timed differently, practising as per the time allotted for each section will help you do well.
- Consider checking updates for the exams. Sometimes, the structure changes. You will only know if you crosscheck the information you have with the information on the official website.
- Always have a study plan. You should use your time wisely and study as per your capabilities. Structure your study plan as per your strengths and weaknesses.
- Find a good trainer to help you. Experts in the domain will make your preparation easier, and help you with mock tests.
Preparing for IELTS with the Best: EnglishWise
Preparing for IELTS with the right guidance ensures a desirable result. Although the minimum score requirement is 6.0 in most countries, scoring well opens more avenues for you to grow. When you join classes run by experienced teachers, you have access to support, help and tips that help you crack the exam.
EnglishWise employs teachers with specialities that allow you to not only learn how to navigate your exams but also to score well. EnglishWise prioritises the benefits of students, which is why it offers online classes. The coaching centre offers different courses IELTS Academic, which is just for students looking to study abroad, IELTS General Training, which is for individuals who want to migrate for work, and also for IELTS Life Skills, which is a course approved by the UK government is meant for only UK visas for family or extension of family.
Guiding you through how to prepare and with mock tests, EnglishWise sets you up for success. The coaching centre offers you one-on-one interaction with teachers, 7-day classes, live discussions, AI scoring software for a better understanding of your preparation, and advanced sessions.
