Man looks at his tablet to find out his IELTS English test results.

IELTS marks - How do they work?

IELTS is designed to assess English language skills. In IELTS English exams it isn't possible to pass or fail, instead it uses a band scoring system to measure your English level, with 1 being the lowest band and 9 being the highest

Your transcript will show your IELTS level for each of the four skills (listening, reading, writing and speaking) as well as an overall score. It is possible to get a full band score (e.g. 5.0, 6.0 or 7.0) or a half band score (e.g. 5.5, 6.5, 7.5) on each section of the exam.

How is IELTS marked?

IELTS score

 English proficiency Description
9 Expert You have a complete command of the language. Your use of English is appropriate, accurate and fluent, and demonstrates a comprehensive understanding of the language.
8 Very good You have a fully operational command of the language with occasional inaccuracies and inappropriate use of grammar and vocabulary. You may misinterpret some things in unfamiliar situations. You handle complex and detailed argumentation well.
7 Good You have a working command of the language, albeit with occasional inaccuracies, inappropriate use of grammar and vocabulary, and misunderstandings in some situations. You generally have a good command of complex language and understands detailed reasoning.
6 Competent Usually your command of the language is accurante albeit some inaccuracies, inappropriate use of grammar and vocabulary and misunderstandings. You can use and understand quite complex language, especially in familiar situations.
5 Modest You are partially fluent in the language and able to grasp the general meaning in most situations, although you do tend to make many mistakes. You are able to handle basic communication in your own field.
4 Limited Your competence is limited to family situations. You find great difficulty in understanding and expressing yourself. You cannot use complex language.
3 Very limited You convey and understand only the general meaning in very familiar situations. There are frequent interruptions in communication.
2 Intermittent  You find it very difficult to speak and understand English.
1 Low level You are unable to use the language, with the exception of a few words. 

When and how will I find out my English IELTS test results?

You can login to the candidate portal to view your IELTS results. 

Your results will be available to view online after they are released, but should not be used as an official confirmation of your performance. Please note that IELTS for UKVI test results are not available online.

If you took the IELTS computer based English test, you will be able to find out your IELTS results online three to five (3-5) days after the date you took the written test.

When will I receive my official copy of my IELTS results?

The established times for the generation of results are as follows:

Exam Online results
IELTS on computer Three (3) to five (5) days after the date of submission of the written examination.
IELTS on paper Thirteen (13) days after the date of submission of the written examination.
IELTS for UKVI on computer Three (3) to five (5) days after the date of submission of the written examination.
IELTS for UKVI Life Skills Not available online.
IELTS Online  6-8 calendar days after the test

* If you have taken IELTS Online, you will receive your results electronically only, but you can print your electronic Test Result Form to send it to the organisations you are applying to.

Please note, we are unable to inform you of your results by telephone and email. 

British Council 
Línea de atención al cliente
Tel: 56 2 32102355

British Council - Instituto Chileno Británico de Cultura 
Santa Lucía 124, Santiago
Tel: 56 2 24132064

British Council - English UC 
Av. Jaime Guzmán Errazuriz 3300, Providencia, Santiago
Tel: 56 2 23545036

Please note that if you lose your Test Report Form or forget your results, you must speak to the IELTS examination centre where you took the exam.

Can I obtain multiple additional copies of my IELTS results?

If you would like a copy of your IELTS results sent to an educational institution, company or entity that manages immigration processes, please include the relevant addresses on the Test taker portal within two years of taking the test.

Electronic Copy

Electronic copies of your IELTS score can be accessed for free from our digital platform. The university must have been registered previously with a portal account which allows them to verifiy the result. If the university has not completed this registration process, it will not be possible to offer you this option, so we recommend that you first check with the university before making an application.

If it is not possible to activate the electronic copy for the institution, instead you must send them a physical copy.

Physical copy

You must complete the Additional Test Report Form (TRF) and assume the administrative costs for the additional copies as well as the costs of national or international shipment. We can issue a maximum of five free copies per student during the first month after the results are issued, however, the candidate must bear the cost of each shipment.

We can only print copies of IELTS test results taken directly with us and whose validity is current. We cannot issue additional copies for you.

When registering online, if you would like your IELTS results be sent to a postal address, you must reques this option and then write to us so that we can inform you of the cost of shipping, if not, we will not be able to process your request.

Institutions will be able to view candidates' results through the IELTS Report Format Verification Service (TRF). To do this, they must have your TRF number.

You can write to servicioalcliente@britishcouncil.org indicating your full name, ID number used to register for your IELTS test, exam date and name of your university, so that you can obtain more detailed information on the electronic or physical copying process.

For how long are my IELTS results valid?

Organizations do not usually accept your results after two years unless you are able to show them that you have actively maintained your level of English or improved it since you took the English certification. IELTS partners cannot confirm the validity of IELTS results if they are older than two years.

How can I request a remark of my IELTS exam?

If you did not receive the score you expected, you can apply for your test to be re-marked. This is called an Enquiry on Results (EOR).

The fee for this service is 63,000 CLP, which will be refunded if your score is increased for any section of the test.

You need to apply for a re-marking no later than six weeks after the test date, regardless of whether you have taken IELTS on paper or IELTS on computer.

You can submit an Enquiry on Results online from the Test Taker Portal.

The outcome of Enquiry of Results (EORs) can become available on the same day as your application and up to 21 days after your application. The time it takes depends on several factors, including the number of sections you’ve asked us to re-mark. If you have not received a response after 21 days, please contact your test centre.

If you have any questions about the process or you took the exam in the paper version or Life Skills and wish to apply for this option, you can contact us by email ieltslat@britishcouncil.org

Can I retake IELTS?

There is no limit on the number of times that you can take IELTS. When you think you are ready, you can register for your exam. 

Keep in mind that your score is unlikely to increase, unless you make a significant effort to improve your level of English before taking the IELTS test again. Visit our preparation section to take a mock test or revise.

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