IELTS on paper results
Results are available online 13 days after the test date via the IELTS booking portal you used to register for the test. A paper copy* of your Test Report Form (TRF) is also posted at this time. Results may also be collected in person upon request – email ielts@liverpool.ac.uk to check if this is possible no more than 11 days following the test. You'll receive only one printed copy of the TRF.
Prior to test day, you may request up to five additional TRFs to be sent, free of charge, to test users (university/college/institution). Names and addresses can be added on your online application form.
*It's your responsibility to ensure that the address you applied with is accurate and is your current address. Update your address on the IELTS registration portal, or email ielts@liverpool.ac.uk. If you think your Test Report Form is lost in the post, contact ielts@liverpool.ac.uk within 28 days of the test date (replacement copies can't be issued after this time). Results are sent first class by post through Royal Mail and are subject to their delivery standards. For international addresses, please see Royal Mail Standard Delivery policy.
IELTS on computer results
Results are available online three to five days after the test date via the IELTS booking portal you used to register for the test. Paper copies of the TRF are no longer available for this type of test. Instead, you can download an e-TRF version from your online account.
We don't share results by telephone or by email.
Understanding your IELTS score
You'll receive a score ranging from one to nine for each element of the test: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. Your overall band score is the average achieved from each element.
There is no pass or fail with IELTS.
There is a full breakdown of the scoring system on the reverse of the Test Report Form (TRF), and further information can be found on the IELTS website.
Test Report Form (TRF) validity
Test Report Forms are valid for two years. After this period, a new test needs to be taken as an indication of your current English language level.
Repeat test
You may repeat the IELTS test whenever you choose, subject to availability, using the same account first used to register. You'll need to pay a fee each time you take the test. Access the IELTS registration system to register for a repeat test.
How examiners are tested
IELTS writing and speaking assessments are carried out by trained and certificated examiners, all of whom are qualified and experienced English language specialists. Before becoming a certified IELTS examiner, examiners participate in standardized training conducted by experienced IELTS examiner trainers. Part of the training includes accurately and consistently marking IELTS speaking and writing tests based on the British Council specific marking criteria.
Once certified, all examiners are regularly monitored to ensure they are consistently and accurately following the standards for marking speaking and writing exams. Examiners must re-certify every two years.
Complaints
If you wish to make a complaint regarding the conduct of your test, you're required to do so on the day of the test (before leaving the test venue). IELTS won't accept complaints relating to test day conduct after this time. The test day supervisor is available on the day of the test to discuss any concerns you may have and to provide you with a complaint form, if required. In the event that your complaint isn't resolved on the day, please email ielts@liverpool.ac.uk.
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