IELTS:: RESULTS

Marking is carried out at the test centre by trained examiners
whose work is closely monitored. This ensures that test results
are available without any administrative delay.
Results are standardised and usually available within two weeks
of the test, and Test Report Forms are sent to the candidates
and to the sponsor(s)/receiving institution(s). Test centres are not
permitted to give results over the phone, or by fax or email.

Test Scores
IELTS provides a profile of a candidate’s ability to use English.
Candidates receive scores on a Band Scale from 1 to 9.
A score is reported for each test component. The individual test
scores are then averaged and rounded to produce an Overall
Band Score according to a confidential Band Score conversion
table. Overall Band Scores and individual test scores are
reported in whole and half bands.

IELTS Band Scores

Expert user 9

Has fully operational command of the language: appropriate, accurate and fluent with complete
understanding.

Very good user 8

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.

Good user 7

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.

Competent user 6

Has generally effective command of the language despite some inaccuracies, inappropriacies and
misunderstandings. Can use and understand fairly complex language, particularly in familiar situations.

Modest user 5

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.

Limited user 4

Basic competence is limited to familiar situations. Has frequent problems in understanding and expression. Is not able to use complex language.

Extremely limited user 3

Conveys and understands only general meaning in very familiar situations. Frequent breakdowns in communication occur.

Intermittent user 2

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.

Non user 1

Essentially has no ability to use the language beyond possibly a few isolated words.

Did not attempt the test 0

No assessable information provided.