Results & Certificates
Results & Certificates
Find out how to understand the IELTS band score and how these results compare to the CEFR or Cambridge English Exams. Learn how to present your IELTS test result on your LinkedIn profile.
Have you registered for your IELTS test yet?
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FIND EXAM DATEYou will be able to view your IELTS results in the British Council official Test taker portal 3 to 5 calendar days after the test date.
Candidates who took IELTS Online or IELTS on computer receive results electronically only. You can download the electronic version (eTRF) from the Test Taker portal 3-5 days after your test. We will not issue an additional paper Test Report Forms.
You can print your electronic Test Report Form (eTRF) to send it to the organisations you are applying to, or you can send it via email. Alternatively, you can send your results direct to the organization through the Test Taker portal.
Please note: IELTS results will not be disclosed over the phone or through email.
See more details about the results and when and how to get your score
How to understand the IELTS band score
You will be awarded an IELTS band score from 0-9 for each test section, which reflects your proficiency in English.
Your IELTS Test Report Form will show a score for each of the four skills (Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking) and an overall band score. You can score whole band scores (5.0, 6.0, 7.0) or half band scores (5.5, 6.5, 7.5) in every section of the test.
| IELTS Band Score | Skill Level | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 9 | Expert user | The test taker has fully operational command of the language. Their use of English is appropriate, accurate and fluent, and shows complete understanding. |
| 8 | Very good user | The test taker has fully operational command of the language with only occasional unsystematic inaccuracies and inappropriate usage. They may misunderstand some things in unfamiliar situations. They handle complex and detailed argumentation well. |
| 7 | Good user | The test taker has operational command of the language, though with occasional inaccuracies, inappropriate usage and misunderstandings in some situations. They generally handle complex language well and understand detailed reasoning. |
| 6 | Competent user | The test taker has an effective command of the language despite some inaccuracies, inappropriate usage and misunderstandings. They can use and understand fairly complex language, particularly in familiar situations. |
| 5 | Modest user | The test taker has a partial command of the language and copes with overall meaning in most situations, although they are likely to make many mistakes. They should be able to handle basic communication in their own field. |
| 4 | Limited user | The test taker's basic competence is limited to familiar situations. They frequently show problems in understanding and expression. They are not able to use complex language. |
| 3 | Extremely limited user | The test taker conveys and understands only general meaning in very familiar situations. There are frequent breakdowns in communication. |
| 2 | Intermittent user | The test taker has great difficulty understanding spoken and written English. |
| 1 | Non-user | The test taker has no ability to use the language except a few isolated words. |
| 0 | Did not attempt the test | The test taker did not answer the questions. |
How the IELTS band score compares to the CEFR
The CEFR is an international standard for describing language ability. It marks an individual's language skills along a six-mark scale ranging from A1 (beginners) to C2 (advanced).
IELTS band scores range from 0 - 9. IELTS teachers can map scores against the Common European Framework to help gauge a candidate's language ability. To find out how the IELTS scores are compared to the Cambridge English Exams, please see below.
How the IELTS band score compares to the Cambridge English Exams
In this overview, you can see how the IELTS Test and Cambridge English Exams are compared on the CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference) and Cambridge English Scale.
Don’t forget to add your IELTS results to your Linkedin profile
Make your performance visible and enhance your career by adding your IELTS Test Report to your Linkedin Profile. Show future employers your English skills and complement the attractiveness of your profile. We help you! Here are easy instructions to add your certification to your Linkedin profile:
Follow these simple instructions on how to add your certification to your profile:
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Name of certificate: add the name of your qualification and your score: IELTS - Band Score 8.0
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Issuing Organisation: add Swiss Exams - Authorised Provider for Cambridge English Exams.
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Expiry: Add the expiration date.
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Issue Date: Add the month and year you took the exam.
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Test Report Form ID: in order for companies to verify your result you can add your ID Number. You can find your ID Number on your Test Report Form (TRF).
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Credential URL: add the appropriate website of your qualification.
Is there a difference in test format between IELTS and IELTS for UKVI?
IELTS and IELTS for UKVI are the same in terms of format, content, scoring and level of difficulty. However, the Test Report Form which contains your results is slightly different to show that you have taken the test at an official IELTS for UKVI location, which is approved by the UK Home Office.
Candidates who took the IELTS for UKVI will receive their results electronically only. You can download the electronic Test Report Form (eTRF) from the (eTRF) from the Test taker portal within 3-5 days after your test.
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