Your IELTS test results will determine whether you will be accepted into universities, companies, organization, or be able to migrate to English-speaking countries.
You can check your IELTS test results online via the IDP IELTS portal using a 3-step process or the British Council website following a 7-step procedure. To ensure you have all necessary information before accessing your scores, it’s advisable to gather all relevant documents and your identification number. If you need specific information regarding your upcoming test, consider reviewing the IELTS test in Singapore details available on the official websites. This will help you stay informed about test dates, locations, and any preparation materials you may need.
Another option for reviewing your results is through personally claiming at test centers by presenting your original ID. It is also allowed to authorize a person to get your results on your behalf.
IELTS Test results release dates vary between formats. Paper-based tests take 13 days to process while computer-based tests can be viewed in just 3-5 days, although some delays may occur due to quality assurance checks, technical issues, irregularities, or high testing volumes.
The IELTS test results appear in band scores ranging from 0 to 9. It shows the level of your ability to listen, read, write, and speak in the English language.
IELTS test results are valid for 2 years although exceptions are made for certain immigration applications to Australia, UK, and Canada.
Up to 5 IETLS Test Report forms can be shared for free within two months of your test date. You may request paid additional copies for both IDP IELTS and British Council with varying costs and processes.
Why Are IELTS Results Important?
Your IELTS test results will decide if you can get into universities, companies, organizations, or move to English-speaking countries. The test checks your ability to communicate using the English language through the four test sections: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking.
IELTS helps students earn a spot in thousands of universities and colleges around the world. Not only does it secure your application, but higher test scores also open your way to various scholarships and financial aids.
Jobs and countries also use your IELTS results as a metric for your capacity to work for them, hence higher test scores mean a higher chance of acceptance. Knowing the minimum score requirements will help you prepare for the exam.
How to Check Your IELTS Results Online
To check your IELTS test results online, you will need to understand the different options to access your scores. You can check your results either online through the IDP IELTS and the British Council portal or through an in-person process. Each test provider has its own system and the process for procurement will depend on the testing center you choose, either IDP IELTS or the British Council.
How Do I Check My Results via the IDP IELTS Portal?
Checking your IELTS test result through the IDP IELTS portal requires following the 3 steps below.
- Go to https://ielts.idp.com/results/get-ielts-results
- Log in using your registered email address and password
- Navigate to the Results tab to view your scores
How Do I Check My Results via the British Council?
The checking of results in the British Council website has a longer process compared to checking in the IDP IELTS portal. To check your results, follow the 7 steps below.
- For regular IELTS, go to https://ieltsregistration.britishcouncil.org/
- For IELTS for UKVI and IELTS Life Skills, go to https://ieltsukviregistration.britishcouncil.org/
- Click “Log in”
- Enter your registered email address and password
- Click the “Completed” tab to show your completed tests
- Click on the test date
- Click the “Results” tab to show your results
What If You Lose Your Login Credentials?
In case you forgot your login credentials, IDP IELTS and the British Council provide simple recovery options to help you access your account in no time.
To recover your passwords, use the guide below.
- Go to https://ielts.idp.com/book
- Click “Forgot your password?”
- Enter your username or registered email address
- Enter the alphanumeric characters displayed
- Click the “Reset” button
Meanwhile, to recover your username, follow the steps below.
- Go to https://ielts.idp.com/book
- Click “Forgot your username?”
- Enter your registered email address
- Click the “Resend” button
- Confirm your email
If the procedures above didn’t solve your problems, contact your test center for assistance.
What Alternative Methods are Available for Verifying Results Online?
There are multiple ways you can do if you are unable to access your results online which include SMS alerts, online results service, and email notifications.
- SMS alerts: Some centers offer SMS notification services.
- Online Results Service: All official test centers provide this feature.
- Email notifications: Test centers send an email that redirects you to your IELTS score.
How to Check Your IELTS Results In-Person
Getting your IELTS results directly from test centers is a process that many applicants in Singapore prefer. You can collect your Test Report Form (TRF) directly from the test center where you took your IELTS exam. Many candidates find this method convenient as it allows them to receive their results promptly, often alleviating the anxiety that comes with waiting for online notifications. Additionally, for those looking to improve their scores, understanding how to prepare for IELTS is essential, and many test centers offer resources and guidance to help applicants enhance their skills. By engaging with experienced instructors and utilizing practice materials, candidates can increase their chances of achieving their desired band scores. This allows for a more personal experience and the opportunity to ask any immediate questions regarding your scores. For those looking for a thorough understanding of the IELTS preparation process, it’s beneficial to refer to a complete guide to IELTS in Singapore, which offers tips and resources tailored for local test-takers. By following such a guide, candidates can enhance their chances of achieving their desired scores.
For those who took paper-based tests, you may claim your TRF 13 days after your test date. They are open on regular business hours from Monday to Friday. When collecting your IELTS results in this way, you must bring the following documents.
- Original Identification Document used during registration (photocopies are not allowed)
- Candidate number
How Does Third-Party Collection Work?
Someone collecting your IELTS test results on your behalf is allowed as long as they bring the following documents listed below.
- Type-written letter of authorization containing your full name, your candidate number, your test date, your signature, third party’s full name, and third party’s ID type and number.
- A photocopy of your passport or national ID card.
- The authorized person’s original and photocopy of their ID.
For both IDP and British Council test centers, there is a downloadable IELTS Test Report Authorization Form retrievable from their website.
What If I Can’t Collect My Results?
Uncollected Test Report Forms are kept by the test centers for up to two years before being destroyed. You can have your TRF mailed to you by contacting the test center for any applicable fees. Multiple options for claiming your TRFs are available so utilize the process that will fit your schedule effectively.
Take note that while accessing your results online offers a convenient way to see your scores, they are not considered official documentation. The physical Test Report Form is the officially recognized document of IELTS.
When Will My IELTS Results Be Released?
IELTS test results release dates vary whether you took a paper-based or computer-based test. Paper-based tests have a longer processing time compared to computer-based tests because of manual handling and scoring requirements. To check your expected release date, refer to the list below.
- Timeframe: Your IELTS results will be available 13 days after the date of your examination.
- Release Time: The usual time of release is 12:00 AM GMT/UTC.
- Postal Delivery Timeframes: Your physical Test Report Forms are delivered through mail after the 13-day period. This takes another 7-14 days.
Meanwhile, if you took a computer-based test, refer to the list below.
- Timeframe: Your IELTS test results will be available within a 3–5-day timeframe.
- Release Time: The usual time of release is 12:00 AM GMT/UTC.
- Electronic Access: Your IELTS test results can be accessed immediately through your IELTS account.
Why Might My IELTS Results Be Delayed?
Delayed delivery of results is possible because of quality assurance checks, technical issues with the testing system, irregularities requiring investigation, or high volume of tests during peak seasons.
- Quality Assurance Checks: Additional checks are made if there are significant variations in the examiners’ scores or to ensure consistency in marking.
- Technical Issues with the Testing System: There are occasional system outages that may slow down the processing of results.
- Irregularities Requiring Investigation: Further investigations are conducted if there are detected irregularities.
- High Volume of Tests During Peak Seasons: Processing times may be prolonged during busy testing periods, which usually happens before university application deadlines.
How Do I Understand My IELTS Band Scores?
Your IELTS band scores tell your ability to listen, read, write, and speak in the English language. The standardized measurement ranges from 0 to 9, and each band shows a different levels of competency.
Band | User Level |
9 | Expert user |
8 | Very good user |
7 | Good user |
6 | Competent user |
5 | Modest user |
4 | Limited user |
3 | Extremely limited user |
2 | Intermittent user |
1 | Non-user |
0 | Did not attempt the test |
How Long Are My IELTS Results Valid?
IELTS results are valid for 2 years after your examination date. This applies to both Academic and General Training formats. Hence, if you took your IELTS exam on April 24, 2025, your TRF is valid until April 24, 2027.
However, there are several instances where your IELTS test results can be considered valid beyond the 2-year timeframe or labeled expired before reaching 2 years. To know if your test results are still acceptable, the exceptions are listed below.
- Australian Immigration: Australia accepts IELTS results that are up to 3 years old for those applying through the General Skilled Migration program.
- UK Tier 4 Visas: This is for those with UK student visas. Your IELTS results should be less than 2 years old at the time of application submission.
- Canadian Immigration: Authorities in Canada demand your IELTS results to be less than 2 years old when you submit your application.
How Can I Share My IELTS Results with Organizations?
You can share your IELTS Test Report Form to up to five organizations. These copies will be sent to them for free and the delivery method is ensured. You should note that you need to finish this process within two months of your test date so there will be no payment needed.
For British Council test takers, below are two important things you need to remember.
- Include the addresses when booking your test, or
- Contact your local test center with the complete postal address of the institutions.
For IDP IELTS test takers, you should be familiar with the following reminders.
- You can access and share your results through your IDP account.
- Additional TRF forms are available in the IDP website for more copies.
How Do I Request Additional Test Report Forms (TRFs)?
You can request additional Test Report Forms if you need more than 5 copies or if you’re not able to process your request for the free 5 copies within the indicated time period. However, additional fees apply in this option. In addition, processing of additional TRFs differs slightly between IDP IELTS and the British Council but both have a processing time of approximately 10 days.
For IDP IELTS test-takers, you should be familiar with the information listed below.
- Charges apply for requests made after six weeks from the test date.
- Courier options are available at additional cost.
- Electronic submissions are available free of charge if accepted by the recipient.
For British Council test-takers, you must take note of the following reminders.
- For online requests, visit https://www.eventsforce.net/britishcouncil/5492/home and make the payment.
- For offline requests, fill in the Application for Additional Test Report Form, attach a photocopy of your IELTS result, and email it to sgexamteam@britishcouncil.org.sg
- The fees you need to settle depends on the location of the recipient. You will pay S$23 per copy for local registered mail and S$90 per copy for international destinations via DHL courier.