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If you don’t reach your required IELTS minimum score, you can retake the full test, use the IELTS One Skill Retake within 60 days of your original test date or request an Enquiry on Results for a potential score review.
There’s no pass or fail outcome in IELTS; your band scores simply indicate which of the four skills (listening, reading, writing or speaking) need more work on a scale from 1 to 9.
You can retake the full IELTS test as often as needed to reach your goal. Whether you’re planning to study, work, or immigrate to Canada, you’ll need to get the desired test score requirements individually, which institutions and visa offices have set for every skill.
Many test takers realize they need a higher band score in one skill to meet program requirements. Fortunately, they can choose from several retake options available, including the IELTS One Skill Retake, full IELTS test retakes and an Enquiry on Results process.
How is the IELTS Scored?
IELTS scoring is transparent and consistent. After you complete your practice test, full IELTS test or mock test, certified examiners mark your responses. You receive a new test report form with separate band scores for:
- Listening: Your ability to understand spoken English in everyday and academic contexts
- Reading: Skills in identifying main ideas and supporting details in passages
- Writing: Clarity, cohesion and grammatical accuracy in short essays and letters
- Speaking: Fluency, pronunciation and vocabulary range in face‑to‑face interviews
Your overall band score is the average of these four section scores, rounded to the nearest half or whole band. This unified scale ensures fairness for all test takers across IELTS Academic and General Training modules.
Is there a passing score for IELTS?
There is no universal IELTS minimum score that counts as a “pass.” Different organizations, universities, and immigration programs set their own IELTS band score thresholds. For example:
- Many undergraduate programs at Canadian universities accept an overall band score of 6.5 or higher.
- Skilled worker immigration streams often require CLB level 7 in CELPIP, which corresponds to a 6.0 band in each skill.
- Professional bodies may ask for a band score of 7.0 or above in specific skills such as writing.
Always check the exact requirements on official sites before you book IELTS or complete your IELTS test booking process.
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3 IELTS Retake Options
If your original test scores do not reflect your target results, you have three main options:
1. IELTS One Skill Retake
The IELTS One Skill Retake (OSR) lets you improve a single skill (listening, reading, writing or speaking) rather than retaking the full test. Key points:
- You must apply within 60 days of your original test date
- You can retake one test skill at an approved test centre (paper‑based or computer)
- Fees are lower than retaking the full test; check skill retake cost on the IELTS website
- Your skill retake results appear on an updated IELTS test report form alongside your original test scores
- Focus your study on vocabulary, grammar and test strategies in a skill retake focus session or practice test
This option is ideal if three of your four band scores meet requirements and you need only one skill boost.
2. Full IELTS Test Retake
Retaking the full test gives you a completely new set of band scores across all four skills. Details include:
- You can retake the regular IELTS test as many times as possible, subject to IELTS test booking availability
- Each attempt generates a new test report form with updated band scores
- Consider taking an IELTS mock test before your retake to gauge improvements
- Book early at your preferred test centre (Toronto or Vancouver for ILAC) to secure your ideal date
Full retakes suit test takers who need balanced improvements across multiple skills.
3. Enquiry on Results (EOR)
If you believe errors in marking affected your original test scores, you can request an Enquiry on Results.
- Submit within six weeks of your original test date via the test-taker portal
- A senior examiner re‑marks your test, focusing on your original test report form
- Additional fees (often called skill retake cost for EOR) apply and are refundable if scores change
- Updated band scores are issued on a revised test report form
EOR is useful when your scores deviate significantly from practice tests or if you suspect administrative errors.
How ILAC Can Help
At ILAC, we provide end-to-end support for your IELTS journey:
- IELTS practice test sessions and IELTS mock test workshops to build familiarity with the test format
- Flexible IELTS Academic and General Training prep courses, available in person or online
- Expert instructors who review test-related strategies for listening, reading, writing, and speaking
- Guidance on booking IELTS one skill retake, full test retakes and EOR procedures
Access to ILAC’s student portal for IELTS test booking, practice materials and score tracking
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FAQs
What’s the lowest IELTS score?
Band scores range from 1 (non‑user) to 9 (expert user). The lowest possible IELTS band score is 1.0 on your test report form.
How many times can I do one skill retake IELTS?
You may use the IELTS One Skill Retake as often as needed within 60 days of each original test date, provided you follow booking guidelines.
Can I take IELTS one skill retake in Canada?
Yes. ILAC’s Toronto and Vancouver test centres accept book IELTS one skill retake requests under the same conditions as other centres.
Is there any limit to retake IELTS?
There is no cap on full test retakes. However, each skill retake must occur within 60 days of the original test date and follow the IELTS retake policy rules.
Can I retake IELTS reading only?
Yes, the One Skill Retake option lets you focus on reading (or writing or speaking) at participating test centres.
Is IELTS valid for three years now?
IELTS scores remain valid for two years from the original test date, not three. After two years, you must retake the exam to obtain a new test report form.
How long do you have to retake the IELTS test?
For a full test retake, you can book anytime, subject to availability. For a one skill retake, you must apply within 60 days of your original test date.
Quick Recap
- IELTS has no pass/fail; you receive band scores (1 to 9) for Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking.
- You can retake the full test as often as needed, or use the IELTS One Skill Retake (OSR) within 60 days to improve a single skill.
- Enquiry on Results (EOR) allows you to request a re-mark if you suspect scoring errors (fees refunded if scores change).
- Required scores vary by institution, immigration program, or profession. Always check official requirements.
- ILAC offers flexible IELTS prep (online/in-person), mock tests, and expert support to help raise your scores.
Let’s Get the IELTS Score You Need
If you’re about to take the IELTS for the first time, or your original test scores fall below the threshold, you simply review which band scores need improvement and choose a path to raise your results.
At ILAC, an official IELTS and CELPIP test centre in Toronto and Vancouver, you’ll find a supportive exam environment and flexible in‑person or online prep courses with targeted workshops, mock tests and practice exams tailored to the test format and scoring criteria. Our goal? To boost your band scores and confidence!
