The IELTS or International English Language Testing System is a standardised English proficiency test for non-native English speakers. It is co-owned by the British Council, IDP: IELTS Australian and Cambridge Assessment English. It is one of the most renowned and major English tests in the world.
It is also widely accepted by more than 11,000 organisations in 140 English-speaking nations. The test is taken by people planning to work or study in an English-native land like Australia, New Zealand, Canada, or the UK. It evaluates the test-takers on four key domains – Speaking, Writing, Listening, and Reading.
According to the stalwarts of an eminent IELTS coaching online centre, AbroAdvice.com, as an international student, one must submit their scorecard to the university they intend to study in. Since it is necessary to take the test well in advance to apply to several Ivy League universities, it must be within the test result validity period. To make it easier for you, in today’s comprehensive post, we have created a quick guide to everything you need to know about the exam result validity.
Let’s dive right in!
IELTS: The Essentials You Need to Know
Before you delve deep to find out how long is the test result acceptable, let’s take a look at the crucial features of the exam. The best study abroad consultants of AbroAdvice have compiled the table below. Have a look –
|
Eligibility |
16 years and above |
|
The Pattern of the Tests |
Speaking, Reading, Writing, and Listening |
|
Kinds of Exams |
General and Academic |
|
Score Acceptance |
10,000 Organisations Throughout the World. (Universities, Governmental Organisations, Immigration Departments, and MNCs) |
|
Result Validity |
2 years minimum |
The test comprises four sections – Reading, Writing, Speaking, and Listening. Every segment holds 25% of the total result. The band score ranges from 0-9, where high points indicate increased candidate proficiency. Band points are offered for each band and the overall test.
Individual band results assess proficiency in this specific section. Most universities also tend to set the requirement of minimum band scores and overall points based on the course and other criteria. Have a look at the skill level of the band score of the test validity enlisted in the table below –
|
Level of Skill |
Band Level |
Remarks |
|
Non-User |
1 |
No Capacity to Use English Language |
|
Intermittent |
2 |
Doesn’t have an understanding of the language in all bands. |
|
Excessively Limited |
3 |
Possesses understanding only of general terms. Inability to communicate constantly. |
|
Limited |
4 |
Repeated errors in comprehending the language |
|
Modest |
5 |
Possesses partial command of the language |
|
Competent |
6 |
Possesses a fair comprehension of complicated words and can understand practically |
|
Good |
7 |
Minimal mistakes and holds operational command of the language |
|
Very Good |
8 |
Good command of the language in all bands with a few occasional errors. |
|
Expert |
9 |
Accurate and suitable command of the language |
How Long is the IELTS Score Valid?
Now, let’s come to the important question, how long is the result of the test accepted? To ensure that the knowledge an applicant has after passing their test is thorough and up-to-date, the points are generally correct only for 2 years. The results are given out within 5-7 days of the exam. However, certain countries have different validities for the IELTS Test Report forms (TRF).
Now, let’s have a look at the validity of the exam results for other countries –
-
IELTS Result Validity in the USA
The IELTS is a vital English proficiency test accepted in the USA. The acceptability of the test result in the US is generally 2 years. This period is common for all the educational institutions accepting the results. Also, there is no extension available on exam validity in the US. However, it has been noted that in unprecedented scenarios like the inability of candidates to sit or appear for the test, the institutions can consider accepting the old scores or invalid results.
-
IELTS Result Validity in the UK
The testing authorities of the exam based in the UK ensure that the accepted test result remains consistent across different sectors. The accepted exam validity period in the UK is 2 years. However, no extension is available on the test result period in the UK.
-
IELTS Result Validity in Canada
Numerous English proficiency tests are considered valid in Canada. But, IELTS is one of the most renowned and widely used tests in the country. The generally accepted exam result validity period in Canada is 2 years from the issuance date of the results. The exceptions to this validity period are incredibly rare.
Again, the test validity period is not subject to extension in Canada. The immigration authorities allow the submission of results within a year of application submission.
-
Test Results Validity in Australia, New Zealand, and UAE
The test result validity period in the UAE, Australia, and New Zealand is similar, i.e., 2 years. However, the Australian immigration department is comparatively lenient, offering 3 years of validity. Like other countries, in Australia, New Zealand, and UAE, there is no extension available on the validity period.
What is the Validity Period of the IELTS Certificate?
The test certificate is verified from the moment the results are acquired. The validity of the certificate will be considered invalid once it exceeds 2 years in most cases. Applicants can retake the exam if the certificate exceeds the total period of validity.
Wrapping Up,
The validity of the IELTS results is a crucial factor to consider in your academic, professional, or immigration journey. It helps determine how long you can use your exam score to meet specific requirements. With a two-year validity period, you can now plan your applications accordingly and start preparing to secure your dream points today!
