The IELTS is a standard assessment that tests a person's level of proficiency in English. The exam tests the English fluency of non-native English speakers. Several educational institutions and companies across the globe recognise the IELTS exam as proof of English proficiency. International students take up IELTS Academic, and the workplace population takes up IELTS General Training.
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IELTS has set a validity period for your results; that is, your scores are eligible for consideration only for a certain period of time. Here's everything you need to know about the IELTS validity and the requirements in each country.
Table of Contents
- IELTS exam: An overview
- IELTS exam: Key highlights
- IELTS validity: An introduction
- IELTS validity: A country-wise overview
- How to check the IELTS expiry date?
- Frequently asked questions
IELTS exam: An overview
| IELTS full form | International English Language Testing System |
| Conducted by | British Council, IDP Education and Cambridge Assessment English |
| Types of IELTS exam | IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training |
| No. of sections | 4 |
| Total duration | 2 hours 45 minutes |
| IELTS exam sections | Reading, Listening. Writing. Speaking. |
Data updated as of June 2023
IELTS exam: Key highlights
- The IELTS exam is accepted by more than 11,000 educational institutions in countries including the UK, US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, France, and Ireland.
- There are two types of IELTS exams: IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training. The assessments determine your English proficiency by analysing your reading, listening, speaking, and writing skills.
- IELTS scores are measured in bands. Each section's band scores range from 1 (lowest) to 9 (highest).
- The IELTS syllabus for the listening and speaking sections is the same for the Academic and General Training versions. But the reading and writing sections follow different syllabuses to better serve the exam’s purpose.
Also read: IELTS Exam Syllabus 2024
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IELTS validity: An introduction
IELTS has set a validity period for the candidate’s test report forms (TRF) to ensure their skills are up-to-date. The validity date starts from the day you receive your IELTS exam results. The time period may differ with every country and organisation. You can use the scores to apply to educational institutions, immigration processes, and organisations abroad.
What is the IELTS validity?
The IELTS validity period for TRF is two years. This means that you can use your scores for two years to study or work in countries abroad. Remember that the validity period may differ in different countries and organisations.
What is the IELTS validity from the test date or result date?
The 2-year IELTS validity period begins from the day you receive your exam results. Candidates usually get their IELTS results five to seven business days after the exam.
IELTS general validity period
The IELTS validity for the General Training exam is two years from the result date. The validity may differ depending on their requirements in various countries and organisations. So make sure you verify the details before sending your IELTS test report form.
Also read: Your quick guide to IELTS scores
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IELTS validity: A country-wise overview
When you enrol for a course in any university or apply for a job in any organisation abroad, ensure that your English proficiency scores are up-to-date before proceeding with the application. Here is a detailed list of countries and their IELTS validity.
IELTS validity period for the UK
The IELTS validity for universities and immigration in the UK is two years. You can send your TRF to UK institutions within two years from the result date. The average band score accepted in the UK is 6.0-7.0.
IELTS validity period in India
The IELTS validity period in India is two years. Candidates can use their scores for university applications and job opportunities for two years from the date they receive their results. An IELTS band score above 7.0 is considered good in India.
IELTS validity period for Canada
Canadian universities and organisations follow a standard IELTS validity period of two years. The TRF validity for Canada permanent residence (PR) application is also two years. The average acceptable band score in the country is between 6.0-7.0.
IELTS validity for Australia
The IELTS validity period for working or studying in Australia is two years. However, skilled migration applications have an IELTS validity period of three years. Australian universities and organisations accept candidates with an IELTS score between 5.5-6.0.
Is IELTS validity extended to 3 years?
IELTS validity has not been extended for international students pursuing higher education abroad. It is important to note that only skilled migration applications in Australia have an IELTS validity of three years.
Also read: IELTS slot booking: Step-by-step guide
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How to check the IELTS expiry date?
As mentioned earlier, your IELTS validity is two years. You can check the start date in your test report form (TRF) and calculate your validity period from that date. For example, if the date mentioned in your TRF is June 10, 2023, then your scores will be valid until June 9, 2025.
Frequently asked questions
What is the validity period of IELTS certificates?
The validity period of the IELTS test report form is two years. For example, if the date mentioned in your TRF is May 6, 2023, then your scores will be valid until May 5, 2025.
Can IELTS validity be extended?
The IELTS validity for your results cannot be extended. However, you can reattempt the exam multiple times and submit your scores to universities and organisations abroad.
How many attempts are there in IELTS?
You can attempt the IELTS exam as many times as you want. There is no limit to the number of times you can take the assessment. Students can pay for the fees and resit the IELTS exam.
Can I retake the IELTS exam before the validity expires?
You can retake the IELTS exam before the validity expires. You can register for another IELTS test if you wish to improve your score for better opportunities.
Is IELTS valid for three years now in Australia?
The skilled migration applications in Australia have an IELTS validity period of three years. The results for other purposes, like higher education applications, have a validity period of two years.
