Today there are many language proficiency tests available for those who wish to study abroad or work in a native English country. However, the IELTS (International English Language Assessment Program) is a widely accepted and popular test approved by many Universities. Therefore, those who want to study abroad should be aware of all aspects of this exam, including IELTS validity.
The International English Language Testing System also known as IELTS is one of the most popular English proficiency tests among non-native speakers who want to study, work or migrate to countries where English is the native language. The IELTS test method, which was introduced in 1989, focuses on a candidate’s ability to use and understand English in real-life situations.
IELTS is a jointly managed test by the University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations, British Council, and IDP Education Australia. There is no prescribed IELTS syllabus as such. It examines candidates in four main domains, namely, Speaking, Listening, Reading, and Writing.
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To make it easier for you, we have created a quick guide to everything you need to know about IELTS validity.
Before moving further let’s first understand…
Highlights of IELTS exam
| Particulars | Highlights |
| Exam Name | IELTS |
| IELTS full form | International English Language Testing System |
| Popular for | Study, work, and migrating to English-speaking countries like Australia, New Zealand, Canada and USA and the UK |
| Mode of Exam | Computer and Paper – delivered test |
| IELTS Fee | Taking the IELTS test in the US costs between $245 and $255 USD. Taking the IELTS test in Canada costs around $300 CAD. |
| Score Range | On a scale of 1 (the lowest) to 9 (the highest) |
| IELTS Contact | British Council 0120-4569000 / 0120-6684353, Mon-Sat 09.00 to 18.00 Email: [email protected] IDP Head Office +91-124-4445999/ 1800-102-4544 Email: [email protected] |
IELTS score validity for different countries
IELTS score validity period for general and academic are valid worldwide for two years. IELTS exam scores for Canada are valid for two years. For immigration, applicants must provide a valid test within one year of application.
The IELTS test is accepted at more than 3,400 institutions in the United States and approximately 10,000 institutions worldwide. The exam is held at various testing centers in the country and the IELTS exam validity is of two years.
Previously, IELTS scores were valid for two years for most countries with some exceptions, such as Australia, which has a special extension under General Skilled Migrants.
The validity of IELTS scores for the UK is the same as for other countries. If a candidate is applying for a Tier 1 visa or a general visa, then achieving a score of 7.0 in all four segments is highly required.
Applicants who wish to apply for work, study, or migration in institutions/organizations/ immigration departments or multinational companies in English-speaking countries are required to obtain the required IELTS test scores. Not only that, the validity of the IELTS score becomes essential and should not exceed the two-year deadline for a successful visa. In almost all cases, IELTS exams are valid for two years from the date of their result. It is crucial for the candidate to clarify the validity of the IELTS score for the countries they wish to apply to.
IELTS certificate validity
The certificate is verified from the moment the results are obtained. The validity of the IELTS certificate will be considered invalid once it exceeds the period of two years in most cases. Candidates can retake the exam if the certificate exceeds the total period of validity. The score is seen as essential by more than 10,000 entities worldwide, including universities, government organizations, professional organizations, multinational companies, and immigration departments. IELTS is essential to support education in Australia, the UK, the USA, New Zealand, and Canada. It is accepted at almost hundreds of universities in Australia and the United Kingdom.
The test mainly assesses or assesses the ability of the aspirants to convey vital skills in the English language, namely reading, tuning, composing, and speaking. The volume of testing has only increased over a considerable period. According to reports, it touched a record number of 3.5 million in 2018. Getting a good score is essential to secure admission to top institutions abroad.
IELTS result validity
The IELTS Test Report Form (TRF) is valid for two years. During these two years, you can send IELTS scores to as many universities as you want. After that, the IELTS test taker will not be able to use the IELTS score, so the validity of the IELTS score is two years.
Relabelling for IELTS result
Test takers who wish to have their IELTS test results recorded must report to their test center within six weeks of the test date. They need to pay some fee to inquire about IDP IELTS results. Candidates can choose which part of the IELTS they want to re-mark. If any part of the IELTS score improves, this fee will be refunded. Results after relabelling are available within 2-21 days from the date of application. It depends on how many parts you want to relabel.
IELTS Provisional Score
You will be able to view your provisional result online 13 days after your test. Preliminary test results are not formal results and hard copies or screenshots of the results will not be accepted as your IELTS result. You will need to wait for your TRF to be submitted to get your format score. The provisional results will be available online for 28 days only.
What’s the IELTS score validity period?
IELTS score is valid for 2 years.
The certificate validity period starts from the time of the result (within 5 to 7 days of examination). However, the IELTS validity varies from country to country. Test Report Form is valid for 2 years in the USA, Canada, and the UK. For Australian immigration, IELTS validity is three years. Although the validity of the IELTS score varies, in most countries the IELTS score certificate is valid for 2 years.
The eligibility for IELTS points in Canada, the USA, the UK, and Australia is shown in the table below.
| Country | IELTS Score Validity |
| USA | Two Years Accepted in more than 3,000 institutions. |
| Canada | Two Years For Canadian Immigration, candidates must submit the IELTS test validity within a year of submitting the application. |
| UK | Two years For unsatisfactory results, candidates can proceed for an inquiry on results or EOR service within 6 weeks of the release date. |
| Australia | Extended to three years as a part of the other changes being incorporated into the GSM visa program. |
Tips for preparing IELTS exam
Preparing for the IELTS exam can be difficult and leave you feeling incredibly confused about where to start, which is why we have put together a series of helpful steps to get you started.
- Start with understanding the format of the test
- Practice test papers
- Allocate time to each module
- Improve your English listening, writing, and reading abilities
- Check previous year’s IELTS exam papers
- Finally, sit and rest for the day before the test.
Conclusion
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Also Read:
- Duolingo English Test
- IELTS Exam Pattern 2020: Here’s Everything You Need to Know
- All You Need to Know: Higher Education in UK
- IELTS Syllabus 2020: All You Need to Study for Success
- TOEFL vs. IELTS 2020: What’s the Difference Between These Two Testing Systems?
- Exams to Study Abroad
- Study in UK without IELTS
- IELTS Preparation
- IELTS: All You Need to Know for Success
FAQs
IELTS is valid for 2 years from the date of the result.
No, the IELTS score doesn’t have lifetime validity.
As part of our assessment processes, all IELTS reports are verified using the online IELTS Test Report Form (TRF). Accessing this site has enabled us to ensure that the IELTS results we receive are genuine.
The IELTS Certification validation starts from the time you receive the results. The IELTS certificate validity will be considered invalid if it exceeds the two-year period in most cases. You may re-examine if the certificate exceeds the entire validity period.
Anushree has 4+ years of experience in the career counseling industry as a Senior Content Writer. She has also worked as a Social Media Marketing Expert for a startup and Content Quality Analyst for Publishing and E-learning Industry. She has done her Master’s in Commerce and PGDM in Finance & Trade and Marketing & HR, but she is currently following her passion for writing.
