IELTS · Articles · October 19, 2026 · 2 min read
IELTS results: when they arrive, how to check them and what to do next
How fast your IELTS result arrives depends on the test format, not on the country. Since mid-2026 IELTS is delivered on computer, so most results are ready within 1–2 days.
When results arrive
| Format | Time |
|---|---|
| IELTS on computer | 1–5 days, most often 1–2 |
| IELTS with Writing on Paper | up to 5 days |
| IELTS Online | 6–8 days |
| IELTS for UKVI Life Skills | up to 9 days |
| One Skill Retake | 3–5 days |
Figures from ielts.org and IDP as of October 2026. The paper-based test, with results after 13 days, is no longer offered.
How to see your result
- Booked with IDP: the result appears in your IDP account. It stays online for 28 days and is not official proof; the official document is the Test Report Form.
- Booked with British Council: you get an email with a link to the test taker portal.
- What you need: the passport number you booked with and your candidate number.
- Test Report Form: the official certificate, paper or electronic (eTRF). Since July 2026 it carries the Ofqual logo and qualification title; certificates issued earlier remain valid.
How to send your result
- Electronically, through your booking system or test centre. There is no limit on the number of organisations and no fee. The organisation verifies your result through the IELTS Results Service.
- By post: a paper certificate is sent free to five organisations; more cost an extra fee.
- Before you send it, ask the organisation how it accepts results, electronically or by post, and to which address or account.
For how long your result is accepted by visa authorities and universities, see how long IELTS is valid.
If you did not get the score you need
- One Skill Retake: retake one section within 60 days of the main test, at centres that offer it. You get a new certificate and can choose which one to use. Check first that the organisation accepts it: Canada’s Express Entry, for example, does not.
- Remark: an Enquiry on Results can be requested within 6 weeks of the date on your certificate, for the whole test or individual sections. Senior examiners mark your work again. The answer takes from a few hours to 21 days, and the fee is refunded if your band changes.
- A new attempt: you can book the full test again as soon as you are ready.
Before trying again, find out which section is pulling your score down. Your overall band is the average of four sections, rounded, so half a band in one section can change the result. The band score guide shows how.
Common questions
What if my result is late? IELTS sometimes runs extra checks on marks and identity documents. If more than 5 days have passed since your test, contact your test centre.
Can I challenge my result? Yes, through an Enquiry on Results within 6 weeks. Most people request it for Writing and Speaking, where an examiner gives the band.