You’ve studied hard, read the best preparation books, and successfully sat the IELTS exam. Congrats! IELTS is a demanding test, and you should feel proud of your accomplishment. Now it’s time to wait for your results.

But when will you get them? In this post, we’ll cover not only the length of the waiting period, but also what to do with your IELTS results after you receive them.

Still choosing between English language proficiency tests? Read our helpful guide to understand the differences between some of the most popular options.

Result Time Varies by IELTS Test Type

Ultimately, how long it takes to get your IELTS test results depends on the test format. If you took the IELTS Online test, you’ll likely get your results within six to eight days.

Remember, if you’re using this test result to apply for a UK student visa, you must take your test at an IELTS test centre.

Historically, IELTS used to offer the option to write the test on paper. This format is being phased out through 2026, though some test takers may still do the IELTS writing section on paper. All current paper-based test results are not affected, and will stay valid for the standard two-year period.

How Can I Check My IELTS Results?

Test results are delivered in a Test Report Form (TRF). Results are shared by mail (paper copy), or digitally (eTRF): 

• All IELTS Online test-takers receive their results as an eTRF
• IELTS on Computer test-takers may receive a paper copy or eTRF (varies by country)

You can also see your results online. You’ll need your candidate number, as well as your passport or ID number (the same one you used to register for the test) to log in. Depending on how you registered, you’ll gain access to a different portal. If you registered through the British Council, you’ll gain access to its Test Taker portal. Registered through IDP? You’ll be able to see your results on your IDP account. Meanwhile, everyone who took the IELTS test in the US can log in to their IELTS USA account to see their results.

Sharing Your IELTS Results

Once you’ve decided which institutions you’ll be applying to, it’s time to choose how you’ll share your IELTS results. Your TRF can be sent either electronically or as a paper copy. However, not all institutions accept both result types. So, it’s key to check with your target institutions to see if they prefer paper copies or are set up for IELTS Results Service e-delivery. This information might also be on the institution’s website.

Your original Test Report Form is a valuable document, so make sure you keep it.

Your IELTS test centre can send additional paper TRFs to five different academic institutions free of charge, or electronic results via e-delivery to as many institutions as you’d like. If you need to send more than five paper copies of your TRF, you’ll have to pay a processing fee.

Retaking IELTS or Disputing Your Results

If you’re unhappy with your IELTS results, there are a few different paths forward.

Did you score lower than you’d like on one of the skills (listening, reading, writing, or speaking)? You can retake just that section of the test with IELTS One Skill Retake within 60 days of your original test date. This allows you to aim for a higher score, without having to go through the whole test again.

On the other hand, if you think there was a mistake with how your test was scored, you can apply for a remark. IELTS calls this an “Enquiry on Results,” and senior examiners will re-mark your test. Your test centre will then receive the re-mark result and, if you received a new score, you’ll get a new TRF. It can take up to 21 days to receive the new result.

If you request an Enquiry on Results, you’ll have to pay an enquiry fee, which is refunded if your band score changes. IELTS examiners follow strict assessment guidelines and are monitored closely. As such, it’s unlikely your band score will change. It’s generally recommended to retake the IELTS test instead.