IELTS results: When and how to get them

• You will receive an automatic message from the platform when your exam results are available on the Test Taker Portal.
• There may be exceptions that exceed the publication time.
• If you took the IELTS for UKVI Life Skills, IELTS test on paper or IELTS for UKVI in Cuba, you will be able to check your results online for 28 days on the Test Taker Portal.
• If you took IELTS on a computer you will be able to download and print them (eTRF) during the validity of the test, which is two years from the date you took the test.

• Physical IELTS results will only be delivered if you have taken the Life Skills IELTS test on paper or UKVI in Cuba.
• You will be able to pick up your IELTS certificate (TRF) with your score in person from the British Council offices.
• We can also send you your result by post mail, after coordination with our customer service team:

If you took IELTS on computer you will be able to print your electronic results (eTRF) for physical submission to the relevant organisations. Virtually you can download them and send them by email, or directly through the Test Taker Portal.

If you took the IELTS for UKVI Life Skills, IELTS test on paper or IELTS for UKVI in Cuba, and would like us to send a copy of your certificate to an educational institution, company or migration agency, please request this on the day you claim your original results.

Results activation on the IELTS platform for institutional verification

Results activation is generated on a digital platform. The university must be pre-registered and assigned a password to access the portal for result verification. If the university has not completed this registration process it will not be possible to offer you this option, so we recommend that you check with the university first before making a request.

If the institution to which you are applying has informed you that it wishes to receive your results by this means, please include the relevant addresses in the Test Taker Portal within two years of taking the exam. This service is free of charge and you can add up to five universities to view your IELTS results online.  

Institutions will be able to view your results through the IELTS Test Report Form (TRF) Verification Service. To do this, they must have your TRF number.

Please note that even if we give the university access to your results, you will need to share with them your individual Test Report Form number located in the bottom right hand corner of the IELTS certificate in order for them to complete the verification successfully. 

If activation is not possible for the institution, a hard copy will apply. Please write to:

Indicating your full name, the number of the document you registered to take your exam, the date of the exam and the name of the institution requesting this copy, so that you can obtain more detailed information about the process.

The physical IELTS certificate will only be issued once, if you took IELTS for UKVI Life Skills, IELTS test on paper or IELTS for UKVI in Cuba.

If you took IELTS on computer, you can print your electronic results (eTRF) or send them directly in a virtual format.

Hard copies can be requested only if required by an institution and this request must be supported by official documentation from the institution, otherwise no copies will be provided for any version of the test.

If you need an additional copy of your IELTS results, please write to:

Stating your full name, the ID number you recorded when you booked your exam, the date of the exam and the name of the institution requesting this copy, so that you can obtain more detailed information about the process.

Please note that if you lose your Test Report Form or forget your test results and an institution has asked you for them, please write to us:

In Trinidad and Tobago at: IELTSTrinidad@britishcouncil.org

In Jamaica: IELTSJamaica@britishcouncil.org

And in Cuba or Dominican Republic at: Mx.Exams@britishcouncil.org

IELTS results are usually valid for up to two years, regardless of whether the test was taken on paper or computer. The only exception is when you can provide evidence that you have actively maintained or tried to improve your English since taking the test. The IELTS Partners cannot confirm the validity of your test results beyond two years.

If you did not receive the score you expected, you can apply for your test to be re-marked. This is called an Enquiry on Results (EOR).

The fee for this service varies depending on the country and will be refunded if your score is increased for any section of the test.

You need to apply for a re-marking no later than six weeks after the test date, regardless of whether you have taken IELTS on paper or IELTS on computer.

You can submit an Enquiry on Results online from the Test Taker Portal.

The outcome of the Enquiry on Results (EORs) can become available on the same day and up to 21 days after your application. The time it takes depends on several factors, including the number of sections you’ve asked us to re-mark. If you have not received a response after 21 days, please contact your test centre.

If you have any questions about the process or you took the exam in the paper version or IELTS for UKVI Life Skills and wish to apply for this option, you can contact us on the emails below:

There are no restrictions on re-taking IELTS. You can book a test as soon as you feel you are ready to do so.

Please note that your score is unlikely to increase unless you make a significant effort to improve your English before re-taking the test. Visit the preparation section to take a practice test and assess your level.