What is the IELTS Test Report Form, and when will I receive it?
The IELTS Test Report Form (or TRF) is the official confirmation of your test result that can be shared as proof of your English language proficiency. This can either be a paper copy or an electronic version (eTRF).You won’t have to wait long for your IELTS test results. Depending on which IELTS test you have taken, you will get your results as shown below:
| Test | Time |
|---|---|
| IELTS Online | 6-8 days |
| IELTS on computer | 1-5 days |
| IELTS on paper | up to 13 days |
| IELTS for UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) | up to 13 days |
| IELTS for UKVI Life Skills | up to 7 days |
Paper Test Report Forms
If you have taken IELTS on paper, your results would be available 13 days after your test date and in 1-5 days if you have taken IELTS on a computer. The paper copy of the TRF can be collected in person at the test centre or delivered by post; please check with your test centre what option is available locally. Please allow at least seven working days for the postal delivery of the TRF.
Electronic Test Report Forms
If you have taken IELTS Online or IELTS on computer, you will receive your results electronically only from 1 January 2025. You can download the electronic version (eTRF) from the Test Taker portal 1-8 days after your test. We will not issue an additional paper Test Report Forms by default. You may register request here if you would still like to receive a hard copy Test Report Form.
You can print your electronic Test Report Form (eTRF) to send it to the organisations you are applying to, or you can send it via email. Alternatively, you can send your results direct to the organization through the Test Taker portal. If you lose your Test Report Form at any stage, or have questions about your results, please contact us.
How can I get additional copies of my Test Report Form sent to institutions?
Most institutions you’re applying to will need original copies of your IELTS Test Report Form, meaning photocopies will not be accepted. However, if you have taken IELTS Online, you can print out your eTRF or send it via email.
We can send up to five additional copies of your Test Report Form directly to the institutions you are applying to (e.g. universities, companies, immigration offices, etc). Check the full list of the institutions where accepts IELTS score through recognising organisation before you request. If you would like us to do this, please include the relevant addresses on the Test Taker Portal within two years of taking the test.
For free printed copies, we will send them out by regular local or air mail (without tracking numbers provided).
Our Exams Office will process all requests within five to seven working days.
While paper versions remain the norm, some universities and institutions have now subscribed to the electronic download of IELTS scores. Please check with your local test centre before sending a hard copy of your results or asking us to do so.
Administrative fee for Additional Test Report Form:
| Electronic copy | Free of charge |
| Printed copy to local Hong Kong addresses | HKD$150 per copy |
| Printed copy to overseas addresses | HKD$300 per copy |
Notes:
- The recognising organisation (RO) will only be sent results electronically if they have subscribed to the electronic download of scores (STED RO). Please check and confirm the format (printed or electronic copy) with the recognising organisation before submitting the Additional Test Report Form or it may delay the ATRF process time.
- The electronic copies of ATRF are not sent via email. Instead, we will upload your ATRF to an online system, and registered organisations/institutions would access the online system to retrieve your ATRF. As we have to specify the exact recipient for the organisations/institutions (e.g. the exact admission office of a university), if your request does not match the recipient list, we will not be able to upload an electronic copy to the organisations/institutions you have requested.
What does my IELTS score mean?
You will be awarded an IELTS band score from 0-9 for each test section, which reflects your proficiency in English.
Your TRF shows a score for each of the four skills so you get an IELTS Listening score, an IELTS Reading score, an IELTS Writing score and an IELTS Speaking score. You also get an overall band score. You can score whole band scores (for example 5.0, 6.0, 7.0) or half band scores (e.g. 5.5, 6.5, 7.5) in each section of the test.
Find out more about what your IELTS score means here.
How long are my IELTS results valid for?
Organisations will usually not accept your results if they are more than two years old, unless you 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 test results that are more than two years old.
How can I get my IELTS test re-marked?
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). You can choose which test sections you want to be re-marked and will need to request this through the test centre where you took your test. You need to apply for a re-marking no later than six weeks after the test date.
IELTS on Computer, IELTS on Paper, and IELTS for UKVI on Computer:
You can submit and pay for an Enquiry on Results online from the Test Taker Portal.
The fee for this service is HK$1,200, which will be refunded if your score is increased for any section of the test.
IELTS for UKVI on Paper, and IELTS for UKVI Life Skills:
If you have taken an IELTS for UKVI on Paper or IELTS for UKVI Life skills test and would like to apply for an Enquiry on Results, please download the Enquiry on Results Form from the download section below and submit it to the test centre where you sat the test. Make sure you attach your proof of payment.
An administrative fee would apply for the courier service of sending a new Test Report Form, depending on the delivery address.
The Enquiry on Results fee will be refunded if your score is increased for any section of the test.
The outcome of an Enquiry on Results can become available on the same day as your application and up to 21 days after your application. The time it takes depends on several factors, including the number of sections you have asked us to re-mark. If you have not received a response after 21 days, please contact your test centre.
It is not possible to have qualitative feedback on the test or see the test.
Can I re-take my IELTS test?
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.