IELTS results: when they come out and how to check them

When your result comes out

These are IELTS’s own figures, as of October 2026. The 2-day figure for computer tests comes from tests taken in May and June 2024. Paper tests are being phased out from mid-2026, so most people now get the faster computer timing.

A result can take longer if a script needs extra marking or your ID details need another check. If it’s late, contact your test centre. Its details are in your booking confirmation email.

How to check your IELTS result online

Where you check depends on who you booked with. Have your passport or ID number ready (the same one you registered with) and your candidate number.

• Booked with the British Council: you get an email with a link to your scores.
• Booked with IDP: log in to your IDP account to see them.
• Took the test in the USA: you get an email with a link to your scores in your IELTS USA account.

Your Test Report Form (TRF) and certificate

The Test Report Form is the official record of your scores. People often call it the IELTS certificate. It comes on paper or as an electronic TRF (eTRF). At a test centre, paper tests and most computer tests still get a paper TRF, though some countries now send an eTRF for computer tests. IELTS Online results only come as an eTRF.

From 15 July 2026, every TRF carries the Ofqual logo and qualification title. Your result and its status haven’t changed. If you got your TRF between 1 June 2024 and 14 July 2026, you can ask for a free updated copy, but you don’t need to resend one you’ve already sent.

Need another copy? Ask your test centre. In the USA, use the IELTS USA request form. If your centre has closed, there’s an official form for extra TRFs, which works for up to two years after your test date and has a fee.

Sending your result to a university or visa office

Organisations check results themselves on the free IELTS Results Service, using your TRF number. That’s how they verify a result is real, so you don’t need to do anything extra.

• Paper TRF by post: free to up to five organisations. Each one after that has a processing fee.
• E-delivery: send it to as many organisations as you like, from your booking portal or through your test centre.
• IELTS Online results can only be shared officially by e-delivery.
• Ask each organisation which way it accepts, and get its postal address or its e-delivery account name.

How long is an IELTS score valid?

IELTS recommends that a result counts as proof of your English for two years at most. Some organisations take an older TRF if you can show you’ve kept your English up, but that’s their choice. TRFs over two years old can still be checked on the Results Service, though IELTS won’t investigate one more than three years old.

UK Visas and Immigration also treats a SELT result as valid for two years. For Express Entry, Canada needs your result to be less than two years old when you create your profile and when you apply.

Think a section was marked wrongly?

You can ask for an Enquiry on Results. Senior examiners re-mark the sections you choose. There’s a fee, and you get it all back if your band score changes. The new result can come the same day or take up to 21 days, depending on how many sections you send back. If it changes, your centre issues a new TRF.

If you just need one section higher, IELTS One Skill Retake may be quicker than a re-mark or a whole new test.