What Are My Options If I Fail the IELTS Exam? (2024)

It's not uncommon for some people to fail part of or all of their IELTS exam the first time they take it. Fortunately, the exam can be retaken as many times as you need to obtain a passing score. However, you do have to pay each time you take the exam.

Rather than blindly attempt to retake the exam multiple times until you get a passing score, it's better to determine what went wrong and why you failed the first time. By reviewing your current exam results, it can help you uncover the areas you're lacking in and need to improve.

There are four different exam sections you must complete and pass. Each section is awarded its own score. From those four scores, you receive an overall exam score. Depending on your reasons for taking the IELTS exam, you could have minimum score requirements.

Before retaking your IELTS exam, we recommend using the following steps to help you improve and achieve a passing score the next time you take the exam.

Step 1: Review each section of the exam.

Which sections did you get passing scores on? Did you fail one, two, three, or all four sections? By reviewing each section, you'll know which ones you need to practice and prepare for more.

Step 2: Obtain free IELTS exam prep materials from your local Test Centre.

Your local IELTS Test Centre can provide you will access to a wide range of free test prep materials for each section of the exam. Additionally, you can access many of these prep materials online through our website. We also offer "paid-for" test prep materials when you want to be fully prepared to retake your exam.

Step 3: Practice, practice, and practice some more.

The best way to learn English is to practice using it as much as you can. Listen to TV programs and music in English. Read English books. Practice your English speaking abilities with your English-speaking friends. Start a daily journal where you write everything in it in English.

Step 4: Take a practice IELTS exam.

We offer various types of practice exams similar to the IELTS exam. Using our practice exams will further help you prepare before you retake the actual exam.

Step 5: Register to retake your IELTS exam.

Once you're confident, you have prepared sufficiently, register and pay the fee to retake your exam. The night before your exam, eat a well-balanced dinner and go to bed early so you can get plenty of rest. On the morning of the exam, eat a full breakfast before arriving at the Test Centre.

By using these steps, we hope that you successfully pass your IELTS exam when you retake it. To learn more about our free and "paid-for" test prep materials, practice exams, or the location of your nearest Test Centre, please feel free to explore our website further or contact us directly.

What Are My Options If I Fail the IELTS Exam? (2024)

FAQs

What Are My Options If I Fail the IELTS Exam? ›

What Are My Options If I Fail the IELTS test? It's not uncommon for some people to fail part of or all of their IELTS exam the first time they take it. Fortunately, the exam can be retaken as many times as you need to obtain a passing score. However, you do have to pay each time you take the exam.

What will you do if you don't get a good IELTS score? ›

Retake One Skill

If you did not show your potential in one of the four skills (Listening, Reading, Writing, or Speaking) on test day, IELTS One Skill Retake can help you get back on track by letting you retake just one skill. IELTS One Skill Retake will be rolled out worldwide during 2023.

Can I retake IELTS writing only? ›

You can retake any one section of the IELTS test, whether it's Listening, Reading, Writing, or Speaking. The format and timing of that IELTS One Skill Retake test is the same as that individual skill in a normal IELTS test. But you save time because you do not need to complete the other three skills.

What if IELTS score is not enough? ›

Retake the IELTS Exam

If you did not achieve your ideal IELTS score, you might consider retaking the exam to improve your score. It's essential to thoroughly prepare for the exam by taking practice tests, understanding the test format, and seeking guidance from experienced instructors or tutors.

What if I fail one part of IELTS? ›

You can only retake one skill once per original test, and you must sit the One Skill Retake within 60 days of your original test. To book One Skill Retake, just log into the Test Taker Portal and you will see your IELTS results.

What to do if you fail IELTS? ›

Fortunately, the exam can be retaken as many times as you need to obtain a passing score. However, you do have to pay each time you take the exam. Rather than blindly attempt to retake the exam multiple times until you get a passing score, it's better to determine what went wrong and why you failed the first time.

What happens if you don't pass IELTS? ›

You can take the test as many times as you need to achieve the desired score. However, you will need to pay the test fee each time you take it. It is important to note that failing the IELTS test does not affect your immigration status or visa if you have already been granted one.

How much does IELTS retake cost? ›

To retake a section, you will need to pay an additional fee of $259 and register for the One Skill Retake option. The One Skill Retake is available only once for each full IELTS test you take.

Can I combine two IELTS results? ›

The IELTS sections cannot be taken separately from one another. You must take the whole test again. It is also not possible to combine results of two tests to get a higher score.

Is 5.5 a good score in IELTS? ›

If you score between 6.0-6.5, you can get into excellent universities that rank in the range of 80-150. If your score is between 5.5-6.0, you have fewer course options, but you can still find a good university that works for you. A score lower than 5.5 has limited course and university options.

What is a bad score in IELTS? ›

IELTS Band Scores
IELTS Band ScoreSkill Level
6Competent User
5Modest User
4Limited user
3Extremely limited user
6 more rows

What happens if I get 4.5 in IELTS? ›

An IELTS band 4.5 is between an IELTS band 4 and a band 5. At an IELTS band 4, you have a very basic understanding of English and you are more comfortable communicating in familiar situations. It is difficult to use complex language. Then, at an IELTS band 5, you have a limited command of the language.

What is the lowest IELTS score possible? ›

IELTS scores are reported as band scores on a scale from 1 (the lowest) to 9 (the highest). You will be given a band score from 1 to 9 for each section of the test – Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking.

How many people fail IELTS? ›

The good news is when it comes to English proficiency exams such as the IELTS, people do not really fail. It is important to remember that this exam is a measure of English level. It is not a pass-or-fail exam. The truth is people simply do not achieve their desired scores.

Why do I keep failing IELTS? ›

One of the most common reasons students fail in IELTS exam is due to a lack of preparation or practice. IELTS exam is not easy and requires a good amount of practice and preparation, especially for students who are non-native English speakers.

Is IELTS retake free? ›

In India, an IELTS One Skill Retake fee is 16,250 INR. The registration and exam fees remain the same, no matter how many times you take the IELTS. You will receive a new score report if you do an IELTS One Skill Retake. It will come in handy for migration and study purposes.

What should I do if I didn't get my IELTS result? ›

The first thing we recommend is contacting the test centre. We suggest that you email or phone them. Keep in mind when you apply for the IELTS and complete the application form, you'll find the terms and conditions attached to the form.

Why am I getting low score in IELTS? ›

The international variety of English taught around countries means language proficiency issues will arise for certain students trying to pass an internationally recognized examination like IELTS – such problems result from not being aware of certain nuances of different types of English addressed across cultures for ...

What if I am not happy with my IELTS results? ›

If you are not happy with your IELTS results, you can apply for an enquiry on result where your test will be remarked by a senior IELTS examiner. You can choose which test sections you want to be re-marked (Reading, Writing, Listening, or Speaking) or can request a remark for the whole test.

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