What is IELTS One Skill Retake and how can it benefit you?

Recently, the Australian government and universities have increased their minimum English test scores for admission and migration. The Department of Home Affairs have increased the minimum English test score required for a Student visa from an IELTS band score 5.5 to 6.0 (or its equivalent). This update is also applicable to other English tests across the board.

IELTS One Skill Retake (OSR) provides a valuable advantage for meeting these new requirements. For aspirational students and professionals like you, OSR means retaking one section of the IELTS test instead of the entire exam.

This option can be incredibly beneficial for those who excel in most areas but may need improvement in just one skill , such as Listening, Reading, Writing, or Speaking.

Book your IELTS test

Well, the answer’s simple:

IELTS exclusive

• IELTS is the only major test to offer One Skill Retake

Focused preparation

• Prepare with confidence. With IELTS One Skill Retake there will no change to your other test scores.

Improve your score

• Retaking one skill instead of all four gives you an opportunity to secure the score you need.

Our tip: Places are generally limited so book your IELTS One Skill Retake early. Desired result comes with continuous practice so ensure you access our study materials to help you prepare!

IELTS One Skill Retake maintains the same testing standards as the full IELTS test. You’ll take the test in the same manner as the regular IELTS test. It’s the same high quality and fairness, meaning you can prepare for the One Skill Retake test using the same practice materials available for IELTS. The format and timing of that IELTS One Skill Retake test is the same as a normal IELTS test, only you can save time by taking one section and not needing to complete the other three skills.

Knowing that you only need to retake one section can significantly reduce the stress associated with re-sitting the entire test. This can lead to better performance and outcomes, as you can be strategic about how you prepare.

Learn about One Skill Retake

We recommend starting with the official IELTS by IDP App. It’s a free and easy way to access practice material and check your test results. You may be surprised but preparing for OSR can be as easy as following these 5 tips!

You can also check out our official preparation resources - many of them are free to use. It’s also a good idea to look at IELTS Prepare for everything from practice tests to videos and webinars, or explore some of the below if you already know which section you need to retake:

• IELTS Listening Practice

• IELTS Reading Assist

• IELTS Writing Assist

• IELTS Speaking Coaching

Or if you’re up for some challenge, our free IELTS Masterclass events are designed to help you target an advanced level of English. Apart from tips for improvement, we’ll explain the marking criteria and help you avoid mistakes.

Download the IELTS by IDP app

Here are some things you need to know before you consider IELTS One Skill Retake.

Eligibility

You can take IELTS One Skill Retake if :

• you have completed a full test at a centre that offers One Skill Retake

• your full test was an eligible IELTS on computer test

• you sit your One Skill Retake within 60 days of your full IELTS test

Test format

Keep in mind that OSR is only available for IELTS on computer in eligible test centres. Accordingly, you should prepare yours following the right format. You can read this article to help you get familiar with IELTS on computer.

One Skill Retake for migration, study and work

Many prestigious Australian universities, such as the University of New South Wales (UNSW), Monash University, and the University of Queensland, accept IELTS One Skill Retake. Globally, IELTS One Skill Retake is now accepted by more than 1,200 organisations,. As you start to prepare for your OSR, make sure you check with your university or organisation and understand their eligibility requirements.

IELTS One Skill Retake is recognised for migration purposes in Australia for most visa subclasses, providing an effective pathway for those who need to meet English proficiency standards for residency or work visas. Check with the Australian Department of Home Affairs to understand eligibility and requirements. If you are still unsure, feel free to get in touch with our helpful counsellor for a free consultation.

OSR versus EOR

Previously we have explained EOR, which stands for Enquiry on Results. It’s basically a re-marking of the original test that allows you to choose one or more sections to be re-marked, but it only involves a second evaluation of the same answers. If your result is changed to a higher band score you will receive a full refund and a changed Test Report Form with your new scores.

The One Skill Retake or OSR serves a different purpose - it’s a more proactive choice for you to retake a single section of the test. Only your performance in that retake will get marked.

You will receive a new IELTS Test Report Form, which includes your new IELTS One Skill Retake result as well as the results from the previous skills you did not retake. This Test Report Form will be dated the same as your original IELTS Academic or General Training test.

Learn more about the difference between EOR and OSR.

Only IELTS offers One Skill Retake, login to check if you are eligible.

Legislation about immigration changes frequently. It’s important to check the Australian Department of Home Affairs website for changes that may apply to you. If you are interested in Australian student visas, work visas, or looking to migrate permanently, you need to lodge an application with the Australian Government. You may want to consider getting support from a lawyer or migration agent.