IELTS band scores | What does your IELTS band score mean? | IELTS Australia

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How IELTS is scored

The IELTS band score chart below explains your IELTS mark in more detail. It helps you understand the band score you see on your official IELTS Test Report Form (TRF). On your Test Report Form, you’ll find your overall band score and the results you achieved in each part of the test.

All IELTS band scores are between 0 and 9. IELTS gives band scores as whole or half band scores. For example, you can get a band score of 8 or 8.5. Learn more about how IELTS band scores are calculated.

Official IELTS band score chart

IELTS Band Score	Skill Level	Description
Band 9	Expert user	You have fully operational command of the language. Your use of English is appropriate, accurate and fluent, and shows complete understanding
Band 8	Very good user	You have fully operational command of the language with only occasional unsystematic inaccuracies and inappropriate usage. You may misunderstand some things in unfamiliar situations. You handle complex and detailed argumentation well.
Band 7	Good user	You have operational command of the language, though with occasional inaccuracies, inappropriate usage and misunderstandings in some situations. You generally handle complex language well and understand detailed reasoning.
Band 6	Competent user	You have an effective command of the language despite some inaccuracies, inappropriate usage and misunderstandings. You can use and understand fairly complex language, particularly in familiar situations.
Band 5	Modest user	You have a partial command of the language and cope with overall meaning in most situations, although you are likely to make many mistakes. You should be able to handle basic communication in your own field.
Band 4	Limited user	Your basic competence is limited to familiar situations. You frequently show problems in understanding and expression. You are not able to use complex language.
Band 3	Extremely limited user	You convey and understand only general meaning in very familiar situations. There are frequent breakdowns in communication.
Band 2	Intermittent user	You have great difficulty understanding spoken and written English.
Band 1	Non-user	You have no ability to use the language except a few isolated words.
Band 0	Did not attempt the test	You did not answer the questions.

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IELTS band scores FAQ

Why do I score higher in some parts of the test over others?

It is common for people to achieve a different band score for each skill and completely normal to have a difference of up to two bands between skills. This occurs regardless of the language being tested and the type of language test taken. Listening and Speaking are often the strongest skills for most people.

What is the 'pass mark' for the IELTS test?

In the IELTS Life Skills test, your results are given as a pass or fail mark.

There is no pass or fail in IELTS Academic or General Training test. Scores are graded on the 9-band system. Each educational institution or organisation sets its own level of IELTS scores to meet its individual requirements.

What is the difference between raw scores and band scores?

The Listening and Reading parts of the IELTS test  are scored out of 40 and then converted  to a  band score which ranges  from  band 1  to  band 9.

The Listening and Reading tests contain 40 questions and each correct question will be awarded 1 mark (so the maximum a test  taker can score here is 40).  Band scores, ranging from band 1 to band 9, are  awarded based on the raw scores.  

What can I do if I am not happy with my test results?

You can apply for a review of your band scores (called an Enquiry on Results) at your test centre within six weeks of the test date.

You must pay an enquiry fee, which is fully refunded if your band score changes. If your band score changes, you will be issued a new Test Report Form (TRF).

Why are the topics in the Reading and Writing test so difficult?

Every IELTS test is carefully produced and tested to ensure a consistent level of difficulty across all the test versions. We want every IELTS test  taker to have their true English-language ability reflected in their result, which is why we offer so many free and paid tools to help you  practise and prepare.

Check out our preparation  tools for tips and advice so that you can be as prepared as possible for your test date.

Can other English language test results count towards my IELTS score?

Since IELTS is an individual English-language proficiency test, no other test results will be able to count towards your IELTS score.

Hear from IELTS expert, Don, as he talks about the IELTS assessment criteria and official IELTS band scores, to help you perform your best on test day.

Can you help me understand how the IELTS test is assessed?

Hear from IELTS expert, Don, as he talks about the IELTS assessment criteria and official IELTS band scores, to help you perform your best on test day.

Learn more about IELTS sub band scores

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