If you don’t get the result you want, you can register for another IELTS test as soon as you feel ready to do so.

Before applying for another test, take a moment to consider your options. Your score is unlikely to increase unless you make a significant effort to improve your English.

Research on international students found that it appeared harder to improve in the productive language skills (Speaking and Writing) than in the receptive skills (Listening and Reading). The study found that the least average improvement was in Writing*.

Ask yourself the following questions:

• Have I read about IELTS band scores and what each band score represents?

• Have I tried the practice test questions?

• Am I practising my English at home and at work/university?

• Have I taken any other steps to improve my English language skills?

• Was I as calm and relaxed as possible when I took the test?

If you answered “No” to any of the questions above, learn more about how to prepare here.

Resitting the test after a long break

IELTS is a test of English language proficiency, so you need to work on all skill areas to maintain and improve your English. If it is a long time since you last sat the test, your language skills may not necessarily have improved, even if you have been living in an English-speaking country. Prepare thoroughly, and consider taking an IELTS preparation course as a refresher.

If you would like assistance with test preparation, our sister company Teaching Training Testing offers either face-to-face IELTS preparation courses or online IELTS preparation courses with online tutoring.

When you feel you are ready to take the test, you need to register for a test date with an IELTS centre. We have over 1,100 test locations in more than 140 countries.  The number of test takers who can take the test on a particular date may be limited, so contact the centre as soon as possible. You will need to pay the test fee when you register.