How Many Years Is IELTS Score Valid?
If you’re a non-native English speaker who’s planning to study abroad, work in an English-speaking country, or immigrate to an English-speaking country, chances are you’ve heard of the IELTS. if you’ve taken the test before, you may be wondering how long your scores are valid for. In this blog post, we’ll answer the question “how many years is IELTS score valid?” and provide you with all the information you need to know about the validity of IELTS scores.
The validity of IELTS scores is an important factor to consider if you’re planning to take the test. It’s important to know how long your scores will be valid for, so you can plan accordingly and avoid having to retake the test unnecessarily.
In this post, the folowing questions will be answered:
- Is IELTS validity extended to 3 years?
- Is The IELTS validity extended to 3 years for Canada work permit?
- How long is IELTS score valid in other countries?
- IELTS validity period for Canada PR
- How many years IELTS score is valid for Canada study visa?
This post is all about answering the question “how many years is IELTS score valid?”
How many years is IELTS score valid?
So, how many years is an IELTS score valid for?
The short answer is that IELTS scores are valid for two years from the date of the test. This means that if you took the IELTS on March 31, 2021, your scores would be valid until March 30, 2023.
It’s worth noting that some institutions may have their own policies regarding the validity of IELTS scores. For example, some universities may require more recent scores, while others may accept scores that are slightly older than two years.
While it’s important to learn about the validity period of your IELTS scores, it’s also essential to understand the band descriptors. Read this blog post to learn about What is lexical resource in IELTS?
Make sure to keep reading to find out is IELTS validity extended to 3 years or not.
Is IELTS Validity Extended To 3 Years?
As of my knowledge cutoff in September 2021, there were no official announcements regarding an extension of the validity of IELTS scores to three years.
The validity of IELTS scores has remained two years from the date of the test for many years. However, it’s always a good idea to check with the official IELTS website or your institution to confirm the most up-to-date information on the validity of IELTS scores.
It’s possible that changes may have been made, therefore it is always recommended to double-check the visa requirements you are applying to.
As mentioned, every Country’s requirement may vary when it comes to IELTS validation. Keep reading to find out what IELTS score is required for Canada PR.
What IELTS Score Is Required For Canada PR?
You may be wondering what IELTS score is required for Canada PR (Permanent Residency)? This depends on the specific immigration program you are applying under. Canada has several immigration programs, each with its own language requirements. The two main programs are the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) and the Canadian Experience Class (CEC).
For the FSWP, you must take the IELTS General Training test, and you must score a minimum of 6.0 in each of the four language abilities: listening, reading, writing, and speaking. However, in order to be competitive in the FSWP, a higher score of at least 7.0 in each language ability is recommended.
Read this article titled How to score 8 in IELTS using these tips to learn about simple strategies that will help you score 8 on your exam.
For the CEC, you must also take the IELTS General Training test, and you must score a minimum of 6.0 in each of the four language abilities: listening, reading, writing, and speaking. However, to maximize your chances of being selected, a higher score of at least 7.0 in each language ability is recommended.
It’s important to note that meeting the language requirements is just one of the many eligibility criteria for Canada PR. You must also meet other criteria, such as work experience, education, and age, in order to be eligible for permanent residency in Canada.
If you are hoping to find out about the IELTS validity period for Canada PR, don’t miss the next paragraph for important information!
IELTS Validity Period For Canada PR
The IELTS validity period for Canada PR is the same as in other countries – two years from the date of the test. This means that if you’re applying to study or work in Canada and you took the IELTS test more than two years ago, your scores will not be considered valid and you will need to retake the test.
It’s worth noting that the requirements on how many years IELTS score is valid for in Canada may vary depending on the institution you’re applying to.
How IELTS Score Is Calculated
You may be wondering how IELTS score is calculated, especially because you are given 4 different band scores for each section of the exam (reading, writing, listening and speaking).
Here is a breakdown of how exactly your IELTS score is calculated:
Each skill is marked on a scale of 0 to 9, and the scores are then averaged to give an overall band score. For example, if a test taker receives a score of 7.5 in Listening, 7.0 in Reading, 8.0 in Writing, and 7.5 in Speaking, their overall band score will be 7.5, which is the average of all four skills.
The band score is rounded to the nearest half or whole band. For example, if the overall band score is 6.25, it will be rounded up to 6.5, and if it is 6.75, it will be rounded up to 7.0.
Be sure to read our article where we discuss how to start IELTS preparation at home, and you will be able to download a FREE IELTS study plan.
The IELTS score is designed to provide a comprehensive assessment of a test taker’s language ability in real-life situations. It’s important to note that there is no pass or fail mark in IELTS, and the score you need depends on the requirements of the institution or organization you’re applying to.
Once you complete your exam, there will be some time until you get your final results. Read the next paragraph to find out exactly when IELTS results come.
When IELTS Results Come
When IELTS results are usually released 13 calendar days after the test date for paper-based tests, while for computer-delivered tests, the results are usually available within 3-5 calendar days after the test date. However, it’s important to note that these are approximate time frames, and the actual date of release of the results may vary depending on the location and the test center.
Once the results are available, test takers can access them online using the login credentials provided to them during the registration process. The results will show the scores for each of the four language skills, as well as an overall band score. A Test Report Form (TRF) will also be sent to the test taker’s mailing address approximately 13 days after the test date for paper-based tests or 3-5 days for computer-delivered tests.
If you want to learn about the difficulty levels of the IELTS exam, read this article titled Is IELTS easy to crack? 4 easy steps to class your exam
It’s important to keep in mind that the IELTS test is designed to provide a fair and accurate assessment of a test taker’s language ability, and the results are an important part of the application process for many institutions and organizations around the world. Therefore, it’s crucial to prepare well for the test and to take it seriously in order to achieve the desired scores.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the IELTS test is an important assessment of language proficiency and is widely accepted by academic institutions, employers, and immigration authorities around the world.
The validity period for IELTS scores is two years, and the specific score requirements vary depending on the purpose of the test. Whether you’re applying for academic programs, work visas, or permanent residency, it’s important to research the specific requirements of the institution or organization you’re applying to and to prepare well for the test in order to achieve the desired scores.
With the right preparation and effort, achieving a good IELTS score can help you reach your educational, professional, and personal goals.
What are some strategies that you have found effective in preparing for the IELTS test? Share your tips in the comments below!
