Once all four of your sections have been reviewed, you will receive access to an IELTS Test Report Form which shows the individual scores you have received in each of the four parts of the IELTS test, as well as your overall band score. The Test Report Form can be viewed online if you took the IELTS on Computer, or you will receive your Test Report Form through the mail.
All test takers taking the IELTS on Computer starting April 1, 2024 will no longer receive a paper copy of the IELTS Test Report Form (TRF) and will receive an electronic version instead. The eTRF will be available for download via the Test Taker Portal.
Test takers taking the IELTS on Paper will continue to receive paper TRFs mailed to them on the 13th day after their exam date.
Here is a breakdown of what each band score means, developed by the British Council:
| Band score | Skill level | Description |
| Band 9 | Expert user | You have a full operational command of the language. Your use of English is appropriate, accurate and fluent, and you show complete understanding. |
| Band 8 | Very good user | You have a 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 detailed argumentation well. |
| Band 7 | Good user | You have an operational command of the language, though with occasional inaccuracies, inappropriate usage and misunderstandings in some situations. Generally you handle complex language well and understand detailed reasoning. |
| Band 6 | Competent user | Generally 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. |
