Hearing or speaking difficulties
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.
* "Investigating IELTS exit score gains in higher education", Kieran O’Loughlin and Sophie Arkoudis, The University of Melbourne, IELTS: Volume 10: Research Reports 2009