How is IELTS Evaluated?
Check out the overview of IELTS evaluation, scales, and conversion tables for score calculations. You will understand how candidates receive scores for each module of the exam - Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. Individual scores are then averaged and rounded to form the overall band score.
IELTS Band Scale
This certification does not have a pass or fail. IELTS is scored on a nine-band scale, with each band corresponding to a specific level of English language competence. The overall band score is rounded to the nearest half band.
The IELTS scoring method works as follows: if the average of all four skills is .25, it is rounded up to the next half band, and if it is .75, it is rounded up to the next whole band.
Characteristics of Each Band - IELTS Evaluation
- 9. Expert User: Fully operational command of the language: appropriate, accurate, and fluent with complete understanding.
- 8. Very Good User: Fully operational command of the language with only occasional unsystematic inaccuracies. Misunderstandings may occur in unfamiliar situations. Handles complex detailed argumentation well.
- 7. Good User: Operational command of the language, though with occasional inaccuracies, misunderstandings, and inappropriate usage. Generally handles complex language well and understands detailed reasoning.
- 6. Competent User: Generally effective command of the language despite some inaccuracies, misunderstandings, and inappropriate usage. Can use and understand fairly complex language, particularly in familiar situations.
- 5. Modest User: Partial command of the language, coping with overall meaning in most situations, though likely to make many mistakes. Should be able to handle basic communication in their own field.
- 0-4. Limited User: Most institutions require a minimum level of 5, so lower levels are generally not of interest. A score of 0 is given if the candidate did not attempt the test.
IELTS Score Conversion Table
This table helps determine your overall band score based on the points obtained in each module. The maximum achievable band is 9. It helps you estimate how many points you need to score in each module. The table shows approximate values. Actual values may slightly vary depending on the test difficulty.
| Band Score |
9.0 |
8.5 |
8.0 |
7.5 |
7.0 |
6.5 |
6.0 |
5.5 |
5.0 |
| Listening (Academic and General Training) |
39–40 |
37–38 |
35–36 |
32–34 |
30–31 |
26–29 |
23–25 |
18–22 |
16–17 |
| Reading (Academic) |
39–40 |
37–38 |
35–36 |
33–34 |
30–32 |
27–29 |
23–26 |
19–22 |
15–18 |
| Reading (General Training) |
40 |
39 |
37–38 |
36 |
34–35 |
32–33 |
30–31 |
27–29 |
23–26 |
IELTS and CEFR
Check the European Framework of Reference for Languages below compared to the IELTS scores:
- 8.5+ = C2 level CEFR
- 8 = C1/C2 level CEFR (borderline)
- 7.5-7 = C1 level CEFR
- 6.5 = C1/B2 level CEFR (borderline)
- 6-5.5 = B2 level CEFR
- 5.0 = B2/B1 level CEFR (borderline)
Test Report Form
Test report forms are sent to candidates 13 days after the exam. It includes:
- Information on your overall score (Band 1-9).
- Information on your individual scores (Band 1-9) for each module separately (Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking).
- Information on the type of test you took (General Training or Academic).
- Your photograph, nationality, date of birth, and native language.
Each candidate receives one original test report form, except for candidates who applied for visas to the Department of Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) or UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI), who receive 2 copies.
