It is disappointing to get an IELTS score that is below your target, considering the time, energy and money you have spent.
But you must know that there’s no pass or fail in IELTS. Your scores are calculated on a band scale from 0 to 9. You’ll receive an overall band score, as well as individual scores for Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking.
So, what should you do if your score is not enough for your university, visa, work, or immigration application?
You have a few options. You can retake the full IELTS test, take an IELTS One Skill Retake if you are eligible, or request an Enquiry on Results if you believe one of your scores does not reflect your performance.
The next step depends on your IELTS score and whether you meet the requirements for a particular option. In this post, we will explain what each option means and how to decide what to do next.
Understand your IELTS result first
Before you book another test, take some time to understand how IELTS is assessed.
Your IELTS test report form shows your overall band score and your individual scores for Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. Your overall score is calculated from the average of the four section scores.
For example, you might get:
Listening: 7.0
Reading: 6.5
Writing: 5.5
Speaking: 6.5
Overall: 6.5
If your target is an overall 7.0, you need to look beyond the overall score. Your individual scores can show you where you need the most improvement.
You may discover that you were close to your target in three skills but had one much lower score, or that you were several bands away from the score you need.
This is important because your next step should depend on what your result is telling you.
Now, let us look at the options available to you.
Know your IELTS retake options
Option 1: Retake the full IELTS test
You can take the full IELTS test again if you did not get the score you need. This means taking Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking again. However, if you prepare the same way you did before, you may end up with the same result.
Before you rebook, work on your weak areas. IELTS itself recommends doing extra work to improve your English before resitting the test.
A full IELTS retake is the better option if you missed your target by a large margin or need to improve in more than one skill.
Option 2: IELTS One Skill Retake
If your scores are strong in three skills but one skill is holding you back, you can take the IELTS One Skill Retake. It allows you to retake just one of the four skills: Listening, Reading, Writing, or Speaking, instead of sitting the full test again.
A few conditions apply. You can only use One Skill Retake once for each full test you sit, so if you need to improve two skills, you will need a full retake instead.
You must also book and complete it within 60 days of your original test date, and it is only available if you took your original test on computer at a test centre that offers the service.
For example, if you got an IELTS result like the one below and need a higher reading score, One Skill Retake is an option you can consider.
However, you should check that your test centre offers One Skill Retake and that the organisation you are applying to accepts it before you book.
Option 3: Enquiry on Results (EOR)
If you believe your result does not reflect your performance, you can request an Enquiry on Results, also known as an IELTS remark. Your test papers will be reviewed by senior examiners. Prepare smarter with PrepMeWell
If you are not sure what went wrong or how to improve your score, you do not have to figure it out alone.
When you prepare with PrepMeWell, we work with you to build a preparation plan tailored to your result, one that targets your weak areas and gets you ready to pass on your next attempt.
You will get personalised guidance from a tutor who helps you understand exactly what you need to improve. You will also practise with the right IELTS questions and mock tests so you can track your progress before your next test.
Whether you need to improve one skill or prepare for the full IELTS test again, we will help you walk into your next test more prepared and ready to hit your target score.
If only one skill is below your target and you are eligible, IELTS One Skill Retake is the option to take. You can focus on improving that one skill instead of taking the entire test again.
You can also consider an EOR if you strongly believe your score does not reflect your performance.
If you are not eligible for One Skill Retake, or your target organisation does not accept it, prepare for a full retake.
If you missed your target by 1 band
A one-band gap usually means you need to take a closer look at your preparation before booking another test. If more than one skill needs work, we always recommend a full IELTS retake rather than One Skill Retake.
If you missed your target by more than 1 band
If you are more than one band away from your target, rushing to book another test is not the best decision.
You will need more time to improve your English and become familiar with the IELTS test format.
Instead of simply repeating the same preparation routine, identify the areas that are affecting your score and work on them with a structured plan.
This could include regular speaking practice, writing feedback, timed reading and listening practice, and IELTS mock tests.
The goal is not just to take the test again. It is to be better prepared the next time you take it.
Avoid making the same mistakes in your next IELTS preparation
It is easy to assume that taking IELTS again will automatically lead to a better score. But if you prepare in the same way as before, you may end up with a similar result.
Your result is useful feedback. It shows you where you need to improve, whether that is your English level, your understanding of the test, your time management, or how you approach specific question types.
Before registering for another IELTS test, ask yourself:
- Which skills did I struggle with?
- Did I understand the question types?
- Did I manage my time well?
- Did I practise enough under real test conditions?
- Did I get feedback on my Speaking and Writing?
- Did I use mock tests to check my progress?
Once you have the answers, you can create a preparation plan that targets your weak skills, addresses the mistakes affecting your score, and builds the exam strategy you were missing before.
Prepare smarter with PrepMeWell
If you are not sure what went wrong or how to improve your score, you do not have to figure it out alone.
When you prepare with PrepMeWell, we work with you to build a preparation plan tailored to your immigration goal, one that targets your weak areas and gets you ready to pass on your next attempt.
Whether you join a group class or opt for personalised one-on-one sessions, you will get guidance that helps you understand exactly what you need to improve. You will also practise with the right IELTS questions and mock tests so you can track your progress before your next test.
Whether you need to improve one skill or prepare for the full IELTS test again, we will help you walk into your next test more prepared and ready to hit your target score.
Frequently asked questions
How many times can I retake IELTS?
You can retake IELTS as many times as you need. But instead of spending more on retakes, prepare well and get the score you need.
Will my old score still count if my retake is lower?
If a remark does not improve your result, your original test report form stays valid, since IELTS keeps your highest score.
How much does an IELTS retake cost?
A full IELTS retake costs around ₦299,000 in Nigeria. IELTS for UKVI is around ₦315,500. If you’re eligible for One Skill Retake, you can retake just one section for less than the full test fee.
Conclusion
A low IELTS band score does not mean the end of your immigration journey. It often means your preparation process did not show you exactly what the examiners expect.
So, do not let your next attempt go to chance. Review your result, identify what went wrong, and build a targeted plan to fix it.
PrepMeWell has guided many candidates through this exact situation and helped them turn a disappointing score into a pass. Book a consultation today, and get it right this time.
