The IELTS band scores range from a band 0 to a band 9. Find out what level of English-language proficiency each band score corresponds to.
In the IELTS test, your English-language skills are measured against band scores. These band scores range from a band 0 to a band 9 with each band score corresponding to a level of English-language competence.
For example, a band score of 6 corresponds to a competent user who generally has effective command of the language despite some inaccuracies, inappropriacies and misunderstandings. They can also use and understand fairly complex language, particularly in familiar situations.
In your IELTS results, you will get a band score for each part of the test as well as an overall band score which is an average of your band scores for Speaking, Reading, Writing, and Listening. Your band scores are given as whole or half band scores and are rounded up to the nearest half or whole band score.
For example, if you get a 6.5 in Reading, 5 in Writing, 7 in Speaking, and 6.5 in Listening, the average of these 4 scores would be 6.25. This score would be rounded up to 6.5 for your overall band score.
If you plan to study in higher education or seek professional registration in an English-speaking country, you might need to take the IELTS Academic test.
If you plan to move abroad for work or migrate to Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the UK or the USA, you might need to take an IELTS General Training test.
If you want to study or apply for professional registration in the UK, you might need to take the IELTS Academic for UKVI test.
If you want to work, migrate, study or seek vocational training in the UK, you might need to take the IELTS for UKVI test.