IELTS retakes are here

Before IELTS implemented the change, language test takers would need to retake all four modules if they wished to improve their overall score.

IELTS has now developed the IELTS One Skill Retake. It is specifically for English test takers who didn’t demonstrate their full potential in one of the four language skills: Listening, Reading, Writing, or Speaking. With IELTS One Skill Retake, you can get one more chance to improve your score.

Candidates may take the IELTS One Skill Retake at any testing centre where it is offered. It is offered in certain centres for both IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training.

Instructions for booking your retake are available at the IELTS webpage. Prices for the retake vary by region, so you will need to contact your local test centre.

After you receive your IELTS results, you may book the IELTS One Skill Retake and complete it within 60 days of your original test day.

The format and timing of the retake test are the same as that particular skill module in a normal IELTS test. However, you can save time since you do not need to complete the other three skills.

You may only retake an IELTS module once per full IELTS test.

Once you have completed the IELTS retake, you will receive a new Test Report Form. This new report includes the results of your IELTS One Skill Retake score as well as your results from the original test. From there, you can choose whether you use your original or your new Test Report Form.

As of August 10, the IELTS One Skill Retake is currently available in Australia, Cambodia, India, and Philippines. It will continue to be launched in other countries throughout the rest of 2023.

Canada does not accept IELTS retake for Express Entry

According to the Canadian government’s website, Canada does not accept the IELTS One Skill Retake version of the IELTS General Training test.

You must take the General Training option in order to gain points for language under Express Entry.

Having a higher score in an official language is one way to improve your competitiveness for Canadian immigration. In particular, through the Express Entry system.

Express Entry is Canada’s points-based system for managing immigration applications. It takes official language competency into consideration alongside work experience, education, age, and other factors.

For the language portion, Express Entry candidates oftentimes aim to score a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 9 or better. Achieving this threshold can mean extra points for Express Entry candidates, thereby increasing their chances to receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for Canadian permanent residence.

If you would like to see your potential CRS score, check out Moving2Canada’s CRS Calculator to explore how changing language test results may affect your points.

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