IELTS review guide and things to keep in mind

Not satisfied with your IELTS test results? Are you worried that the examiner has not accurately assessed your Writing and Speaking ability? Instead of wasting time and money on a new test, you can consider an IELTS score review solution. Let's learn about IELTS review procedures and regulations with Dol ! 

1. What is an IELTS score review?

In the event that candidates are not satisfied with the test results received, exam organizers such as IDP and British Council , still facilitate the review of work and the grading process for candidates, demonstrating transparency. transparency and fairness in. This process is called an IELTS score review ( Enquiry on Results ( EOR ).

Your work will then be sent to units in Cambridge or Melbourne , where it will be re-evaluated by a senior examiner. One point for candidates to rest assured about this process is that the examiner will not be notified of the candidate's previous scores. In other cases, it may be possible for more than one examiner to re-evaluate the test at the same time, thus ensuring the objectivity of the results.

Note that an IELTS score review request must be made at your test center within six weeks of the date displayed on your TRF. You can request a reassessment of the entire test or any part (Listening, Reading, Writing or Speaking).

2. How much does IELTS score review cost?

Cost of IELTS score review

Currently, as of March 2022, the cost of IELTS review of IELTS test organizers is as follows:

• At British Council, the review fee is 2,200,000 VND.
• At IDP, the review fee is VND 2,310,000.

When the score is not as desired, the solution to retake the exam costs a rather high cost (nearly 5,000,000 VND for an IELTS test). For the same reason, many candidates are considering applying for a re-examination to change their IELTS score.

However, the cost of the review is not small for many candidates, and this amount will not be refunded if the candidate's score does not change. Therefore, you should consider carefully before deciding to register for a review of your score!

3. How long does it take to review IELTS scores?

Normally, the results of the IELTS review process are usually communicated within 2 to 21 days if there are changes, depending on various factors, possibly which test is being re-reviewed. In case it has been more than 28 days and candidates still have not received a response, please contact the exam organizer for instructions on the next steps.

4. What is the result of the IELTS test?

Considering the above review fee and time, you need to carefully consider whether the review is really necessary or gives the desired score before carrying out the relevant procedures. Depending on the review of your test from the examiner, the test score can be increased from 0.5 to 1 band point.

If you are still wondering about this, please refer to some of the experiences below from Dol.

4.1. When is the review likely to increase the score?

You have been monitoring your progress continuously and assessed right before the real exam by highly qualified teachers or IELTS examiners/experts. 

However, you should be honest with yourself and answer questions like: 

• Is your mentality and performance during the mock test really equivalent to the real exam? 
• Is the teacher assessing your level really reputable? 
• Have you taken the mock test really seriously and the test structure is correct?

You got a lower score than your previous test

If you have taken the IELTS test before, and spent some extra time studying to get a higher band score, but the score you received is lower than the previous test, you should apply for a review of your score. me.

Please refer to: "Are test scores reduced after re-examination" for more information:

Do you believe in your abilities?

If you've taken the time to study seriously before and you believe you did what you expected, consider taking a review.

However, you cannot avoid the situation that you have not properly assessed your ability or are having a wrong understanding of the test evaluation process.

4.2. When does the review have little or no chance of increasing the score?

The score of a skill has a big difference compared to the total score

If your score for any skill on your test is 2 bands higher than your overall band score, your test will be automatically reassessed and re-evaluated by the testing agency in your country of registration. Contest.

You do not understand the topic, have not completed the article or lack the background knowledge to solve the Writing Task 2 question

There are many cases where candidates cannot complete or handle Writing Task 2 poorly because they do not understand the topic, misunderstand the topic, or do not complete the requirements set by the test (including questions and word count). minimum). This situation is quite common, so you should not rule out this possibility.

Do you have doubts about your Listening and Reading results?

It should be noted that the answers to the questions in the Listening and Reading tests are very brief and fixed, so there is absolutely no chance that your test will be misrepresented. The normal IELTS review is for Writing and Speaking only.

You need IELTS certificate urgently within 1 month

Since the review process takes a maximum of about 6 weeks, if you need your IELTS certificate urgently (within 1 week to 1 month), you should consider retaking the test rather than waiting for the review results. Also, re-examination doesn't always return an increase in score, so you shouldn't take the risk if time doesn't allow.

5. Procedures & regulations for IELTS score review

Notes to keep in mind when reviewing IELTS scores

• Usually, before proceeding with the review process, the staff at the exam board will ask you questions such as why you are requesting to be re-graded and whether your score between skills is different. much difference or not. 
• You should keep the invoice after paying the review fee. In case you get an increase in points after re-rating, you need to present an invoice for a refund of the fee paid.
• Pending the review of your application, your test scores are temporarily on hold, so your results will not be valid for admission or immigration proceedings.
• After the review, your test results may increase or stay the same. If you wonder if the IELTS review will lower your score , the answer is always no.

Things to know before IELTS review:

5.1. Regulations of the IDP

At the IDP Exam Organizing Committee, in order for the re-marking process to proceed, candidates need to notify IDP within 4 weeks from the date of the test results or 6 weeks from the date of the test. After that, candidates need to go to IDP to return the transcript and proceed with the fee payment procedures.

5.2. British Council Regulations

Before coming to the British Council for the appeals process, you need to prepare the application form in advance

IELTS score review, then complete the remaining procedures at the office where you registered for the exam.

• IELTS: VND 2,200,000
• IELTS UKVI: VND 2,900,000
• IELTS Life Skills: VND 2,175,000

You can choose to review two skills or four skills for the same fee as above.

In the event that it is successful and your test score is raised, you will be asked to return your previous original transcript and be issued a new transcript. The testing and re-scoring process at BC will take 2 to 21 days to complete. However, if you intend to review your IELTS score, you should note that you should submit your application for a review within 6 weeks from the date of registration.

6. IELTS score review process

• First, within 6 weeks of completing the exam, you need to go directly to the exam board's office, follow the instructions for submitting the application for re-evaluation, and pay the fee. 
• Your test will be sent to the senior examination board at Cambridge and re-evaluated by another examiner who is completely uninformed of your old band score. The IELTS review process is rigorously supervised by trained professionals and experienced examiners.
• Within 1 month at the latest, you will receive an email informing you of the following score results. If your results change (increase in scores), you will be re-issued with a new certificate of results (TRF) and a refund of the examination fee. Otherwise, if the re-examination is unsuccessful, you will get your transcript back. 

Steps to review IELTS scores

Time to receive IELTS review results in 2 forms

7. Frequently asked questions

When should I register for the IELTS review?

Requests for a review must be made within 6 weeks of the date on the inspection report form (TRF). Candidates can request a review of the entire IELTS test or any part of the IELTS test (Listening, Reading, Writing or Speaking).

How much does the IELTS Review cost?

Test takers must pay an investigation fee, which will be fully refunded if the band score is changed. Contact your local testing center for more information on fees.

How long does it take to Review the IELTS test?

Results are usually available in 2 to 21 days, depending on a number of factors including the number of sections requested for review. If you have not received your results after 28 days, please contact the test center for review.

Above is the information you need to know about the IELTS score review process . Hopefully, this article will be useful for you in considering this process, as well as help you understand the procedures involved to make the IELTS review go quickly and smoothly.

Wish you get the IELTS band score as expected. Please contact Dol immediately for information about the IELTS exam as well as an effective study schedule!