What do my results mean?
Test results are reported on a TEST REPORT FORM (TRF) clear 9-band scale (from 1, the lowest, to 9, the highest). You will receive an overall band score, as well as individual scores for each test component - Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking.
The Academic and General Training papers are graded to the same scale. Candidates will be given a score of 1 to 9 for each part of the test – Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. The average will become the overall band score. Candidates can score whole (e.g., 5.0, 6.0, 7.0) or half (e.g., 5.5., 6.5, 7.5) bands in each part of the test.
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Band Score
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Skill Level
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Description
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Band 9
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Expert user
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Has fully operational command of the language: appropriate, accurate and fluent with complete understanding.
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Band 8
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Very Good user
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Has fully operational command of the language with only occasional unsystematic inaccuracies and inappropriacies. Misunderstandings may occur in unfamiliar situations. Handles complex detailed argumentation well.
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Band 7
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Good user
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Has operational command of the language, though with occasional inaccuracies, inappropriacies and misunderstandings in some situations. Generally handles complex language well and understands detailed reasoning.
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Band 6
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Competent user
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Has generally effective command of the language despite some inaccuracies, inappropriacies and misunderstandings. Can use and understand fairly complex language, particularly in familiar situations.
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Band 5
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Modest user
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Has partial command of the language, coping with overall meaning in most situations, though is likely to make many mistakes. Should be able to handle basic communication in own field.
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Band 4
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Limited user
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Basic competence is limited to familiar situations. Has frequent problems in understanding and expression. Is not able to use complex language.
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Band 3
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Extremely limited user
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Conveys and understands only general meaning in very familiar situations. Frequent breakdowns in communication occur.
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Band 2
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Intermittent user
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Essentially has no ability to use the language beyond possibly a few isolated words.
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Band 1
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Non-user
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Essentially has no ability to use the language beyond possibly a few isolated words.
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Band 0
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Did not attempt the test
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No assessable information provided.
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What IELTS score do I need?
• For immigration and citizenship purposes, refer to the IRCC website to find out what CLB standards you will be required to meet for visa and citizenship purposes in Canada.
• Check with your province or professional registration group to find out the minimum IELTS scores they will accept.
Canadian Language Requirements
The Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) are the national standards used in Canada for describing, measuring, and recognizing the English language proficiency of adult immigrants and prospective immigrants for living and working in Canada.
The table below shows how IELTS General Training test scores equate to the CLB standards.
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Scores
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Listening
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Writing
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Speaking
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GENERAL
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|
CLB1
|
1
|
1
|
1
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1
|
|
CLB2
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2
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1.5
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2
|
2
|
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CLB3
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3.5
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2.5
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3
|
3
|
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CLB4
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4.5
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3.5
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4
|
4
|
|
CLB5
|
5
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4
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5
|
5
|
|
CLB6
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5.5
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5
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5.5
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5.5
|
|
CLB7
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6
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6
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6
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6
|
|
CLB8
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7.5
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6.5
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6.5
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6.5
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|
CLB9
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8
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7
|
7
|
7
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|
CLB10
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8.5
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8
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7.5
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7.5
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|
CLB11
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9
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8.5
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8
|
8
|
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CLB12
|
9
|
9
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9
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9
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How soon can I re-sit the test?
There is no limit on sitting the test. However, IELTS recommends you do additional study before taking the test again.
You have the option of applying for five additional copies of the test result form. These copies are free of charge if they are included on the application. The additional test report forms will not be sent to the candidates themselves, but to academic institutions, government agencies, professional bodies or employers that require it.