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Improve your score with IELTS One Skill Retake

If you didn’t get the score you need, IELTS One Skill Retake gives you the chance to improve your Listening, Reading, Writing or Speaking result. Resit just one skill, not the whole test, with IELTS.

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What is IELTS One Skill Retake?

If you took IELTS on computer, you can resit one section of the test within 60 days if you miss the score you need. Watch our handy video for everything you need to know about booking a retake.

Why take One Skill Retake?

When you retake one IELTS module with the British Council, you get the chance to achieve your target score without retaking the whole test. 

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Focus on one skill

One Skill Retake gives you a second chance to prove your skills. Plus, you save time and money by retaking just one section, not the whole test. 

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Take a test you know

One Skill Retake has the same format and timing as the regular IELTS test, so you’ll already be familiar with it. No need to prepare for a new exam.

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Protect your original test scores

Your scores in other test sections won’t change. And if you don’t score higher on One Skill Retake, you can still use your original score. 

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Get an updated Test Report Form

Your new Test Report Form will show your original scores, your One Skill Retake score and an overall CEFR score. 

Who accepts IELTS One Skill Retake?

IELTS One Skill Retake is accepted by thousands of organisations worldwide for work, study and immigration. Check with your destination organisation if they accept One Skill Retake before booking.  

Do universities accept One Skill Retake?

Leading universities and colleges around the world accept One Skill Retake results, including top institutions in Australia, USA, Canada and the UK. However, each institution has its own policies, so always check with them directly before booking One Skill Retake.

Can I submit One Skill Retake for a visa application?

Australia, New Zealand, Canada and the UK accept One Skill Retake for certain visas. Each has different rules, so check requirements before you book. You don’t need an English test for US visas, but your organisation may request it to support your application.

Do professional registration and licensing bodies accept retakes?

Many professional organisations and licensing bodies accept IELTS One Skill Retake as proof of your English level. This includes organisations for healthcare workers, teachers, engineers and other jobs. Each organisation has its own rules, so always check before you apply.

How do I book a One Skill Retake?

It’s easy to book an IELTS One Skill Retake online, following the steps below: 

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How can I prepare for my One Skill Retake?

Looking for tips to improve your IELTS score before your retake? We've got you covered with expert advice and resources to help you succeed. 

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Identify your weak points

Study your original test to see where you lost marks. Grammar? Vocabulary? Then use our targeted preparation materials to focus on those areas.

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Improve your exam techniques

Subscribe to our YouTube channel (opens in a new tab) and watch expert videos to familiarise yourself with question types and learn what examiners are looking for.

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Practise in test conditions

Use our free practice tests in IELTS Ready Premium for timed practice. You’ll benefit from test advice, plus options for detailed AI feedback.

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Build your confidence with a British Council tutor

Grow in confidence and prepare at a time that suits you. Our experienced tutors offer targeted advice and immediate feedback to help you improve.

How do I get my IELTS One Skill Retake results?

After your retake, you’ll get a new Test Report Form (TRF) within three to five days of taking the retake. The TRF will have your new score for the retaken skill and your original scores for the other three sections.

You can choose to use your new TFR or your original one on applications. Both are valid for two years from your original test date.

IELTS One Skill Retake: FAQs

You can take One Skill Retake if you recently took a full IELTS on computer test at a participating centre. You must book One Skill Retake within 60 days of your original test date. Check the Test Taker Portal to see if you are eligible based on your test date and location.

Fees vary by test centre and location. You will see the fee when you log in to the Test Taker Portal.

The format, task types and question difficulty are the same as the full IELTS test. However, you may find One Skill Retake easier because you already know what to expect and will only take one part of the test.

IELTS uses a band scoring system to measure and report test scores consistently. You will receive individual band scores on a scale from 0 to 9 for Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking. You will also receive an overall Band Score from 0 to 9. This is the average of your band scores in each test section, rounded up or down to the nearest whole or half band (e.g. 6, 6.5, 7, 7.5, etc).