IELTS has a set fee for its test. The Academic and General
Training tests are the same cost. You must pay your fee when you
put in your IELTS
Application Form (PDF, 273KB).
To find out the test fee in your local currency, check the IELTS Worldwide Search for your
nearest centre. It also has information on terms and conditions for
payment and cancellations.
IELTS test fees are used to ensure the quality and security of the
test process.
The IELTS 9-band scale
Each band corresponds to a level of English
competence. All parts of the test and the Overall Band Score can be
reported in whole and half bands, eg 6.5, 7.0, 7.5, 8.0.
Band 9: Expert user: has fully operational command
of the language: appropriate, accurate and fluent with complete
understanding.
Band 8: Very good user: 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.
Band 7: Good user: 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.
Band 6: Competent user: has generally effective
command of the language despite some inaccuracies, inappropriacies
and misunderstandings. Can use and understand fairly complex
language, particularly in familiar situations.
Band 5: Modest user: 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.
Band 4: Limited user: basic competence is limited
to familiar situations. Has frequent problems in understanding and
expression. Is not able to use complex language.
Band 3: Extremely limited user: conveys and
understands only general meaning in very familiar situations.
Frequent breakdowns in communication occur.
Band 2: Intermittent user: no real communication
is possible except for the most basic information using isolated
words or short formulae in familiar situations and to meet
immediate needs. Has great difficulty understanding spoken and
written English.
Band 1: Non-user: essentially has no ability to
use the language beyond possibly a few isolated words.
Band 0: Did not attempt the test: No assessable
information provided.
For more information, see Frequently
asked questions or download the Information
for candidates booklet (PDF, 935KB).
