IELTS Exam Remarking Essential Guide

First of all, before we look at the process of requesting a remark, let’s briefly ask whether or not it is a good idea. The main thing is how far away you were from your target score. If you were more than 0.5 away, there is essentially no reason to apply for a remark. This is because IELTS examiners are carefully trained and will not differ with each other more than by 0.5 band.

If you are sure that you want to apply for a remark, then you must get in touch with the British Council or IDP, depending on who you took your test with. The process will be the same for either organisation.

All you need to do is fill in a request form. You should search for “Enquiry on Result Application Form” and then then download it from the official website. This must be submitted along with the correct fee. It is important to note that requesting a remark on your IELTS test results is not free.

This whole process takes up to four weeks, depending on the number of modules that you have requested to be remarked but it may also be completed within just a few days. If you have not received your new score after 28 days, you should get in touch with the appropriate test centre.

Three things will happen

In most cases, you will be assigned the same score. This is the harsh reality of IELTS. The examiners are well trained to give a fair grade, and even though you are unhappy with your result, it will be the one that all examiners agree upon.

You may even be given a lower score – however, in that case your grade would revert to the original IELTS band you had been given.

Very rarely, a person’s IELTS band score is increased after a remark.