What is the Passing score for IELTS?
#There is no pass or fail in IELTS.
The IELTS (International English Language Testing System) is the test that assesses the English Language Proficiency of Students who wish to study abroad. The international students who aim to study in primarily English speaking countries like USA, UK, Australia, New Zealand and Canada and others are required to submit their test score for admission to a University and mostly also as a requirement for the VISA.
The IELTS has four sections Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking. On every score the test taker can score between Band 1 to Band 9. The test taker might score a whole band (6, 7, 8) or might score in half like (6.5, 7.5, 8.5 and so on). Various Programs and Universities have varying IELTS score requirements. This requirement might vary for every section as well. But on a whole there is no score that could mark a test taker as FAIL or PASS. The 9 band scale on the four skills usually represent the level of proficiency for that individual skill, hence it is used as a parameter by the admission committee to indicate the skill level of the student.
The IELTS 9 Band Score with their corresponding skill level for are as follows
BAND | SKILL LEVEL | DESCRIPTION |
0 | Not attempted the test | Test Taker did not answer the questions at all. |
1 | Non-user | Test-taker has no ability to use the language apart from few words |
2 | Intermittent user | Test-taker shows excessive difficulty in comprehending spoken and written English. |
3 | Extremely limited user | Test-taker expresses and comprehends only common meaning in very familiar situations as there are frequent failures in communication. |
4 | Limited user | Test-taker’s basic proficiency is restricted to acquainted circumstances and regularly shows difficulties in understanding and expression as he/she might not be able to use complex language. |
5 | Modest user | Test-taker has a limited command of the language, and sustains with general meaning in most situations, even though he/she might make several errors. He/ she can handle communication well in their own field. |
6 | Competent user | Usually, Test-taker has an effective command of the language despite some inaccuracies, inappropriate usage and misunderstandings as he/she can use and understand fairly complex language, mostly in conversant circumstances. |
7 | Good user | Test-taker has a functioning expertise of the language, though with irregular inaccuracies, inappropriate usage and misinterpretations in some situations and he/she can mostly handle complex language well and understand detailed reasoning. |
8 | Very good user | Test-taker has complete functional command of the language with only occasional unsystematic inaccuracies and incorrect usage. He/she may misinterpret some things in unacquainted circumstances but handles complex and compound detailed argumentation well. |
9 | Expert user | The test-taker has complete functional expertise of the language with accurate, precise and fluent usage of English Language that shows complete understanding. |
WhizStorm which is a unique Software Platform developed for streamlining the study abroad process helps students across the globe, provides a strong search engine to enable the student to assess their profile.
Amongst various filtering criteria the WhizStorm search engine can help you shortlist universities and programs according to your IELTS test score. Our experts can suggest courses and assist you in the application and admission process.
What is the passing score for IELTS?