IELTS Test Report Form Guide: Types, Validity & More

The IELTS Test Report Form (TRF) is your official proof of English language proficiency. It includes your personal details, individual section scores (Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking), and your overall band score on a scale of 1 to 9. 

Accepted by over 11,500 institutions across 140+ countries, the TRF plays a key role in university admissions and immigration processes, especially in countries like the UK, Canada, and Australia.

If you take the paper-based IELTS exam, your TRF is typically issued 13 days after the test date. You can request to send it to up to five institutions free of charge within one month of your test. Additional copies are available upon request, though some fees may apply.

IELTS Test Report Form: An Overview

The IELTS Test Report Form (TRF) presents a detailed breakdown of your performance in each section of Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking, along with your overall band score. It serves as the official record of your IELTS results.

The TRF is issued by the British Council, IDP, or Cambridge English, and it serves as formal evidence of your English language proficiency levels.

Below is an overview of the IELTS test report form and interpretation:

Also Read: IELTS Computer Based Test vs Paper Based: Key Differences

Now that you've had a brief overview of the IELTS Test Report Form and interpretation, let's take a closer look at what the report contains.

What does the IELTS Test Report Form Contain?

The TRF contains personal details such as your name, photograph, and signature. It also shows the exam date and score validity. It features individual band scores, like Listening: 7.5, Reading: 8.0, Writing: 6.5, Speaking: 7.0, and your overall band score (e.g., 7.5), offering a complete summary of your performance.

Below are the contents of the IELTS Test Report Form and interpretation:

Beyond the content, you should also be aware of important details about the IELTS Test Report Form (TRF), such as:

• Standard Issuance: Typically, one original TRF is issued to each test taker.
• Additional Copies: You can request up to five additional copies to be sent electronically to institutions of your choice, free of charge, within one month of your test date.
• Special Cases: If you're applying to Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) or the United Kingdom Border Agency (UKBA), you may be entitled to two copies. Proof of English proficiency through IELTS is required if you want to get a job abroad. 
• Additional Requests: For any extra copies beyond the free allocation, there might be an administrative fee. The exact amount can vary depending on the test center and location.

Now that you have covered the IELTS Test Report Form and interpretation, let's examine how to verify and download the TRF.

How to Verify and Download IELTS Test Report Form?

Verifying downloading your IELTS Test Report Form (TRF) is crucial because universities, employers, and immigration authorities require an official, error-free document to process your applications. 

This ensures that your TRF hasn't been tampered with and accurately reflects your scores, while downloading gives you a secure copy to submit for admissions, job offers, or visa processes.

Here's how you can verify and download your TRF:

• Step 1: Receive Notification
  After your test results are released, your test center will send you an email or SMS with instructions on accessing your TRF online.
• Step 2: Log in to Your IELTS Account
  Visit the official IELTS website or your test center's portal and log in using candidate ID and password.

• Step 3: Verify Your Details
  Check your personal information and test scores carefully to ensure they match your expectations and registration details.

• Step 4: Download the TRF
  If your test center offers digital copies, download the official TRF PDF for your records or applications.

• Step 5: Request Physical Copy if Needed

If you need a physical copy, follow your test center's instructions to receive the official printed TRF by mail or in person.

Also Read: IELTS Syllabus 2025: A Complete Guide to Every Section of the Exam

By verifying and downloading the IELTS Test Report Form, you can check for any discrepancies before applying. Now, let's take a look at what the Additional IELTS Test Report Form is.

What is the Additional IELTS Test Report Form?

The Additional IELTS Test Report Form (ATRF) is a copy of your original IELTS Test Report Form (TRF) that you can request after taking the exam. It allows you to send your official IELTS scores to more institutions beyond the initial free submissions.

You can request an ATRF through your test center or online candidate portal, usually within one year of your test date. There is typically a fee (INR 250) for each additional copy requested, and delivery times depend on the destination.

Here's how you can request for Additional IELTS Test Report Form:

• Step 1: Access Your Candidate Account
  Log in to your official IELTS candidate portal using your registration details.
• Step 2: Select Additional TRF Request
  Choose the option to request additional Test Report Forms.
• Step 3: Provide Recipient Details
  Enter the details of the institutions or organizations where you want your scores sent.
• Step 4: Make Payment
  You must pay the required fee (INR 250) for each additional TRF copy, typically using online payment methods like credit cards.
• Step 5: Confirmation and Delivery
  Receive confirmation of your request and track delivery status as applicable. Some test centers offer electronic TRFs, which may be delivered faster and at lower cost.

Note: Requests for ATRFs can usually be canceled or modified before processing starts, but cancellation policies may vary by test center. Once the ATRF is printed or dispatched, cancellations may not be accepted. Always check with your test center for specific details.

Also Read: Academic IELTS vs General IELTS: Difference Between Academic And General IELTS

Apart from Additional IELTS Test Report Forms, there are also TRFs issued for appeals and replacements. Let's take a closer look at them.

Other Types of IELTS Test Report Forms

You can also request Test Report Forms for specific purposes, such as if you are unhappy with your results and want a re-evaluation of your results, or if you need a replacement TRF after losing the original.

Below are the other types of IELTS Test Report Forms:

Different types of TRFs ensure you can obtain or download your scorecards multiple times and use them for admissions or qualification purposes. Now, let's look at how you can send your IELTS reports to colleges.

How to Send IELTS Test Report Form to Colleges?

Sending your IELTS Test Report Form (TRF) to universities is a crucial step in confirming your eligibility for admission. By officially sharing your scores, you make yourself eligible for admission to universities like Cambridge and the University of Melbourne.

The process is simple: You request that your test center send your scores to the universities through the portal. Depending on the number of institutions and the delivery method, additional costs may apply.

Here are the steps involved in sending IELTS Test Report Forms to colleges:

• Step 1: Check Validity
  Ensure your TRF is within its validity period, typically 2 years from your test date, as most colleges require recent scores.
• Step 2: Select Institutions
  Decide which universities you want to send your scores to from a list of universities that accept the IELTS exam for studying abroad. You can send your TRF to up to five institutions for free within one month of your test.
• Step 3: Request Score Sending
  Submit a request through your test center or the official IELTS candidate portal to send your scores to the selected institutions.
• Step 4: Pay Additional Fees (if any)
  If you wish to send your scores to more than five institutions or after the one-month free period, you may need to pay a fee (INR 250) per additional TRF sent.
• Step 5: Confirmation
  After submitting the request and payment, the test center will confirm that your scores have been sent.

Note: The IELTS Test Report Form is valid for two years. Scores older than this may not be accepted by colleges or visa authorities. Always check the specific requirements of your chosen institutions.

After your scores are submitted, you can track your IELTS Test Report Form for both online and paper-based tests. Let's find out how.

Tracking IELTS Test Report Form

Over 95% of test takers who track their TRF report successful, error-free delivery to universities and immigration bodies. By actively monitoring your TRF, you can avoid common issues like delays, misrouting, or missed deadlines that could affect your application.

For paper-based tests, tracking is usually done offline by contacting your IELTS test center directly, while computer-based tests often provide online tracking options through candidate portals.

Below are the steps to track your TRF using the online method or paper-based method:

• Step 1: Log in to Your Candidate Account
  Visit the official IELTS website or your test center's portal and log in with your candidate ID and password.
• Step 2: Go to the Results Section
  Find the section for test results or Test Report Form management.
• Step 3: Check TRF Status
  Verify if your TRF is ready, dispatched, or sent to institutions.
• Step 4: Contact Test Center (for Paper-based)
  If you took a paper-based test and online tracking isn't available, contact your test center directly via phone or email for updates.
• Step 5: Confirm Receipt by Institutions
  If you have sent your TRF to universities or employers, follow up with them to confirm they have received your scores.

Despite all your efforts, your IELTS Test Report Form may get lost. Let's find out what you can do if your TRF gets lost.

What to Do If You Lose Your IELTS Test Report Form?

The IELTS test results are valid for 2 years from the test date. If you lose your TRF, retaking and preparing for the test might become necessary since most institutions require an original, valid report. Nearly 1 in 10 test takers misplace their TRF before completing all their applications. To avoid this risk, you can request additional copies from your test center.

Here's what you can do if your TRF is lost:

• Request an Additional TRF (ATRF)
  Contact your test center or log into your candidate portal to request an additional copy. This is an official duplicate of your original TRF.
• Provide Required Details
  Be ready to provide your test date, candidate number, and identification details to verify your identity.
• Pay the Applicable Fee
  Additional TRFs are usually issued for a fee, which varies by test center (for example, around INR 250 per copy in India).
• Allow Processing Time
  Processing and delivery of an additional TRF may take several days to weeks, so request it as early as possible.
• Keep Your Contact Information Updated
  Ensure your test center has your current email and mailing address to avoid delivery issues.

Tip: Always keep a scanned copy of your TRF backed up in cloud storage (like Google Drive or Dropbox) for easy access in case of emergencies.

Since IELTS is conducted in both paper-based and digital formats, there are differences in the Test Report Forms (TRF). Let's find out the details.

Digital vs Paper IELTS Test Report Form: Key Differences

Paper-based tests require you to write answers by hand, while computer-based tests are completed on a computer. As a result, the Test Report Forms (TRFs) take about 13 days to be released, whereas computer-based TRFs are often available within 3 to 5 days.

Understanding this distinction is crucial because some institutions and immigration authorities may only accept one format. For example, the University of Toronto requires a paper-based IELTS TRF for admissions, while the University of Manchester accepts digital TRFs from computer-based tests.

Below are the key differences between Digital and Paper IELTS Test Report Forms:

Now, let's understand how upGrad can help you with the IELTS Test Report Form and its interpretation.

How Can upGrad Assist You with the IELTS Test Report Form and Interpretation?

As a newcomer, you may face difficulties accessing your Test Report Form and understanding how to use it effectively. upGrad will guide you through the entire process, including preparation, test day strategy, and how to apply using your scores.

Here's how upGrad can help you:

• Guidance on TRF access: upGrad helps you handle the process of securely accessing your IELTS Test Report Form and understanding its contents so you can use it confidently.
• Score submission support: You will receive assistance in sending your official IELTS scores to the right universities or institutions, ensuring the process is smooth and timely.
• Band score interpretation: Explains the meaning of each band score clearly, helping you understand how your performance impacts your study or career opportunities.
• University requirements alignment: Help you compare your scores with the admission requirements of your target institutions, so you can plan your next steps effectively.
• Visa and immigration assistance: Get practical advice on how to use your IELTS results for visa applications and immigration procedures, making the process less stressful.

Unsure how to interpret your IELTS Test Report Form? Book a free 1:1 counselling session with upGrad experts to get guidance on understanding your scores, managing documents, and planning your next steps smoothly!

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