Why have my IELTS results been delayed?

Why have my IELTS results been delayed?

After completing your IELTS exam, you waited for 13 days to receive your results. However, on the 13th day, you received an email stating that your results are being withheld. Now you’re wondering, why? The first thing we recommend is contacting the test centre. We suggest that you email or phone them. 

Estimated reading time: 3 minutes

Keep in mind when you apply for the IELTS and complete the application form, you’ll find the terms and conditions attached to the form. These terms and conditions contain three very important points which advise that your results may be withheld or cancelled.

Terms and conditions (explained)

The following points are found under the terms and conditions:

If the IELTS test partners deem it necessary to review any aspect of your test or its administration, your test results may not be issued within the usual 13-day timeframe. To aid in the investigation, you might be asked to provide writing and speaking samples. In rare cases, you may be asked to retake one or more components of the IELTS test.

Explanation

This means that you may not receive your results after 13 days because your results need to be checked more thoroughly. The two most common reasons are:

• IELTS needs to check your test again
• IELTS is doing quality control checks on how the test was managed.
• Your exam result may be cancelled even after it has been issued if any irregularity is found. You may be required to retake one or more IELTS components.

Explanation

If any issues arise during the assessment of your test that are deemed unacceptable or unusual, your results may be canceled, and you might be required to retake the entire test or specific components. The term “irregularity” refers to any occurrence related to your test or its management that deviates from the standard and acceptable procedures.

• If any of the data on the Test Report Form (TRF) provided by you or your agent to recognise organisations has been altered in any way, your original test result may be cancelled.

What can you do if your results are delayed?

• If your results are delayed, you need to be patient and wait
• There is no fixed time limit. Some students will receive their results within a week or two, but others may have to wait a month or even up to 3 months