IELTS result delayed or withheld? Here’s everything you need to understand.
If your IELTS result is delayed or withheld, don’t worry — we’re here to explain why it might happen, what it means, and what steps you can take next.
Why Your IELTS Results Might Not Be Released on Time
At IELTS, we are committed to delivering accurate, fair, and trustworthy results. To uphold these standards, we implement strict security measures and quality checks at every stage — before, during, and after the test.
In some cases, results may be held for more than the standard 13-day period to allow time for further verification. These additional checks are essential to maintaining the integrity of IELTS scores, which are trusted by over 12,500 institutions worldwide.
Common reasons for delays or withheld results include:
Additional review of test performance
Routine quality assurance procedures
Investigation of suspected malpractice or test irregularities
Technical issues that require further examination
Steps to Take If Your IELTS Result Is Withheld
If you’ve received a notification that your IELTS result has been delayed or withheld, here’s what you can do:
Contact your test centre
Reach out to the test centre where you took your IELTS test. They may be able to provide more information about the status of your result.Review the IELTS Terms and Conditions
The reasons for result delays or withholdings are outlined in the IELTS Test Terms and Conditions.According to Clauses 5.10 and 5.11: IELTS Test Partners reserve the right to withhold or cancel results if there are concerns about the reliability of the test outcome or suspected breaches of testing policies.
Stay Informed and Know Your Options
If your IELTS result is delayed or withheld, here’s how you can stay updated and what actions you may take:
Keep track of your status
Monitor your email and IELTS Candidate Portal regularly for any updates regarding your result status.Be patient — timelines can vary
Delays are usually resolved as quickly as possible, but the duration may differ depending on the complexity of the review.Appealing an investigation
If your results are withheld following an investigation, you have the right to request a reconsideration. This appeal must be submitted to Cambridge English within 21 days and involves a fee.
Full details and steps for submitting an appeal are available on the Cambridge English website.
Taking the IELTS Again
If you’re unable or unwilling to wait for your current IELTS result, you have the option to take the test again at any time — there’s no mandatory waiting period between tests.
If you take the IELTS more than once, you can choose which set of results to use. Even if you receive multiple score reports, it’s completely acceptable to select and submit the highest one.
Our Commitment to You
We understand how crucial your IELTS results are for your future — whether you’re planning to study, work, or migrate. That’s why we apply strict security, quality control, and validation processes to ensure every result is accurate, fair, and trusted by institutions worldwide.
Still Have Questions?
If you need help understanding a withheld or delayed result, please contact your local test centre. Our support team is here to guide you and help you move forward with confidence.
Hotline: 19006955
Tip: Choose the Right Test Date
To avoid unnecessary stress or delays, schedule your IELTS test a few months before your application or certificate submission deadline. This allows enough time for any unexpected issues to be resolved and ensures you’re well-prepared.
