Understanding IELTS Score Bands

Band	Description	Meaning
9	Expert User	Fluent with complete understanding
8	Very Good User	Full operational command, occasional inaccuracies
7	Good User	Operational command, occasional inaccuracies
6	Competent User	Effective command, inaccuracies
5	Modest User	Partial command, many mistakes
4	Limited User	Limited command, frequent problems
3	Extremely Limited User	Only general understanding
2	Intermittent User	Only basic understanding with difficulty
1	Non-User	No language ability
0	Did Not Take Test	N/A

• Tip: If your score is on the higher edge of a band, consider additional practice and study to advance to the next band.

IELTS Scores and Job Requirements

Field	Examples	Score Band Requirements
Linguistically demanding academic courses	Medicine, Law, Linguistics, Journalism, Library Studies	9.0-7.5: Acceptable 7.0: Probably Acceptable 6.5: English Study Needed 6.0 or below: English Study Needed
Linguistically less demanding academic courses	Agriculture, Mathematics, Technology, Computer-based Work	9.0-7.5: Acceptable 7.0: Acceptable 6.5: Probably Acceptable 6.0: English Study Needed
Linguistically demanding training courses	Air Traffic Control, Engineering, Applied Sciences	9.0-7.5: Acceptable 7.0: Acceptable 6.5: Acceptable 6.0: Probably Acceptable
Linguistically less demanding training courses	Animal Husbandry, Catering, Fire Services	9.0-7.5: Acceptable 7.0: Acceptable 6.5: Acceptable 6.0: Acceptable

Improving Your IELTS Score

• Practice: Regular practice can help you move to a higher band. Focus on areas where you struggle.
• Study Resources: Utilize IELTS preparation materials, practice tests, and language apps to improve proficiency.
• Professional Help: Consider enrolling in IELTS preparation classes or hiring a tutor for personalized guidance.