How does IELTS One Skill Retake (OSR) work?

IELTS One Skill Retake (OSR) is a new way to give test takers confidence that they can reach their potential and showcase their full English language ability.

With IELTS One Skill Retake (OSR), you now have the option to re-take any one section of the test (Listening, Reading, Writing, or Speaking) if you need to improve on one area (instead of retaking all four sections).

We know most test takers get the scores they need the first time, but if you feel you haven’t performed to your best in all areas, IELTS One Skill Retake (OSR) can be that help to get you back on track. It is available for both IELTS Academic and General Training tests.

Currently, the only way to take IELTS is to take it in one session, sitting a test for each skill: Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking.

With One Skill Retake, IELTS will be the only major English language proficiency test that gives test takers the ability to take one section of the test again, if required, and update their overall test result.

IELTS One Skill Retake (OSR) is currently available at selected IELTS on Computer centres and will continue to roll out globally throughout 2023. Find out where OSR is available here: https://takeielts.britishcouncil.org/take-ielts/one-skill-retake 

The IELTS One Skill Retake (OSR) must occur within 60 days of your original IELTS test.

You can retake any one section of the IELTS test, whether it’s Listening, Reading, Writing, or Speaking.

The format and timing of that IELTS One Skill Retake (OSR) test is the same as that individual skill in a normal IELTS test. But you save time because you do not need to complete the other three skills.

No. You can only complete one retake for each full IELTS test. In each One Skill Retake test, you can only retake one section of the IELTS test.

You will receive a new Test Report Form. This includes your updated IELTS One Skill Retake (OSR) score as well as the results for the other three skills in the original test. You can choose whether you use your original or your new Test Report Form.

You will receive an electronic Test Report Form for your One Skill Retake test. You can download and print the Test Report Form at the Test Taker Portal. A paper Test Report Form for One Skill Retake will not be issued by default.

The new Test Report Form and the IELTS One Skill Retake Test Report Form are both valid.

Both can be used by Test Takers and Registered organizations in the same way. The IELTS One Skill Retake (OSR) Test Report Form will also show the original results you got for the other three sections in the original Test.

The OSR Test Report Form will clearly state that it is the IELTS One Skill Retake result. This will also be indicated on the IELTS Results Verification Service.

You can use the Test Report Form and scores from the original four skill IELTS test or you can use the updated Test Report Form that includes the updated IELTS One Skill Retake (OSR) score.

The original Test Report Form will continue to exist alongside the new IELTS One Skill Retake (OSR) score. Both are valid. 

If your organization(s) requires a hard-copy Test Report Form, please contact your test center. You may also request multiple hard copies of your Test Report Form through the Additional Test Report Form services.

Organizations accepting IELTS One Skill Retake (OSR) are displayed here: https://takeielts.britishcouncil.org/take-ielts/one-skill-retake/organisations 

The webpage will be updated from time to time. You may also directly check with your organization (s).

Institutions that already receive IELTS results electronically will receive IELTS One Skill Retake (OSR) results in the same way they receive IELTS test results now.

Any institution that has not registered for this access can receive results directly from their applicants or request electronic delivery of IELTS results.