Improving an IELTS Score – How Long?

The time it will take for you to improve your IELTS band score is entirely dependent on your English level and work ethic. The IELTS exam is a test that you have to learn how to take. It takes time to build up the skills needed to get your desired score. Here are a few examples of how long it will take to increase your score by 1 band.

1. Great English - Never Studied

If you have great English but have never studied for the exam you might not get the score you desire on your first try. Do not get too discouraged. Your English skills are already there, you just need to learn how to take the exam. A small prep course is all you will need to be successful. This may take 2-4 weeks.

2. Okay English – Studied and Took the Test

If you have already studied for the exam and taken the test it will take around 6 months of study to increase your score depending on the score you started with. For example, it is easier to go from a band 4 to a band 6 than it is to go from a band 6 to band 8. The band 4-6 increase may take 6 months to a year whereas going from a band 6-8 will take 1+ years of study.

3. No English – Never Taken the Test

This situation brings a lot of obstacles. First, you will have to take English classes to have basic proficiency to begin to study. If you are learning full time, 8 hours a day 5 days a week you might be able to get the score you desire in 2-3 years, but if you’re studying part time you’re looking at 3+ years of study depending on what score you want.