IELTS Band Scores
IELTS score is out of 9 for each IELTS band and overall IELTS score is out of 9. The IELTS scoring is multi-level. A candidate achieves an IELTS score between 1 and 9 with 9 being the highest IELTS score possible. Half scores such as 6.5 are possible in the overall IELTS score and in the IELTS individual band scores. The following is a brief description of each IELTS bands:
IELTS score 9: is considered to be an Expert user of the English language. Has fully operational command of the language: appropriate, accurate and fluent with complete understanding.
IELSTS score 8: considered to be very good user of the English language. Has fully operational command of the language with only occasional unsystematic inaccuracies and inappropriacies. Misunderstandings may occur in unfamiliar situations. Handles complex detailed argumentation well.
IELSTS score 7: considered to be good user of the English language: Has operational command of the language, though with occasional inaccuracies, inappropriacies and misunderstandings in some situations. Generally handles complex language well and understands detailed reasoning.
IELSTS score 6: considered to be competent user of the English language: Has generally effective command of the language despite some inaccuracies, inappropriacies and misunderstandings. Can use and understand fairly complex language, particularly in familiar situations.
IELSTS score 5: considered to be modest user of the English language: Has partial command of the language, coping with overall meaning in most situations, though is likely to make many mistakes. Should be able to handle basic communication in own field.
IELSTS score 4: considered to be limited in the ability of using the English language - Basic competence is limited to familiar situations. Has frequent problems in understanding and expression. Is not able to use complex language.
IELSTS score 3: considered to be extremely limited in the ability of using the English language - Conveys and understands only general meaning in very familiar situations. Frequent breakdowns in communication occur.
IELSTS score 2: considered to be intermittent user of the English language. No real communication is possible except for the most basic information using isolated words or short formulae in familiar situations and to meet immediate needs. Has great difficulty understanding spoken and written English.
IELSTS score 1: considered to be non user of the English language. Essentially has no ability to use the language beyond possibly a few isolated words.
IELSTS score 0: someone who did not attempt the IELTS test. No assessable information provided.