IELTS One Skill Retake: What It Is & How It Works

Did you miss your target IELTS score by just a few points in one section? Instead of retaking the entire test, IELTS One Skill Retake lets you re-attempt only one section—Listening, Reading, Writing, or Speaking. This option helps test-takers improve their scores without going through the stress of a full retest.

Why is this important?

• Many universities and visa authorities set minimum score requirements for each section.
• A low score in one skill can hold back your study, work, or migration plans.
• Full IELTS retakes take time and cost more—this option saves money.

As of 2023, IDP and British Council offer One Skill Retake for Computer-Based IELTS in select countries. It’s a great opportunity for students and professionals looking to improve their scores quickly. 

Let’s explore how it works, who can apply, and how it affects visa and university admissions.

If you’re unsure about your current IELTS score requirements, you can check what is a good IELTS score to understand how different universities assess applications.

What is IELTS One Skill Retake?

The inability to meet the required band score in just one section can create unnecessary hurdles for students, professionals, and immigrants. 

Until recently, candidates had no choice but to retake the entire IELTS exam, even if only one section needed improvement. IELTS One Skill Retake, introduced by IDP and the British Council, solves this problem by allowing test-takers to redo just one section instead of sitting for the full test again.

This option benefits:

• Students applying to universities with specific score requirements.
• Professionals needing IELTS for work visas in Canada, Australia, or other English-speaking countries.
• PR applicants who fall short in a single section while meeting overall IELTS requirements.

If you're preparing for IELTS on your own, check this guide on preparing for IELTS at home for expert-backed self-study strategies.

Which IELTS Versions Offer One Skill Retake?

This option is available for:

IELTS Academic – Used for university admissions.
IELTS General Training – Required for work and migration purposes.
Not available for IELTS for UKVI – UK Visa applications still require a full test retake.

Where Is IELTS One Skill Retake Available?

According to IDP IELTS (2024), One Skill Retake is currently offered in select countries, with plans to expand in the coming years. Before applying, candidates should confirm availability with their local IELTS test center.

Who is Eligible for IELTS One Skill Retake?

IELTS One Skill Retake provides a second chance—but not everyone qualifies. Understanding the eligibility criteria helps ensure you can take advantage of this option.

Eligibility Criteria

Requirement	Details
Completed Full IELTS Test	Must have taken a complete IELTS Academic or General Training test.
Booking Deadline	Retake must be booked within 60 days of the original test date.
Test Center Restriction	The test must have been taken at a recognized IELTS center that offers IELTS One Skill Retake.

Who Cannot Apply?

Not Eligible If…	Reason
Took IELTS for UKVI	IELTS One Skill Retake is not available for UK Visa and Immigration (UKVI) applications.
Test Location Restriction	If the test was taken in a country where One Skill Retake is not offered, candidates cannot apply.
Missed the 60-Day Deadline	Applications for retakes must be submitted within 60 days—late requests are not accepted.

Important Note: Unlike a full test retake, IELTS One Skill Retake can only be used once. If the new score is lower than the original, the higher score remains valid. However, test-takers cannot retake the same section multiple times—if they need further improvement, they must take the full IELTS exam again.

For those registering for IELTS, make sure you have all the necessary documents ready. You can refer to this IELTS registration checklist to avoid last-minute issues.

How Does IELTS One Skill Retake Work?

IELTS One Skill Retake saves time, reduces stress, and offers a targeted approach to improving scores.

Here is the step-by-step process to how it works:

Step	Details
Check Eligibility	- Must have taken a full IELTS Academic or General Training test. - Retake must be booked within 60 days of the original test. - Only available at designated test centers.
Confirm Availability	- Offered in India, Canada, Australia, and select other locations. - Not all centers provide this option—verify before applying.
Register for Retake	- Log in to the official IELTS portal. - Select the section for retake. - Pay the reduced retake fee (varies by country). - Choose an available test date.
Take the Test	- Format remains identical to the original section. - Conducted under standard IELTS test conditions.
Receive Results	- Results are released within 3–5 days. - If the new score is higher, it replaces the previous one on the updated Test Report Form (TRF). - If the new score is lower, the original remains valid.

How is IELTS One Skill Retake Scored? 

• Only the retaken section is updated—other scores remain unchanged.
• If the new score is higher, it replaces the old one in the final TRF.
• If the new score is lower, the original score stays valid.
• The overall band score may adjust, depending on section weightage.
• Institutions and visa authorities accept the updated TRF, but applicants should verify specific policies before submission.

Scoring Comparison: Full Test vs. One Skill Retake

Test Type	Scoring Impact	Updated TRF Issued?
Full IELTS Test	All four sections assessed	Yes, with a new overall score
One Skill Retake	Only one section revised	Only if the new score is higher

According to IDP IELTS (2023), the average global IELTS score is 6.5, with Writing being the most commonly retaken section. One Skill Retake provides a fair opportunity for candidates to reach their required band score without repeating the entire exam.

If you’re wondering how IELTS compares to TOEFL, check this IELTS vs TOEFL guide for key differences between these exams.

Availability of IELTS One Skill Retake: Which Countries Offer It?

Only a few test centers provide IELTS One Skill Retake, and availability depends on where the original test was taken. If you took your original test at a center that doesn’t offer retakes, you won’t be able to use this option. Availability is also limited to computer-based tests—those who took a paper-based exam must sit for the full IELTS again.

Currently, One Skill Retake is offered in India, Canada, Australia, and a few other countries. However, some test centers in these countries still don’t provide retakes, so it’s important to check before booking.

Where is IELTS One Skill Retake Available?

Country	Cities Offering Retake	Time Limit to Book	Test Mode
India	Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai	Within 60 days	Computer-Based
Australia	Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane	Within 60 days	Computer-Based
Canada	Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary	Within 60 days	Computer-Based
UK	Limited centers, expanding in 2025	Within 60 days	Computer-Based
USA	Few locations, check with centers	Within 60 days	Computer-Based

Will More Locations Be Added?

Possibly. According to IDP and British Council, One Skill Retake is expected to expand further. However, even in countries where it is available, many smaller cities and regional test centers still don’t offer it. Before assuming it’s an option for you, visit the official IELTS website or contact your test center.

How Much Does IELTS One Skill Retake Cost?

One Skill Retake isn’t free, and in some cases, it’s still a significant expense. While it’s cheaper than retaking the full IELTS test, it still costs more than half the full test fee in most countries. Some centers may also add administration charges, so prices vary slightly depending on location.

Unlike the full IELTS exam, the cost of IELTS One Skill Retake is not standardized worldwide. Test centers decide pricing based on local demand, operational costs, and exchange rates.

IELTS One Skill Retake Fees by Country

Country	One Skill Retake Fee	Full IELTS Test Fee
India	₹12,500 – ₹14,000	₹16,250 – ₹17,000
Australia	AUD 200 – AUD 250 (₹11,000 – ₹13,500)	AUD 410 – AUD 420 (₹22,500 – ₹23,000)
Canada	CAD 175 – CAD 225 (₹10,500 – ₹13,500)	CAD 340 – CAD 365 (₹20,500 – ₹22,000)
UK	£110 – £130 (₹11,500 – ₹13,500)	£195 – £205 (₹20,500 – ₹21,500)
USA	$180 – $220 (₹15,000 – ₹18,500)	$250 – $270 (₹21,000 – ₹22,500)

For a breakdown of IELTS exam fees in different countries, visit this link.

IELTS One Skill Retake vs. Full IELTS Retake: Which One Should You Choose? 

One Skill Retake is useful for those who did well in three sections but missed the required band in just one. A full retake is the better option if your scores are low in multiple sections or if you want to improve your overall band score for better opportunities.

When is One Skill Retake the Better Choice?

• You missed the required band by 0.5–1 point in a single section.
• Your overall band score is already acceptable, but one section is holding you back.
• You don’t want to spend extra time and money on retaking all four sections.
• Your university or immigration program accepts One Skill Retake scores.

When Should You Consider a Full IELTS Retake?

• Your score is low in two or more sections.
• You need a higher overall band to qualify for competitive programs or visas.
• You underperformed due to exam stress and believe you can do better overall.
• Your target institutions do not accept One Skill Retake scores.

Comparison: One Skill Retake vs. Full IELTS Retake

Aspect	One Skill Retake	Full IELTS Retake
Number of Sections Retaken	One section only	All four sections
Cost	Lower (50–70% of full test fee)	Higher but includes all sections
Preparation Needed	Focuses on one section	Requires full test preparation
Scoring Impact	Updates only one section’s score	Entire test is reassessed
Time to Get Results	3–5 days	7–13 days
Best for Candidates Who…	Need a minor score increase in one skill	Want a higher overall score or better balance across sections

Planning to prepare for IELTS in one month? Check out this step-by-step study guide to optimize your preparation.

Advantages & Disadvantages of IELTS One Skill Retake 

One Skill Retake can be a practical solution, but it has limitations. While it helps those needing minor score improvements, it won’t benefit candidates who need to improve multiple sections or their overall band.

Pros and Cons of One Skill Retake

Advantages	Disadvantages
Cheaper than a full retake – Costs 50–70% of the full IELTS test fee.	Not available everywhere – Only certain test centers offer it.
Less preparation required – You only study for one section.	Limited to one section – Cannot retake multiple sections.
Faster processing time – Scores released within 3–5 days.	Not accepted for IELTS for UKVI – UK applicants must retake the full test.
Less stress – No need to worry about sections where you already scored well.	Cannot retake the same skill again – If you score lower, you keep your original score.
Accepted by most universities and visa programs.	Available only for computer-based tests – Not offered for paper-based IELTS.

Who Should Consider One Skill Retake?

One Skill Retake is ideal if you:

Missed your target by 0.5–1 band in one section.
Already meet the minimum overall band score required.
Took your test at a center that offers One Skill Retake.
Want a quicker and cheaper way to meet score requirements.

If you need a significant improvement in multiple sections or your score is too far from your target, retaking the full IELTS test may be the better option. Always check with your university, visa authorities, or employer to ensure they accept One Skill Retake scores.

How to Prepare for IELTS One Skill Retake?

Since One Skill Retake focuses on one specific section, preparation should be targeted and efficient. Instead of revising all four sections, focus on the area where you need improvement.

Steps to Improve Your Score

• Identify your weak area – Review your previous IELTS score to see where you lost marks.
• Take section-specific practice tests – Focus only on the section you are retaking.
• Use official IELTS syllabus – Practice with Cambridge IELTS books, British Council, and IDP sample tests for accurate test patterns.
• Work on IELTS Writing tasks – If writing is your weak point, study different types of essays in IELTS to improve.
• Analyze your mistakes – Work on time management, accuracy, and answering techniques.
• Join a preparation course or get a tutor – This is especially useful for Writing and Speaking.
• Practice under timed conditions – Simulate real exam settings to improve performance.

For Writing and Speaking sections, grammar mistakes can lower your score. Brush up on essential IELTS grammar rules before retaking the test.

1:1 IELTS Preparation Support with upGrad Abroad Experts

upGrad Abroad provides structured preparation for IELTS One Skill Retake, which helps students improve their scores efficiently.

What upGrad Abroad Offers

• Personalized coaching focused on the section you are retaking.
• Expert feedback on Writing and Speaking responses.
• Access to practice tests based on actual IELTS formats.
• Self-paced study materials for structured preparation.
• Resources and guides available on the upGrad website.

Get expert guidance and improve your IELTS score with upGrad Abroad. Start Now!

Looking to crack IELTS in one attempt? Follow these IELTS exam tips to maximize your score.