IELTS Test Report Form: The nine level bands

A Band Score for each of the four modules as well as an overall score is recorded on the Test Report Form. This allows receiving institutions to clearly identify the candidates’ strengths and weaknesses. These Band Scores are recorded on the Test Report Form along with details of the candidate’s nationality, first language and date of birth. The Test Report Form indicates whether it is for an Academic or General Training candidate. Each Band corresponds to a descriptive statement giving a summary of the English of a candidate classified at that level. Overall Band Scores can be reported in either whole or half Bands.

The nine bands and their descriptive statements are as follows:

Band – 9 Expert User

Has fully operational command of the language: appropriate, accurate and fluent with complete understanding.

Band – 8 Very Good User

Has fully operational command of the language with only occasional unsystematic inaccuracies. Misunderstandings may occur in unfamiliar situations. Handles complex detailed argumentation well.

Band – 7 Good User

Has operational command of the language, though with occasional inaccuracies, and misunderstandings in some situations.Generally handles complex language well and understands detailed reasoning.

Band – 6 Competent User

Has generally effective command of the language despite some inaccuracies and misunderstandings. Can use and understand fairly complex language,particularly in familiar situations.

Band – 5 Modest User

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.

Band – 4 Limited User

Basic competence is limited to familiar situations. Has frequent problems in understanding and expression. Is not able to use complex language.

Band – 3 Extremely Limited User

Conveys and understands only general meaning in very familiar situations. Frequent breakdowns in communication occur.

Band – 2 Intermittent User

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.

Band – 1 Non User

Essentially has no ability to use the language beyond possibly a few isolated words.Band 0 Did not attempt the test.No assessable information provided.