IELTS One Skill Retake Scores and TRF Validity
IELTS One Skill Retake (OSR) allows candidates to retake only one IELTS skill among Listening, Reading, Writing, or Speaking, instead of the full IELTS test. Launched in December 2022, OSR is now available in over 110 countries through IDP IELTS and the British Council. One Skill Retake is available only for computer-based IELTS. Test takers must retake their chosen skill within 60 days of the original exam
- In India, it is offered across 47 computer-based test centres
- UK centres have reported nearly 1,000 retakes since rollout.
- Globally, more than 900 universities, professional organizations, and immigration authorities now accept OSR scores.
- OSR availability is growing rapidly in India, Australia, the UK, Canada, New Zealand, UAE, and Southeast Asia.
- The majority of individual skill scores reportedly increase by half to one band after OSR.
Also read:
What is IELTS One Skill Retake?
IELTS One Skill Retake gives candidates a second attempt at improving one section without rewriting the entire exam. The feature applies only to computer-delivered IELTS and produces a new TRF that shows both your updated skill score and your original scores.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Eligible Test Types |
|
| Skills You Can Retake(only one skill allowed) | |
| Retake Timeline | Must be completed within 60 days of the original test |
| Result Format | New TRF with updated score plus original scores |
| Delivery Partners | IDP IELTS and British Council |
| Availability | 110 plus countries offering OSR |
| Number of Attempts | Only one skill retake allowed per original test |
| Mode | Computer-based testing only |
IELTS One Skill Retake - What is IELTS One Skill Retake?
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Who Can Take IELTS One Skill Retake?
IELTS One Skill Retake is available only to candidates who completed a computer-delivered IELTS test at a center that officially supports OSR. Eligibility is tied to test mode, test date and centre availability.
- Your original test must be from a centre that offers One Skill Retake
- You must book and sit the retake within 60 days of your first test date
- Only one skill can be retaken per original test session
- Paper-based IELTS test takers are not eligible for OSR
Also read: Are you eligible to give IELTS and OSR?
Where IELTS One Skill Retake Is Available
IELTS One Skill Retake is now offered across a wide network of computer-based centres operated by IDP IELTS and the British Council. By 2025 it will cover most major test destinations, although individual centre participation can still vary.
- Available in more than 110 countries, offering computer-based IELTS
- Widely accessible in India, Australia, the UK, Canada, New Zealand, the UAE and Singapore
- IRCC has not officially accepted OSR.
| Feature | Data |
|---|---|
| Total test locations worldwide | Over 4,000 locations across 140+ countries |
| Number of test centres offering OSR in India | 47 computer-based centres |
| Number of test centres offering OSR in Canada | 31 centres in Canada |
How to Book IELTS One Skill Retake
Booking an IELTS One Skill Retake is straightforward because it uses the same official test portal and the same candidate ID used during the original IELTS registration. You simply choose the skill you want to retake, select an available test centre or online slot, and pay the retake fee listed for your country.
- Booking is done only through the official IELTS website.
- Candidates can choose any available date within 60 days of their original test.
- OSR slots depend on centre capacity and country availability.
- Confirmation, venue details, and access instructions are sent digitally after payment.
Get more details on: IELTS Registration
IELTS One Skill Retake Fees
IELTS One Skill Retake fees vary by country because each test market sets its own administrative and delivery charges. Most countries price OSR lower than a full IELTS test, and candidates only pay for the single skill they are retaking.
| Test | Approximate Fee |
|---|---|
| OSR | ₹ 12,000 |
| One Skill Retake for UKVI | ₹ 12,000 |
Also check: IELTS Exam Fees
IELTS One Skill Retake Scores and TRF Validity
After completing the IELTS One Skill Retake, candidates receive a new Test Report Form (TRF) showing the updated score for the retaken skill while keeping the original scores for the other three skills. Institutions and immigration authorities can clearly see which score comes from the retake. The new TRF is valid the same way as a full test report and can be used for admissions, professional registration, or visa purposes.
Source: https://images.ctfassets.net/unrdeg6se4ke/7JqJACZFOp70GygWULRMwC/3e66ec740c77a0fc2dc62837eddfb155/ielts-one-skill-retake-trf.png?&w=1220
- OSR scores are accepted by universities, professional organisations, and immigration authorities.
- Candidates can use the new TRF just like a regular IELTS result
- Verification of OSR scores is possible through the official IELTS verification system
Also read: IELTS Score
IELTS One Skill Retake: Sample Questions for Each Section
Preparing for OSR is easier when you understand the format of each skill. OSR updates only the retaken skill score on your new TRF, so practicing sample questions specific to your chosen section is essential for success.
| Section | Sample Format | OSR Preparation Tips |
| Listening |
|
Focus on note-taking, identifying key information, and practicing under timed conditions |
| Reading | Passages with 40 questions covering multiple topics (MCQs, matching headings, True/False/Not Given) | Improve skimming, scanning, and time management for your chosen skill |
| Writing |
|
Use task-specific vocabulary and structured writing; review model answers |
| Speaking | 3-part oral interview: Introduction, Cue Card, Discussion | Record yourself and focus on fluency, pronunciation, and grammar for targeted improvement |
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FAQs
Ques. Can I do the One Skill Retake in a different city or country from my original test?
Ans. No. It must be in the same country as your original test; some centres even require the same venue. A Reddit User said, "From the first requirement I will assume you have to book the one skill in the same centre you take the first test? But it’s better to contact your local centre to make sure though because it’ll be different in different countries."
Ques. Is IELTS One Skill Retake accepted for Canada Express Entry / IRCC?
Ans. No. IRCC (Canada immigration) still does not accept One Skill Retake for Express Entry or any PR program as of December 2025. One Reddit User said, "Most universities do not accept the one-skill retake module so you should take a new exam ASAP."
Ques. Can I retake Speaking only and do it online or does it have to be face-to-face?
Ans. Speaking retake is always face-to-face with an examiner, never online, even if your original test was computer-delivered. Users on Reddit confirmed, "Speaking will always be face to face, paper based and computer based. So it’ll depend on your L/R/W test."
Ques. If I retake Writing and get a lower score, will they keep my original higher score?
Ans. Yes, the higher score between the two attempts is automatically used; you are never penalised for a lower retake score. A discussion on Quora goes deeper into this.
Ques. How soon after getting my results can I book the One Skill Retake?
Ans. Immediately, as the “Book One Skill Retake” button appears in your portal the moment your results are released. Reddit users discussed about this as, "You could only do a one skill retake if it is computer based and you need to take it within 60 days of your result…”
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