The IELTS score is described in terms of band scores, ranging from 0 to 9 for each of the four language skills: listening, reading, writing, and speaking. The overall band score is the average of the four individual band scores.
Band score 9: Expert User- has fully operational command of the language- appropriate, accurate and fluent with complete understandingBand score 8: Very Good User- has fully operational command of the language with occasional inaccuracies- may misunderstand some things in unfamiliar situations- handles complex language well and understands detailed reasoningBand score 7: Good User- has operational command of the language- occasional inaccuracies and misunderstandings in unfamiliar situations- handles complex language, but may have problems in understanding detailed reasoningBand score 6: Competent User- has generally effective command of the language- some inaccuracies and misunderstandings in unfamiliar situations- can use and understand fairly complex language, particularly in familiar situationsBand score 5: Modest User- has partial command of the language- copes with overall meaning in most situations, although is likely to make many mistakes- should be able to handle basic communication in their own fieldBand score 4: Limited User- basic competence is limited to familiar situations- has frequent problems in understanding and expression- is not able to use complex languageBand score 3: Extremely Limited User- conveys and understands only general meaning in very familiar situations - frequent breakdowns in communication occurBand score 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 needsBand score 1: Non User- essentially has no ability to use the language beyond possibly a few isolated wordsBand score 0: Did not attempt the test - No assessable information provided at all
