Originally published July 2026. Last reviewed 3 July 2026.
What Is One Skill Retake?
One Skill Retake (OSR) is a feature from the IELTS partners — British Council, IDP, and Cambridge — that allows candidates to retake one section of the IELTS test without sitting the entire exam again. If you underperformed in just one area, you can focus your preparation on that specific skill.
Eligibility Requirements
- Your original test was a computer-delivered IELTS test.
- You book and complete the retake within 60 days of your original test date.
- You retake only one section per original test.
- You did not take your original test in the United States (OSR is not currently available there).
There is no minimum or maximum band score requirement. Whether you scored 4.0 or 8.0, you are eligible.
Which Sections Can You Retake?
| Section | Duration | Format | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Listening | ~30 min | Computer | 40 questions, headphones provided |
| Reading | 60 min | Computer | 40 questions, Academic or GT |
| Writing | 60 min | Computer / Writing on Paper | Task 1 + Task 2 |
| Speaking | 11–14 min | Face-to-face | Parts 1, 2, and 3 |
How Much Does It Cost?
The retake fee varies by country and test centre but is typically 40–60 % of the full IELTS test fee. Contact your local IELTS test centre or check the British Council / IDP booking portal for exact pricing in your region.
How Scoring Works
There is no option to keep the higher of two scores. Before booking, be confident that additional preparation will genuinely improve your performance.
Your updated Test Report Form will show your original scores for the three unchanged sections plus your new score for the retaken section, with a recalculated overall band.
How to Book
- Log in to your IELTS account on the British Council or IDP booking portal.
- Select One Skill Retake from your recent test results.
- Choose the section and a test date within the 60-day window.
- Pay the retake fee.
- Prepare — focus on the single section you are retaking.
- Attend the retake at the test centre.
- Receive your updated results, typically within 1–3 business days.
Where Is It Accepted?
OSR results are accepted by major immigration and academic authorities including:
- Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) — accepted for Express Entry and other programmes
- UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) — accepted for all UKVI pathways
- Australian Department of Home Affairs — accepted for skilled migration and student visas
- Immigration New Zealand (INZ) — accepted for residence and work visas
Always confirm acceptance with your target institution or authority.
When to Use It — and When Not To
Good Candidates for OSR
- You missed your target overall band by 0.5 and one section is clearly the weak link.
- You had a bad day in one section but performed well in the other three.
- You need a specific section score to meet an institution’s minimum requirement.
Consider Retaking the Full Test Instead
- You underperformed across two or more sections.
- You are not confident you can improve, since a lower score will replace the original.
- Your 60-day window does not leave enough preparation time.
- Retake one IELTS section within 60 days of a computer-delivered test.
- Available worldwide except the United States.
- Costs roughly 40–60 % of the full test fee.
- Retake score replaces original — even if lower.
- Accepted by IRCC, UKVI, Australian Home Affairs, and INZ.
- No minimum or maximum band score requirement.
- Book through the British Council or IDP portal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I retake more than one section?
No. You may retake only one section per original test. To improve two or more sections, retake the full test.
What if my retake score is lower?
The retake score replaces your original. There is no mechanism to keep the higher score.
Is OSR available for General Training?
Yes. OSR is available for both IELTS Academic and General Training, provided the original was computer-delivered.
Can I use OSR for UKVI IELTS?
Yes. UKVI accepts OSR results. The retake must be at a UKVI-approved SELT centre and must be computer-delivered.
Why is OSR not available in the United States?
The IELTS partners have not yet extended OSR to the US market. US-based candidates must retake the full exam. Check the official IELTS portal for availability updates.