Missed your score by half a band in just one skill? IELTS One Skill Retake lets you resit that one skill instead of the whole test. Here's how it works in Australia, what it costs, and who accepts it.
How One Skill Retake works
- One skill only: Listening, Reading, Writing or Speaking. You can retake one skill for each full test you sit.
- Computer test first: your original test must be IELTS on computer, at a test centre that offers One Skill Retake.
- Within 60 days: take the retake within 60 days of your original test date.
- Academic or General Training: it's available for both.
- Your results: you get a new Test Report Form with your retake score and your other three original scores. You can use either the old or the new report, so a retake can't make things worse.
How much does it cost in Australia?
IDP Australia lists One Skill Retake at A$310. Check the current price when you book.
Who accepts One Skill Retake?
| Organisation | Accepted? |
|---|---|
| Department of Home Affairs (Australian visas) | Yes, taken at a secure test centre |
| Ahpra (nurses, midwives and other health practitioners) | Yes |
| AITSL (teacher skills assessment for migration) | Yes |
| Universities | Widely accepted, but check with your university |
Before you book a retake, work out whether it can actually get you there. For PR and Ahpra, every skill has its own minimum, so one weak skill is exactly when a retake helps. Use the score calculator to see how a higher band in one skill changes your overall band.
Make the retake count
If your weak skill is Writing or Speaking, practise with feedback before you rebook: check essays with the free Band Check and practise answering out loud with free Speaking practice. See also IELTS for Australian PR and IELTS for nurses.
Rules and prices can change. Confirm with your test centre and the organisation you are applying to.
Frequently asked questions
Can I retake just one part of IELTS in Australia?
Yes, with IELTS One Skill Retake, if your original test was IELTS on computer at a centre that offers it. Take the retake within 60 days of your original test.
How much is IELTS One Skill Retake in Australia?
IDP Australia lists it at A$310. Check the current price when you book.
Does Home Affairs accept IELTS One Skill Retake?
Yes. Home Affairs lists One Skill Retake for IELTS Academic and General Training, taken at a secure test centre.
Does Ahpra accept IELTS One Skill Retake?
Yes. Ahpra's National Boards accept IELTS One Skill Retake.
Can a retake lower my score?
No. You get a new Test Report Form and can choose to use either your original or your new one.