Getting a desired score in the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is an important step for individuals seeking to study, work, or migrate to English-speaking countries. However, in some cases, you may find some individuals facing the unfortunate situation of having their IELTS resultswithheld which might happen because of several reasons.
Understanding why this happens is essential for you, as it allows you to understand the process more effectively and take the necessary steps to resolve the issue. In this blog, we will explore some common reasons why IELTS results get withheld.
Reasons why your IELTS results get withheld
There are several reasons why your IELTS results can be withheld:
1. An unusual IELTS test result
Sometimes, if the examiner in charge of the test has good reasons to believe that a test score doesn't really show how well a person can do, they might not show the score.
Let's say someone gets a really high score in one part of the test, like Listening and Reading, but does really bad in another part, like Writing and Speaking. In this situation, the IELTS authority might think that the person might have just memorised the answers for the Listening and Reading sections. This is something that some people do in some places.
There are other times when the people in charge might find a test score unusual. For example:
If the answers and scores of two or more people look very similar
If a person takes the test again and does way better or way worse than before
If the answers and scores don't match up with how well the person should be able to do
If it takes a really short or really long time to finish the test or certain parts of it (for tests taken on a computer)
2. Sense of malpractice
If they find something very strange about a test result, a special group will look into it to figure out if the person might have cheated. Cheating means doing something wrong to get a better score, like:
Getting into the test questions when you're not supposed to
Using things you're not allowed to, like notes or phones
Copying from someone else or trying to
Not behaving well during the test or not listening to the people in charge
Pretending to be someone else to take the test for them
Changing any official papers, even certificates
Doing any other tricky things to get a better score that's not fair
What to do when your IELTS result is held back?
If you find out that your IELTS exam result has been withheld, here's what you can do:
Stay calm: It might feel worrying but try not to panic. In many cases, results are withheld for routine checks or unusual scores.
Wait patiently: Give it some time. Most of the time, withheld results are released after a few weeks. It's normal for the testing authorities to review things carefully.
Check for updates: Keep an eye on your email or the official IELTS website for any updates. They will usually notify you about your results or any further steps.
Contact IELTS support: If it's been quite some time and you haven't heard anything, it's okay to reach out to the IELTS support team. They can provide you with more information about your situation.
Provide information: If the testing body suspects something unusual, they might ask you for additional information or a statement. Be cooperative and provide the information they ask for.
Follow instructions: If you're asked to provide more information, make sure to follow their instructions carefully. This can help speed up the process.
Be patient with investigations: If there are concerns about malpractice, the testing body might need to investigate. Unfortunately, this process can take a bit longer, sometimes up to 12 weeks from the test date.
Stay informed: Keep yourself updated on the progress of your situation. If there are any delays or changes, it's good to know about them.
Remember, withheld results are not necessarily a sign of wrongdoing. Sometimes, it's just a part of their quality control process. So, stay patient and stay informed throughout the process.
To know more about the IELTS exam you can get in touch with your nearest IDP IELTS test centre. Our team of IELTS experts will guide clear all your doubts.