Compare the British Council and IDP IELTS Scoring System

By British Council

10 October 2025 - 12:20

A brief overview of the IELTS scoring system

The IELTS scoring system is standardised. This means it does not change, regardless of the test provider, country, or test centre.

Scores are given in ‘bands’, from a scale of 0 to 9 (0 being the lowest score, 9 being the highest). Below is a simple breakdown of each score and its IELTS marking criteria.

You can learn more about the IELTS scoring system below:

Band score	English level significance	IELTS marking criteria
Band 9	Expert	Complete understanding. Use of English in the test is appropriate, accurate and fluent.
Band 8	Very good	Fully operational command of English and able to make complex arguments in English.
Band 7	Good	Handles complex language well and applies detailed reasoning in English.
Band 6	Competent	Can use and understand complex language in familiar situations. Some inaccuracies and misunderstandings may be present in test responses.
Band 5	Modest	Basic communication and understanding of overall meaning in English. Likely to make mistakes in grammar and pronunciation.
Band 4	Limited	Basic competence in English, limited to familiar situations. No use of complex language.
Band 3	Extremely limited	Can only understand and express in English with general meaning and in very familiar contexts.
Band 2	Intermittent	Great difficulty understanding spoken and written English.
Band 1	Non-user	No ability to answer test questions, except for a few isolated words in English.
Band 0	Did not attempt test	No test questions answered.

How the IELTS scoring system is standardised

There are certain components of the IELTS test that help standardise its scoring system. We explain here what each one is, and how they keep IELTS consistent across providers.

Common band descriptors – the bands (listed above in the table) are descriptors that define exactly what an IELTS test candidate must demonstrate to achieve a score.
By using these bands, all examiners evaluate candidates against the same precise standards, removing any subjective differences that might exist.
Same marking criteria – the British Council and IDP follow identical scoring guidelines and marking criteria, so no matter which provider you choose, you will be scored fairly and in the same way.
Shared test materials – all IELTS question papers, audio recordings, and assessment tasks are drawn from the same centrally-developed question bank. That means that both British Council IELTS and IDP IELTS are identical
Uniform examiner training – IELTS examiners have to complete the same certification process. This means there is consistency in how they apply the band descriptors.
Single system for results processing – providers use the same statistical methods for converting raw scores to band scores. They also apply identical algorithms for detecting unusual patterns and issue IELTS certificates with the same format and security features. This unity ensures that scores are credible, whichever provider administered the test.

Are you ready for your IELTS test? Book with the British Council now

Differences between the British Council and IDP IELTS

As providers, the British Council and IDP do not write the tests, but they do administer them. This involves maintaining test centres, training examiners, and safeguarding conditions for the test. This ensures fair and accurate results for everyone.

While the IELTS scoring system remains the same, no matter whether you go to a British Council or IDP test centre, there are other differences that might influence your decision to choose a test provider.

Considering the importance of IELTS for your future opportunities, these differences – although small – matter.

Study and support resources

The British Council has a selection of comprehensive study materials to prepare for IELTS. Courses, free practice tests, and videos give candidates interactive ways to learn and assess their English. IELTS Ready Premium also offers expert tips and AI-scored feedback to test takers. You can access these materials for free, once you have booked your test with the British Council.

The British Council also has an international customer service team. They support candidates and answer questions. You can access assistance in multiple languages – and because the British Council has offered IELTS since the test was first launched, the organisation has decades of knowledge to help candidates.

IDP also has its own high-quality test preparation content and customer service for test takers.

Test centres and test availability

British Council operates in 140 countries worldwide, and has 4,000 test centres. IDP is based in over 60 countries, has 450 test locations. Both are globally recognised assessment providers, but the difference in locations may impact test availability.

British Council offers the IELTS on Paper test on 48 fixed dates a year (check that the paper test is available in your region).

The computer-delivered test is generally more flexible, and has more available dates. The British Council also offers the option for candidates to take IELTS from their homes in certain countries. Candidates can book in person online.

The dates and times that the IELTS test can be taken will be different for British Council and IDP. These are based on seasonality, test centre location, and other factors.

The same IELTS scoring system, a unique choice

IELTS test rules are consistent, no matter which provider you select. How you decide on your provider should align with your specific needs and preferences. The more comfortable and reassured you feel, the more easily you can relax and perform at your best.

At the end of the day, it’s important to know that the IELTS scoring system will be the same, and that the results will be truly representative of your English level.

Have more questions? Get in touch with us to learn more about IELTS.