IELTS is scored on the nice band scale, with each band corresponding to a specified competence in English. The band Scores are in either whole or half Bands.

The nine bands are described as follows:

• 9 Expert User
  Has full command of the language: appropriate, accurate and fluent with complete understanding. It is very hard to attain this score.
• 8 Very Good User
  Has fully operational command of the language with only occasional unsystematic inaccuracies and in appropriacies. Handles complex detailed argumentation well.
• 7 Good User
  Has operational command of the language, though with occasional inaccuracies, inappropriateness and misunderstandings in some situations. It generally handles complex language well and understands detailed reasoning.
• 6 Competent User
  Has generally effective command of the language despite some inaccuracies, inappropriateness and misunderstandings. I can use and understand fairly complex language, particularly in a familiar situation.
• 5 Modest User
  Has partial command of the language, coping with overall meaning in most situations, though is likely to make many mistakes. The candidate should be able to handle communications in his or her own feild.
• 4 Limited User
  Basic competence is limited to familiar situations. Has frequent problems in using complex language.
• 3 Extremely Limited User
  Conveys and understands the only general meaning in very familiar situations. Frequent breakdowns in communication occur.
• 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 needs. Has great difficulty understanding spoken and written English.
• 1 Non User
  Essentially has no ability to use the language beyond possibly a few isolated words.
• 0 Did not attempt the test
  No assessable information provided.