After giving an English language exam like IELTS or Duolingo, how long is the certificate valid?
Your IELTS or Duolingo English Test certificate stays valid for 2 years from your test or certification date, after which it expires and most institutions stop accepting it. TOEFL follows the same 2-year rule, while Cambridge exams like FCE or CAE technically never expire, though universities prefer recent results.
Your English proficiency certificate has a firm shelf life, and planning your test date around this window prevents a rejected application later. Most exams follow the same 2-year rule, though a couple of exceptions exist. Always check your target university or visa deadline against your test's expiry before you submit.
Validity By Exam Type
| Exam | Validity Period |
|---|---|
| IELTS | 2 years from the test date |
| Duolingo English Test | 2 years from the certification date |
| TOEFL | 2 years from the test date |
| Cambridge FCE/CAE/CPE | No technical expiry, though recent scores are preferred |
Country And Visa Exceptions To Note
- Australia recognises IELTS for up to 3 years for skilled migration visas.
- Canada strictly enforces a 2-year limit for Permanent Residency through Express Entry.
- An expired certificate cannot be renewed, so you must retake the full exam for a fresh score.
My Advice
Always book your test with your final application or visa deadline in mind, leaving buffer time in case you need a retake before your 2-year window closes. Tell your counsellor your target country and submission date, and the ideal month to sit your exam can be worked out for you.
How long will IELTS prep actually take?
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