Canada IELTS - Prep, validity & retakes

It depends on your baseline English and target score. Self-study works if you already have strong English and use resources like official Cambridge practice books. Coaching helps if you need CLB 9, meaning IELTS Band 8 in Listening and 7 elsewhere, for Canadian Express Entry, or if you plateau.

IELTS scores are valid for two years from your test date. A score from 2020 is well past its validity window. You must retake the test unless your full undergraduate program was taught in English, in which case a Medium of Instruction letter may substitute.

IELTS and TOEFL are the most widely accepted English proficiency tests globally. Some universities also accept PTE or Duolingo. IELTS is often considered the most versatile option because it is accepted across the USA, UK, Ireland, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and across universities in Europe.