How do you verify an IELTS certificate?

IDP lists what a TRF carries: the test taker's full name, date of birth, nationality and photograph; the test date, location and module (Academic or General Training); the four skill scores and the overall band; and a unique reference number that organisations use 'to verify the authenticity of the document' (IDP).

Scores a candidate shows you on a results website are not enough. IDP says results available online 'are not official' and are provisional until the official TRF is issued (IDP).

ielts.org recommends treating a result as evidence of English for a maximum of two years, and accepting an older TRF only with proof the person has maintained or tried to improve their English (ielts.org).

A One Skill Retake produces a new TRF with a new number. The One Skill Retake page for organisations says the retake type and skill appear in the top right corner, the original TRF number is included, and the date at the top is the date of the original full test, which matters when you apply a validity period. To receive retake results you edit the 'My Organisation' section of the Results Service.