Rules, comparisons and data

How do you get a copy of the personal data IELTS holds about you?

Ask the right partner. IDP's IELTS declaration says you can view a copy of the personal data in your application by contacting ielts@cambridgeenglish.org, and a copy of your finger scan by writing to ielts@idp.com or ielts@britishcouncil.org. Both carry a fee. Your test answers are different: they stay the property of the IELTS partners and are not released to candidates.
  • Guide updated · 30 October 2026
  • 3 sections
  • IELTS

Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 30 October 2026

What you can request, and from whom

From IDP's IELTS terms and declaration (IDP terms).

DataWhere to askNotes
Personal data in your application formielts@cambridgeenglish.orgA fee is charged
Your finger scanielts@idp.com or ielts@britishcouncil.orgProvided only as a Binary Large Object (BLOB); a fee is charged
Your test answers (Writing scripts, answer sheets)Not availableRemain the property of the IELTS partners

How IELTS uses your data

The declaration says your application data is processed and stored by the IELTS partners to run the test, and your result can be shared with organisations you apply to. The photo taken by the centre can be given to recognising organisations and government authorities, including visa processors.

Candidates' work is kept and may be used for quality control and malpractice investigations, and anonymised scores and responses may be used for research, statistics and training. The partners say they will not disclose personal information except as the declaration states or the law allows.

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Answer sheets and corrections

If what you want is to see your marked answers, the terms rule it out; see can you see your IELTS answer sheet. If your details are wrong on your TRF, that is a correction request to your centre; see mistake on your IELTS TRF. Detailed rules are set locally and can differ by country and test centre, so check your booking confirmation or ask your centre if anything here does not match what you were told.

Frequently asked questions

Can I get a copy of my IELTS fingerprint?+

Yes, as a BLOB file, by writing to ielts@idp.com or ielts@britishcouncil.org. A fee is charged.

Is it free to request my IELTS personal data?+

No. IDP's terms say a fee is charged for both application data and finger scans.

Can I get a copy of my IELTS essay?+

No. The terms say candidates' work remains the property of the IELTS partners and is not released.

Who sees my IELTS photo?+

The terms say it can be given to organisations that recognise IELTS and to government authorities, including visa processors.

Keep reading

Related

Guide updated on 30 October 2026. Individual prices and policies may have earlier observation dates. Confirm current details on the linked official pages before you book or apply.

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