How This Checker Works

This tool takes your test date and calculates your exact expiry date based on each test’s official validity period. It also tells you how many days remain and whether your score will still be valid on a specific application deadline you enter.

The logic is straightforward:

Cambridge certificates work differently. They do not expire. The checker flags this immediately so you never waste time worrying about a Cambridge score going stale.

How Long Each Test Score Is Valid

Validity Rules by Country

United Kingdom

UK universities and UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) both require scores taken within the two years prior to the application or visa decision date, not just by the time you apply. This is an important distinction. If your score expires between your application date and the point at which UKVI processes your visa, you may need a new test. Plan with this in mind.

United States

US universities generally follow the standard two-year validity window. TOEFL iBT scores sent through ETS are automatically blocked after two years. Duolingo certificates shared after two years are similarly deactivated. Most universities specify that scores must be valid at the time of application review, not just submission.

Canada

Canadian universities align with the two-year rule. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) requires that IELTS and CELPIP scores used for immigration purposes are no older than two years. For university admissions only, the application review date is typically what counts.

Australia

The Australian Department of Home Affairs requires English test results that are no older than three years for most visa subclasses, which is a notable exception to the standard two-year rule. However, Australian universities themselves typically apply the standard two-year rule for admissions. Always check which rule applies based on whether you are applying for a visa or a university place.

New Zealand

New Zealand universities and Immigration New Zealand both apply a two-year validity period. For student visa applications, scores must be valid at the time the visa is granted, not just when you apply.

Ireland

Irish universities follow the two-year rule. The Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) also requires current scores, meaning scores valid at the time of application processing.

Table of Truth: Quick Expiry Reference

Use this table to sanity-check your dates without running the calculator.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Mistake 1: Counting from the results release date, not the test date. Your score is dated from the day you sat the exam, not the day you received your results. The results come a few days to a few weeks later, but that does not extend your validity window.

Mistake 2: Assuming a score is valid if it was valid when you applied. Several universities and immigration authorities check that your score is still valid when they process your application, not just when you submitted it. A score that expires mid-review can cause real problems.

Mistake 3: Forgetting about the visa timeline. You might apply to a university in October with a score that expires in February. If your visa is not processed until March, you could face a problem. Build in buffer time.

Mistake 4: Thinking Cambridge certificates work the same way. They do not. Cambridge B2 First, C1 Advanced, and C2 Proficiency certificates have no expiry date. This is a permanent credential. However, a handful of very specific programs (some clinical nursing courses, for example) may still ask for evidence of recent proficiency even with a Cambridge certificate. Always check the program requirements.

Mistake 5: Not checking the retake booking deadline. If your score is expiring and you need to retake, factor in the gap between your test date and when results are released (typically 3 to 13 days for IELTS, up to 6 days for PTE, and 4 to 8 days for Duolingo). Book your retake with enough time to receive the new results before your application deadline.

Frequently Asked Questions

My IELTS score expires in two months. Can I still use it for my application?

Yes, as long as the score is still valid on the date the university reviews your application, not just when you click submit. If you are cutting it close, contact the admissions office to ask about their processing timeline. Two months is tight, especially for popular intake periods.

Can I get my TOEFL score sent after it expires?

No. ETS stops sending TOEFL score reports for tests older than two years. There is no workaround for this. If your score has expired, you need to retake the test.

Does expiry date mean I have to retake exactly two years later?

Not necessarily. Your old score simply stops being usable after two years. If you have already been admitted and enrolled using that score, it does not matter any further. Expiry only matters for new applications, visa renewals, or other situations where institutions need current proof of English proficiency.

Does my PTE score expire for Australian immigration too?

For Australian university admissions, yes, two years. But for Australian immigration (Department of Home Affairs), scores up to three years old are accepted for most visa subclasses. Confirm this with your migration agent or the DAHA website, as rules change.

I have a Cambridge C1 Advanced from 2018. Is it still valid?

Yes. Cambridge certificates are valid for life and carry no expiry date. A certificate from 2018, 2010, or 2005 is equally valid from Cambridge’s perspective. The rare exception is if a specific program explicitly requires recent evidence of proficiency. Check the admissions requirements for your specific course.

What is the fastest English test if I need results urgently?

Duolingo English Test results are delivered within 48 hours of taking the test. PTE Academic offers results within 5 days. IELTS Academic results are typically available 3 to 5 days after the test for computer-based tests, and up to 13 days for paper-based. TOEFL iBT results arrive within 4 to 8 days. Cambridge results take 3 to 6 weeks, which makes it a poor choice if you are in a hurry.

Validity periods shown are based on official guidelines from IELTS, ETS (TOEFL), Pearson (PTE), Duolingo, and Cambridge Assessment as of 2024 to 2025. Always verify directly with your institution and immigration authority before making decisions. SabiCalculator is not affiliated with any testing body.