Cambridge English fined $1.17M over computer-based IELTS scoring errors

Cambridge English, a co-owner of the IELTS exam, has been fined £875,000 (US$1.17 million) after automated scoring errors generated incorrect results for nearly 62,800 candidates worldwide.

The U.K.’s exams regulator, Ofqual, announced the fine on June 11 via the U.K. government’s website.

It noted the errors affected individuals using the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) for high-stakes decisions, including university admissions, visas, and immigration.

The issue stemmed from the computer-based Listening and Reading sections. Faulty automated marking incorrectly graded 93,865 answers across 7.7 million tests administered between August 2023 and September 2025.

Cambridge English did not detect the flaw for over two years. Then an upgrade to its error-detection system in September 2025 finally revealed the problem, prompting the organization to report the issue to Ofqual.

While roughly a third of the marking errors did not alter candidates' final results, 62,794 test-takers received inaccurate section scores.

Following a review, 21,717 candidates received revised overall IELTS band scores. Most saw their scores increase by 0.5 band points, with only two receiving a full-band bump.

However, 1,115 candidates had their scores reduced after it was discovered they had been awarded higher marks than they originally earned.

The error also affected 1,108 candidates taking the Secure English Language Test (SELT) version, which is subject to strict U.K. Visas and Immigration (UKVI) security requirements.

Amanda Swann, Ofqual’s Executive Director for Delivery, criticized the long-running issue.

"Those who took these tests, as well as those who used them, were let down by systemic failures over a long period, and our significant fine reflects this," she was quoted in a statement published on the U.K. government website.

Despite the severe reprimand, Ofqual acknowledged Cambridge English's extensive remediation efforts.

To restore confidence and uphold assessment standards, the organization spent over £6 million to identify the errors, compensate affected test-takers, operate a dedicated 24/7 support center, and upgrade systems to prevent future failures.

Cambridge English, formally known as Cambridge Assessment English, is the University of Cambridge's language assessment division and one of the organizations that develops and jointly owns the IELTS examination.