IELTS
What is IELTS?
IELTS, the International English Language Testing System, is the most popular high-stakes English language test for study, work, and migration.IELTS is jointly owned by the British Council, IDP: IELTS Australia and Cambridge Assessment English. The test conforms to the highest international standards of language assessment.The IELTS test covers the four language skills – listening, reading, writing, and speaking. IELTS is recognized by more than 11,000 universities and employers in many countries, including Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the United States. It is also recognized by professional bodies, immigration authorities and other government agencies.Respected and accepted world-wide, IELTS helps you boost your score and prepares you for success in the real world.
Which test type do you take?
Where you want to study, work, or migrate to will affect which test you need to take:
- For studying in higher education or seeking professional registration, you can take the IELTS Academic test.
- For work or migration to an English-speaking country, you might take the IELTS General Training test.
- If you’re planning to go to the United Kingdom, you may need to take the IELTS for UKVI test. This can either be the IELTS Academic for UKVI test, IELTS General Training for UKVI test, or the IELTS Life Skills A1 or B1 test.
Make sure you visit the relevant government or institutional websites to confirm which test you need to take.
Is IELTS available on computer?
Yes. You can take the same IELTS test you know, delivered via computer, with multiple test sessions a day.
How can you book the test?
You have to submit your application online here.
How can you prepare for the test?
Before you head into your test you should understand the IELTS test format by learning about each part of the test, question types and how IELTS examiners assess your Speaking and Writing tests.To Improve your skills in all four parts of the IELTS test, check the below resources:
What should you do on the test day?
- Allow plenty of time to get to the test. You will be required to register and to show your passport or National ID Card before you enter the examination room.
- If you are late, you will not be allowed to enter. Avoid the added tension of having to rush.
- No personal items to be taken into the test room. Test day staff will collect and safely store your personal belongings.
- On test day, a member of staff will verify your ID. It must be the same ID that you used when you booked the test. It must also be original, valid and include a recognizable photo of yourself.
- The test centre will then take a photograph of you. You will be required to temporarily remove anything covering your face.
- A finger scan will also be taken.
- Before you enter the test room, your finger will be scanned again to verify your identity.
- When it is time to enter the IELTS test room, a test invigilator will guide you to your seat.
- You are not permitted to leave during the last 10 minutes of either of the IELTS test components. If you need to go to the bathroom at any other time, raise your hand and ask a member of staff.
- If you have a problem (for example if you think you have been given the wrong paper, you cannot hear the instructions, or you feel ill) raise your hand to attract the attention of the supervisor.
- You cannot leave your seat until your papers have been collected and you have been told to leave. You must leave any notes and materials on the desk.
When will you get your test results?
Paper-based IELTS →Your test results and your Test Report Form (TRF) will be available 13 days after you complete the test.Computer-delivered IELTS → You can view your test results 3 to 5 days after you complete the test.IELTS for UKVI → If you had taken the IELTS Academic for UKVI or the IELTS General Training for UKVI tests, then you can view your test results 13 days after you complete the test.Life Skills for UKVI → If you had taken the Life Skills A1, A2 or B1 tests, then you can view your results 7 days after you complete the test.NOTE: Test Centers are NOT permitted to give test results over the telephone, via fax or e-mail to the candidate.
How many IELTS Test Report Forms (TRF) you can get?
You will receive one original Test Report Form, unless you are applying to Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC), or United Kingdom Border Agency (UKBA). In these cases, you can receive two. Proof of application to CIC and UKBA must be provided.You can collect your TRF at IDP IELTS offices when your results are released. You need to bring the form of identity you used to register for the test to pick up your TRF.
What is IELTS Transfer, Cancellation and Refund Policy?
Request for cancellation or postponement of your IELTS test must be made strictly 5 weeks before the test date via email or in person only. Telephone cancellation or postponement will not be accepted.If you requested cancellation more than five weeks ahead of the test date, you will receive a full refund (less a 25% administrative fee).If you requested cancellation less than five weeks ahead of the test date you will receive no refund. Exemptions from this policy are:
- Serious Illness – hospital admission or serious injury
- Loss or Bereavement – death of a close family member
- Hardship/Trauma – victim of a crime, victim of a traffic accident
- Military Service
You must complete a “Request for Refund” or “Test Day Transfer Form” and attach appropriate documentation and/or evidence, such as a medical certificate from a qualified medical practitioner, a death notice or certificate or a police report. Failure to appear for the test without notification is considered a cancellation, no refund will be issued, and you must register and pay again if you wish to take the test on another date.