You can take the IELTS exam at one of the many test centers located in your country or region. IELTS is administered by three organizations: British Council, IDP Education, and Cambridge Assessment English. These organizations have authorized test centers in various locations around the world.
To find the nearest IELTS test center, you can visit the official IELTS website and use the “Find a Test Location” tool. Simply enter your country or region, and you will be presented with a list of authorized test centers, along with their contact details and registration information.
Alternatively, you can contact your local British Council or IDP Education office to get more information on the availability of the test in your area and how to register for it.
The cost of the IELTS test varies by country and can be found on the ielts.org website or by contacting your test center. The fee is the same for both the Academic and General Training versions, but there is a difference in fees for the UKVI IELTS (both Academic and General Training) as compared to the standard IELTS test.
The IELTS exam has four sections: listening (30 mins), reading and writing (60 mins each), and speaking (11-14 mins). The sections are taken in a specific order on the same day, except for the speaking section which can be taken up to seven days before or after. The total time for the exam is around 2 hours and 45 minutes. The IDP paper-based test has a different order: writing, reading, and listening.
To ensure that the IELTS test runs smoothly and fairly for all candidates, there are certain rules and guidelines that must be followed. These rules are outlined in the “Notice to Candidates” document that is provided with the IELTS application form. It is highly recommended that all candidates read the “Information for Candidates” booklet before taking the test, as it provides important details about the test format and what to expect on test day. Additionally, IDP Education offers practical test-day advice on their website, www.ieltsessentials.com.
In order to ensure consistent reporting of test scores, the IELTS exam uses a scoring system consisting of 9 bands. For each of the four sections of the test – Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking – individual band scores are assigned. Additionally, an overall band score ranging from one to nine is provided, indicating the candidate’s overall level of proficiency in English.
The Listening, Reading, and Writing sections of the IELTS test must be taken on the same day, with no breaks. The Speaking section may be taken up to seven days before or after. The order is fixed, starting with Listening, then Reading and Writing. For IDP paper-based tests, Writing comes first. Arrive on time and allow sufficient time for each section.
To reschedule or cancel your IELTS exam, contact the test center where you scheduled your appointment. If you cancel or postpone more than 5 weeks before the test date, you’ll receive a refund after the administration fee deduction. If you cancel or postpone within 5 weeks, you’ll be charged the full fee, unless for a medical reason. If you can’t attend due to a serious medical condition, you may be reimbursed with a medical certificate within 5 days of the test date. If unforeseeable circumstances occur, the test center may offer you the next available test date.
You can typically expect to receive your IELTS test results within 13 calendar days after taking the test. You can check your IELTS score by logging into your account on the official IELTS website using your candidate ID and password. You can download a digital Test Report Form (TRF) from your account.