Test Day

1. Do I take all parts of the test on the same day? Which part do I take first?

The Listening, Reading and Writing components of the test are always completed immediately after each other and with no break. You will take the Speaking test up to 7 days either before or after the test date, depending on the test centre. Many of our test centres will allow you to choose if you wish to complete all four components of the test on test day or if you wish to complete the Speaking component on a different day, depending on what suits you best. You will do the Listening component first followed by the Reading and Writing components of the test.

2. What are the test rules?

Test rules and guidelines can be found on the Notice to Candidates provided in the IELTS Application Form. You are also advised to read the Information for Candidates booklet carefully so that you understand the test format and know what to expect on test day.  

3. What can I take into the examination room?

Only pens, pencils and erasers. You must bring the passport/national identity card you used on the IELTS Application Form to the test. You must leave everything else outside the examination room. Mobile phones and pagers must be switched off and placed with personal belongings in the area designated by the supervisor. If you do not switch off your phone/pager or if you keep it with you, you will be disqualified.

4. What is the Speaking test?

The Speaking test is a discussion over 11-14 minutes with a certified and highly qualified IELTS Examiner. It is made up of three sections and is recorded.

5. What do I need for the Speaking test?

You must bring the same passport/national identity card you supplied on your IELTS Application Form and continue to use the same identity documents for each part of the test. Your identity will be checked before you enter the interview room.

6. What kinds of accents can be heard in the Listening and Speaking tests?

As IELTS is an international test, a variety of English accents is used in both of these tests.

7. Can I write in capital letters?

Yes, you can use all capital letters in the IELTS Reading and Listening components and also in the Writing component.

8. How are the tests marked?

IELTS uses a 9-band scoring system to report test scores in a consistent manner. You receive individual band scores for Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking and an Overall Band Score on a band scale from one to nine.

9. Can I make notes on the Listening and Reading question papers?

Yes. The people marking your answers to the Listening and Reading questions will not see your question paper.

10. Do I have to write in pencil? (Paper-based IELTS only)

Using a pencil is recommended for the IELTS Listening and Reading of the test.

In many test centres, we now also require the Writing test to be completed in pencil. This is because gradually, all of our test centres are upgrading to new scanners. These particular scanners work best with a pencil as there is no risk of your answers smudging (whereas there is with pen/ink). These test centres are also using answers sheets with a slightly updated design.

No changes have been made to the test format, content, or marking standards. This is simply an operational change. It is also important to note that if you forget to bring a pencil, the test centre staff can provide a pencil for you.

11. Who sets the ‘pass mark’ for the IELTS test?

There is no pass or fail in IELTS. Scores are graded on the 9-band system. Each educational institution or organisation sets its own minimum IELTS scores to meet its individual requirements.

12. When will I receive my test results?

Your Test Report Form will be available to you 13 calendar days after your test date. You will only receive one copy of your Test Report Form, unless you are applying to Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC), or the United Kingdom Border Agency (UKBA) – in this case, you can receive two. Proof of application to CIC and UKBA must be provided.

13. How many test report forms (TRFs) am I entitled to?

You will only receive one copy of your Test Report Form, unless you are applying to Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC), or the United Kingdom Border Agency (UKBA) – in this case, you can receive two. Proof of application to CIC and UKBA must be provided. Up to five copies of your TRF will be posted to the relevant institution(s) you have listed on your IELTS application form. Regular postage is free of charge. Charges for courier services and/or overseas postage will be passed onto you. Additional TRFs beyond these five can be requested from the test centre which issued the results. Please note, an administration fee may be charged for additional TRFs. If you have lost your TRF, please contact the test centre which issued your results.

14. How can I order more Test Report Forms if my test centre has closed since I took the test?

If the test centre where your test was taken has closed we can still send a copy of your Test Report Form to organisations for two years after your test. Check our list for contact details. To request a Test Report Form you will need to complete an Additional TRF application form. Ask your test centre for details. It is very important that you complete your family and given names exactly as they appear on your identification document. Submit the form by clicking the Submit button at the end of the form. Include a scanned copy of the passport or identification document that you used when you sat the test (this is done after you click the submit button on the Additional TRF application form). Test Report Forms can only be sent to institutions and organisations. Additional copies will not be sent to students, their families or friends. There is no charge for this service.

16. How soon can I re-sit the test?

There is no time limit on sitting the test. However, we strongly recommend you do additional study before taking the test again. Some test centres offer preparatory courses and language classes. Ask you IDP Education student counsellor or contact your local test centre for more information.

17. What if I am not happy with my result?

You can apply for a re-mark, known as an Enquiry on Results, at your test centre within six weeks of the test date. You must pay an enquiry fee, which will be fully refunded if your band score changes. Note that IELTS Examiners and markers follow strict assessment guidelines and are regularly monitored. The IELTS testing process has the highest quality control procedures.