Question 1

Can I do all parts of the test on the same day?

Accepted Answer

The Listening, Reading and Writing parts of the test are completed immediately after each other on the same day. In some test centres, you will sit the Speaking test on the same day, or up to 7 days before or after your test date. If you take IELTS on Computer, the Speaking test will be taken on the same day, either before, or after the other three parts of the test.

Question 2

What should I bring on my test day?

Accepted Answer

You must bring the same passport or national identity card that you used to book your IELTS test. For an IELTS on computer test, the centre will provide you with pencils and paper.
You must leave all of your personal belongings outside the examination room in a secure area or locker. Mobile phones, pagers and smart watches must be switched off and left with your personal belongings.
If you keep mobile phones or electronic devices with you, you will be disqualified.
Contact your test centre to know more, as some of these instructions may vary from centre to centre.

Question 3

What to do if I am late to my test due to situations beyond my control?

Accepted Answer

If you experience difficulty on a test day, please inform the test centre immediately. The test centre may offer you a test on the next available test date.

Question 4

What order will I complete the IELTS test in?

Accepted Answer

For an IELTS on computer test, you will do the tests in the following order on the same day: Listening, Reading and Writing, with the Speaking test before or after this test session.

Question 5

What do I need to bring to my Speaking test?

Accepted Answer

You must bring the same passport or national identity card that you used to book your IELTS test. Your ID will be checked before you enter the interview room and again during the interview.

Question 6

What accents can be heard in the Listening and Speaking tests?

Accepted Answer

As IELTS is an international test, a variety of voices and native-speaker accents are used in both the General Training and Academic tests.

Question 7

Can I make notes during the IELTS on computer test?

Accepted Answer

Yes. IELTS on computer provides a note-taking and highlight function. You can try these functions on the familiarisation tests here. You can also write notes on the login details sheet you receive at the beginning of the test.

Question 8

Can I write my answers in capital letters?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can use all capital letters in the IELTS Reading and Listening sections. If you use capital letters in the Writing section, make sure that your punctuation is correct and the examiner can see where you start and finish sentences.

Question 9

How can I improve my Writing band score?

Accepted Answer

Read the assessment criteria used for both Academic and General Training Writing tests carefully before your test day. The examiner will assess your writing based on four criteria for Task 1 and Task 2.
Remember that Writing Task 2 is worth twice as many marks as Task 1. You can improve your Writing band score by practising. Our news and articles page has extensive tips and advice to help you prepare and improve your English-language skills.

Question 10

What happens in the IELTS Speaking test?

Accepted Answer

The Speaking test is a discussion with a highly qualified IELTS examiner who assesses your ability to talk about a range of topics. The Speaking test has three parts and is recorded. A description of the three parts of the interview is found in the Information for Candidates booklet.

Question 11

Where can I take the IELTS test?

Accepted Answer

IELTS is offered at over than 2,000 test locations in more than 50 countries. Check out our Find a test centre page to find one that suits your needs.

Question 12

How do I postpone or cancel my IELTS test?

Accepted Answer

Contact the test centre where you booked your test if you need to postpone or cancel.
If you cancel or postpone your test more than 5 weeks before the test date, you will receive a refund minus an administration fee.
If you cancel or postpone your test within 5 weeks of your test date, you will be charged the full fee unless you have a serious medical reason for needing to cancel or postpone it.
If you provide a medical certificate within 5 days of your test date, you will receive a refund minus the local administrative cost.

Question 13

What can I do if I am absent or sick on the day of my IELTS test?

Accepted Answer

If you can't attend your IELTS test due to a serious medical condition, you can provide a medical certificate within 5 days of your test date to receive a refund minus the local administrative cost. If you are absent on the test day with no prior notice, you will lose your full test fee.

Question 14

What are the test terms and conditions?

Accepted Answer

Test rules and guidelines are found on the Notice to Candidates page on the IELTS Application Form. You should also read the Information for Candidates booklet carefully so that you understand the test format and what to expect on test day.

Question 15

What if I am late to my test due to circumstances beyond my control?

Accepted Answer

If you experience difficulty on a test day, please inform the test centre immediately. The test centre may offer you a test on the next available test date.

Question 16

How often can I re-sit the IELTS test?

Accepted Answer

There is no limit on how many times you can retake the IELTS test. It is recommended you do additional study and preparation before retaking IELTS. Some test centres offer preparation courses and language classes. Contact your local test centre for more information.

Question 17

Is it easy to cheat in IELTS?

Accepted Answer

IELTS is protected by multi-layered security measures to prevent cheating and protect you and the organisations that accept your results. The identity checks taken are:
Your photograph is taken, and your finger is scanned when you register or arrive for the test to ensure that the same person sits every part of the test.
Identity checks are undertaken during the Reading and Writing test. Your identity is also verified on check-in for the Speaking test and by the IELTS Examiner. All test centres are regularly monitored and audited. Systems are in place to scrutinise test results. If any anomaly is identified, the candidate, test centre, and any organisation that has been sent the result are notified and appropriate action is taken.
IELTS makes it easy for universities, employers, and the government to check the validity of results at any time, using a secure verification system.
Any malpractice will result in being disqualified from the test. Details of the malpractice will be passed on to any organisations to which you have applied, including relevant visa processing authorities.For a full list of terms and conditions please refer to the IELTS Application Form.

Question 18

Is there a dress code for IELTS Test day?

Accepted Answer

There is no dress code for your IELTS test day. We recommend you dress in the way that makes you feel the most comfortable and relaxed for the length of the test. The photo you take on test day will be the photo that appears on your IELTS Test Report Form. You will be asked to remove your glasses before the photo is taken. In various parts of the world, special arrangements are made for candidates. Contact your nearest test centre for more information.

Question 19

If I have taken IELTS and didn't get the score I needed, is there a waiting period before I can resit the test?

Accepted Answer

There is  not  an official waiting period before you can retake an IELTS test. If you didn't get the result you needed, pause, reflect and take the time to prepare with some further study before retaking the test. Resitting the test back to back will often not improve your result. If you  are looking for some further advice on how to prepare for IELTS, check out our Preparation page.

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What to expect in an IELTS on computer test

A virtual tour of an IELTS on computer test centre

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