IELTS FAQs

IELTS FAQs

IELTS Frequently Asked Questions

>>>Is the IELTS test completed in one day?

The Listening, Reading and Writing components of the test are always completed immediately after each other and in this same order. The Speaking test can be taken up to 7 days either before or after the test date.

>>>What can I bring to the exam?

Only your ID, PENCILS, ERASER.. Correction fluid must not be used. You must leave anything which you do not need, or which is not allowed, either outside the examination room, or as instructed by the supervisor. Mobile phones and pagers must be switched off and placed with personal belongings in the area designated by the supervisor. Any candidate who does not switch off their phone/pager, or who retains one in their possession, will be disqualified.

>>>What kind of accents will I hear in the Listening and Speaking tests?

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

>>>Will the listening tape provide me with all the necessary instructions and pauses?

Yes. At the beginning of the test, candidates receive instructions and hear a sample question. Next, candidates read Section One questions and then listen to Section One and answer the questions on the question paper as they listen. The same procedure follows for Sections Two, Three and Four. This takes approximately 30 minutes to complete. In the final ten minutes, candidates transfer their answers onto the answer sheet.

>>>Is there a similar period of ten minutes at the end of the Reading test for the transfer of answers?

No. The Reading test is one hour, and you must write all your answers on the answer sheet in this time.

>>>Can I complete the Listening and Reading answer sheet in pen?

No. The answer sheet is scanned by a computer which cannot read pen.

>>>Can I make some notes on the Listening and Reading Question paper?

Yes. The examiner will not see your question paper.

>>>What is the Speaking test?

The Speaking test is conducted as a one-to-one interview with a certified examiner, which is recorded on an audiocassette.

>>>What should I bring for the Speaking test?

You need to bring the same identification documents you supplied on registration, as these must be checked again against the information on the application form. These documents will be checked by the administrator and the Speaking examiner prior to you entering the interview room.

>>>What happens if I lose my Test Report form?

At any time within two years of the date of the examination, you can apply to the centre which administered the test to be sent 5 copies of the original Test Report Form free of charge. These Test Report Forms will not be sent to you, but will go directly to the university, Embassy or Consulate that require them. For any further copies, there is an administration charge of W5,000 per copy. Please contact us for further details.

>>>When will I receive my results?

Under normal circumstances, you will receive your Test Report Forms approximately three weeks after you complete the test.

>>>What help is available for disabled candidates?

Test centres make every effort to cater for the special needs of any disabled candidates, to enable them to best understand questions and tasks and to give their answers. It is our aim for the language level of all candidates, irrespective of disability, to be assessed fairly and objectively. Candidates with special needs should inform us when applying so that appropriate arrangements can be made.

>>>What happens if I am delayed by circumstances beyond my control (e.g. a transportation strike)?

We will offer you an alternative test date as soon as possible.

>>>What happens if I want to postpone or cancel my application?

Check our Cancellation and Postponement pages for full details.

>>>What happens if I am absent on the day of the test without giving prior notice?

You will lose your full test fee. However, if you can provide a medical certificate within 5 days of the test date then 75% of the fee will be refunded or you can register for a later IELTS test date.

>>>What can I do if I am unhappy with my results?

You can apply for your test to be re-marked within four weeks of receiving your results. There is a fee for this which is refunded should your band score change.