The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is a standardized test that measures the English language proficiency of non-native English speakers. It is jointly managed by the British Council, IDP: IELTS Australia, and Cambridge Assessment English. The test is conducted more than 48 times a year, with up to 4 test dates per month.
Booking the IELTS exam is the first step towards proving your English language proficiency. This guide will help you navigate the booking process, from selecting the right test type to choosing the perfect test center and date. We will guide you through the essential steps that will lead you to success on exam day. Let’s get started!
This test allows you to choose many IELTS exam dates that suit your needs. You can select up to 48 dates in a year based on the availability in your area. You can also take the test at any of the over 800 official IELTS test centers across the globe that are close to you.
IELTS Online allows you to take the test from home in some countries. You can book your IELTS test online or by visiting the center in person. The payment methods are convenient, and the test center staff can assist you with any questions or concerns.
Choose between Academic and General Test
The IELTS test is available in two formats: Academic and General Training. The Academic test is designed for students who wish to pursue higher education in an English-speaking country. In contrast, the General Training test is intended for those who want to migrate to an English-speaking country or work in an English-speaking environment. It is essential to choose a suitable test format based on your goals.
Decide on how to take your IELTS Test
You can take your IELTS test on paper or on a computer at an official test center. If you take the IELTS Academic test, you can also take it from home or anywhere with a stable internet connection and a private space.
The Listening, Reading, and Writing sections of all IELTS tests are completed on the same day, while you might be given the slot for the Speaking test a week before or after the other tests. If you take IELTS online, the Speaking test will usually be before your Listening, Reading, and Writing tests, but it could be on the same or a different day.
All other aspects of the test are the same, whether it is taken in a test center (on paper or computer) or online, including content, timing, question types, scoring, speaking test format, test report forms, and results verification. If you have special requirements, please register for IELTS on paper, which is available worldwide and serves the needs of all test takers.
There are three different ways to take the IELTS test: take IELTS on paper at a test center, take IELTS on a computer at a test center, or take IELTS online. Please check with your university, college, or school to see if they accept IELTS online before booking.
Find your nearest test center
There are over a thousand IELTS test centers worldwide, so you should be able to find one near you. The exam is the same in all locations, and the marking standard is consistent. Therefore, you can choose the test center that is easiest for you or offers dates that suit you.
You can find your nearest test center by visiting the official IELTS website and selecting your country/territory from the dropdown menu. You can also filter by the type of test you need—the link to find your nearest test center is IELTS Test Centers.
Choose your test date
Once you have found your nearest test center, you can choose a test date that is convenient for you. The IELTS test is conducted yearly, with multiple monthly test dates available.
Register for your IELTS test
You have two options to apply for the test: visit any test center and get an application form or download one from the internet. If you have questions or need help filling out the form, the test center staff will assist you.
You can complete your application and pay for your test online or at the test center of your choice. The IELTS test’s cost depends on the test type and your chosen location.
You will have to present your ID when you submit your application. The ID you give should be a valid passport or national identity card. The test center may have different requirements, so check with them.
You must also bring the same ID when you take the test. You must remember it to be able to sit in the test.
Receive confirmation of your exam
Once you have registered for the IELTS test, you will receive a confirmation email with your test date, time, and venue. You will also receive a link to download your IELTS preparation materials. If you have taken your test via IELTS Online, you will receive your results electronically, which you can email directly to organizations or print to send by post.
Once you have registered for the IELTS test, your IELTS application will be processed by the test center where you registered. Depending on whether you registered online or offline, the test center may be the British Council, IDP: IELTS Australia, or another authorized IELTS partner. The test center will verify your identity, payment, and test date and send you a confirmation email with your test venue and time details. Additionally, the testing center will notify you only a few days before about scheduling your speaking test, whether it will take place on the same day as the main exam or within a seven-day period before or after it.
Upon completing your booking, you will gain complimentary access to a comprehensive resource featuring 40 practice tests across all four skills: Speaking, Writing, Reading, and Listening.
In addition to the online resources, you will also receive five free copies of your Test Report Form. These forms are essential for submission to various entities such as immigration offices, universities, and prospective employers. If you opt for IELTS Online, your test results will be delivered electronically, allowing you to email them directly to organizations or print them for mailing purposes.
IELTS Exam Cancellations, Refunds, and Transfers
Cancellation, refund, and transfer policies are applicable globally, except for the European Union and the Americas region. The specific terms of these policies may vary depending on the test center location. Individuals undertaking the test are advised to contact their local test center for precise information.
Sometimes, you may need to cancel or change your IELTS test date for personal or professional reasons. This section will explain the policies and procedures for IELTS Exam Cancellations, Refunds, and Transfers. The rules may vary slightly depending on when and where you registered for the test. However, some general guidelines apply to all IELTS test takers on paper and computer.
If you cancel your IELTS test registration more than 14 days before the test date, you will receive a 75% refund of the total test fee. If you cancel less than 14 days but more than 5 days before the test date, you will receive a 50% refund of the total test fee. If you cancel within 5 days of the test date or fail to appear for the test, you will not receive any refund unless you have exceptional circumstances such as illness, injury, bereavement, civil unrest, or domestic crisis.
If you want to transfer your test date, you can do so anytime before the test. However, your transfer request may be treated as a cancellation depending on how close to the test date it is made. You must select a new test date, where available, within three months of your original test date. If your preferred test date is more than three months after your original test date, your transfer will be treated as a cancellation. You can only transfer the same booking once.
Throughout these processes, test centers try to provide affected test takers with as much notice as possible in the event of cancellations or postponements.
Conclusion
We hope this section has clarified the IELTS Exam Cancellations, Refunds, and Transfer policies for you. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact your local test center for more information. Remember to check the specific terms and conditions of your test center before booking your test.
