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Frequently asked questions - IELTS |
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IELTS - International English Language Testing System |
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IELTS, the International English Language Testing System, is designed to assess the language ability of candidates who need to study or work where English is used as the language of communication. It covers the four language skills – listening, reading, writing and speaking.
IELTS has two modules: General Training and Academic. The General Training module is usually taken by people who want to immigrate, and the Academic module is taken by people who want to study abroad. It is essential that you check with the receiving country or institution to find out which module you need to take. It is your responsibility to choose the right module.
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Who should take the IELTS test? |
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•People planning to study abroad especially in the UK, USA, Canada Australia and New Zealand
•People planning to pursue business opportunities in English speaking countries
•People planning to immigrate to Canada, Australia or New Zealand
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Why do I need to take IELTS test? |
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IELTS assesses and certifies your ability to use English language in multiple contexts. A good score (usually 6.0 and above) is an entry requirement for many colleges and universities worldwide. Immigration offices require scores on a range of 4 to 7. |
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What is the difference between IELTS and TOEFL? |
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Both English language proficiency exams test reading, writing, listening and speaking skills. Across all areas of test delivery, test administration and test results, IELTS is valid and secure. However the content of TOEFL differs from IELTS. There is no official comparison between IELTS and other English language proficiency scores. We recommend you check with the organisation requesting your proof of English language which exam they prefer you to take and the score they are looking for.
Generally speaking, UK, Australian, Canadian, New Zealand and U.S. universities and professional organisations ask for a valid IELTS certificate with a particular band (score) or a Cambridge exam. IELTS scores are accepted by over 6,000 educational institutions, employers, professional bodies and immigration authorities worldwide as proof of candidates English language proficiency. This includes UK, US, Australia, Canada, New Zealand and many countries across the world.
For further information please visit IELTS in the USA
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How long does it take to get IELTS result? If I take an IELTS test how long is it valid for? |
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You should get your test report form (TRF) 13 days after taking the test. The results are also available online. There are a number of variables affecting the length of time over which an IELTS score remains valid. It depends on how long the institution which requires the IELTS score is prepared to regard it as valid. As a general rule it is recommended that a Test Report Form that is more than two years old should only be accepted as evidence of present level of ability if accompanied by proof that a candidate has actively maintained or tried to improve their English language proficiency.
Please note that it is not possible to print TRF older than 2 years.
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I’m thinking about going to university in the UK. Would I need to take IELTS for this? Do you know if all universities accept IELTS scores? |
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You should take an IELTS test if the university that you want to attend has stated that you need IELTS. You may also want take IELTS if the university has states that they accept IELTS as a test of your English language proficiency.
A university may make a conditional offer with a particular IELTS band being one of the conditions. Students are advised to take the academic module if the university has requested the student sits the test. Please note that most universities insist upon applicants having attained a score in the academic IELTS module. The majority of universities accept IELTS scores. However, some universities may ask for other English language qualifications (for example FCE, CAE or CPE. Some accept the BEC exam). We recommend that you check with the university as to their English language requirements.
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What is the difference between Academic and General modules? |
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Academic module is generally recommended for academic study in a higher education institution.
If you are planning to undertake non-academic training or apply for immigration to Australia, Canada or New Zealand, we recommend the General Training Reading and Writing modules.
It is essential that you check with the receiving country or institution to find out which module you need to take. It is your responsibility to choose the right module.
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How long is the actual IELTS test? What is the format of the test? Is it multi-choice or is it speaking and listening etc? |
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The IELTS test comprises a listening, reading, writing and speaking tests. They last for Listening = 30 minutes (+ 10 minutes to transfer the answers onto the answer sheet), Reading = 60 minutes, Writing = 60 minutes, Speaking = 11-14 minutes.
Candidates are generally asked to make themselves available for a full day, as they will all sit the reading, writing and listening modules in a group and will then be allocated a slot for their speaking module. Please note that candidates can be required to complete the speaking test up to 7 days before or after the test date. Candidates are not permitted to leave the test centre until they have finished the entire test unless other wise stated.
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What will I get if I take an IELTS exam? Do I get a certificate? How well recognised is the IELTS test abroad? |
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Yes, you get a certificate, which is called a Test Report Form (TRF). This contains the following information: your name, your date of birth, your photo, the date of the test, the band you achieved and the test centre where you took the test. IELTS is widely accepted across the world. It is widely used for university entrance in the UK, Australia, New Zealand, Canada and increasingly in the USA. It is also used as a test for immigration or for professional registration. For further information on its global recognition, please see the IELTS website. |
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How often can I take IELTS test? |
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There are no restrictions/limitations on the frequency of registration to IELTS. |
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How can I prepare for exam? |
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You can purchase Official IELTS Practice Materials from the British Council Office. The materials consist of a book and CD. Price of the pack is 25 AZN. Payment should be done through the bank transfer. Please send email about your query to ielts@britishcouncil.az
Candidates registered online get FREE access to Road to IELTS preparation materials. Please input your email address and IELTS reference number to receive your individual practice materials. Important Note: You may not have an access to Road to IELTS if you do not have confirmed registration to IELTS test session.
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How can I register to exam? How much does it cost? |
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It is very easy to register to exam - registration procedure and prices are available here |
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How can I transfer/cancel my exam? What is the procedure? |
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You can cancel/transfer your exam by emailing to enquiries@britishcouncil.az If you cancel your registration at least 5 weeks before the test date, you will receive a refund of 85% of the test fee. If you cancel your registration within 5 weeks or less of the test date, there will be no refund, unless you provide appropriate evidence to support the cancellation. In this case you need to submit the Request for Refund Form and attach the appropriate evidence. Acceptable documents include a medical certificate from a qualified medical practitioner, a death notice or certificate, or a police report or verification from the army. All the above must be submitted to the test centre within 5 days of the test date. |
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What do I need to bring to the exam? |
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Please bring in only the document you registered with (passport/national identity card). You will be provided with pens, pencils, erasers and water. Please do not bring any valuable items as they will not be allowed into the exam room.
If you need to do a draft or write notes, you will be able to do it in your work booklet that will be distributed before each section.
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What if I am late to the exam? Can I still enter the exam room? |
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The IELTS test begins on 09:00 am with the Listening section in all centres. If you are late for the first section, you cannot enter the exam room until the reading section. You can take the rest of the exam. |
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Can I know my results over phone, email or fax? |
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IELTS has a very strict confidentiality policy. Results are never given over phone, email or fax. You can check your results online by submitting your registration information. You can also request your results to be sent via SMS. You will need to fill and sign a special form for this purpose. |
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Can I pay to receive my results earlier? |
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We do not provide an express marking service to release results earlier than 13 days after the test. |
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Can somebody else pick up my Test Report Form? |
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If you are not able to pick up the results by yourself, please send an e-mail to ielts@britishcouncil.az mentioning the name and the ID number of the person who is authorised to take your results. The authorised person needs to bring their passport or ID in order to pick up your Test Report Form. |
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Candidates will receive only one copy of their test report form. Additional Original test report forms can be sent directly to the institutions only. If receiving organizations are not mentioned on the application then additional TRF and courier fee will be charged for this service. If you have mentioned receiving organizations on your application then only courier fee will be charged. Receiving institutions can also view a candidate’s score through the online IELTS verification service, if provided with the candidate’s Test Report Form (TRF) number. |
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Please advise if you send my TRF to all mentioned universities and organizations on my exam application. |
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Please note that we do not send your TRF to all mentioned universities or organization once the results are announced. You need to inform as soon as the results are announced whether you would like to send your TRF to all mentioned universities and organizations. |
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Is it possible to see mistakes I made at the exam? |
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Candidates' answers and other work done by the candidates as part of an examination remain the property of Cambridge ESOL and will not be released to candidates, schools or administering centres. |
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Do you provide assistance for candidates with special needs? |
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British Council and University of Cambridge offer special arrangements to candidates with special needs (e.g. hearing, speech problems, dyslexia etc.) when taking the exams. The exact procedure for each candidate will differ according to the nature and degree of the candidate’s disability.
Candidates who require special arrangements are asked to inform us by email six weeks before the test date with necessary medical reports.
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How do I share my feedback or complaint about IELTS and services provided? |
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In order to serve you better, feedback/complaints about the conditions of the test must be given preferably on the test day in writing or no later than 5 days after the test date. Any complaints about the delivery of the test after the results are issued will not be considered as valid.
If you would like to make a comment or complaint to us about the service you have experienced please e-mail to: ielts@britishcouncil.az or submit it online
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