WHAT IS IELTS?

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) provides an assessment of English language proficiency. It is widely recognised for further and higher education and is preferred by most universities and other educational institutions in the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Canada and the United States of America.

IELTS assesses whether the candidate is ready to study in English or work in an English speaking environment.

ACADEMIC OR GENERAL TRAINING MODULE?

There are two IELTS modules which candidates can choose from: the Academic or the General Training Module.

The Academic Reading and Writing module is recommended for candidates who want to pursue under- or postgraduate studies.

The General Training Reading and Writing module is not intended to test the full range of language skills required for academic purposes. The emphasis is on basic skills that are used in a broad social and educational context. It is most suitable for candidates who are going to English speaking countries (e.g. to complete their secondary education, undertake work or for immigration purposes).

HOW CAN I PREPARE FOR THE TEST?

You can prepare yourself by using self-study materials.

We offer the IELTS Specimen Materials Packs with CD. They have been produced according to Cambridge ESOL's Question Paper Production cycle and are the only preparation resources that are endorsed by all three IELTS partners. This includes a full practice test with answer key so you can gain experience in the format of the test and get an idea of your level.

HOW CAN I APPLY?

Candidates have to register for IELTS 5 weeks before the test date by delivering (by mail or personally to British Council Sarajevo):

			a completely filled-in application form with two recent photos attached
			a proof of payment
			photocopy of the ID stated in the application form

The fee for the IELTS test is 290 KM. Candidates can pay via bank transfer, in cash or by credit card.

			account number: 502022000-030001188-9
			bank code: 1610000000000011

An invitation letter (or email) specifying the time and place of the test will be sent to candidates one week before the test date.

If we have extra copies of test papers, we can register candidates for the exam after the registration deadline has passed (within six weeks before the test date). In this case we have to receive both, the application form and proof of payment no later than four days before the test. No registrations (that is no application forms or payments) will be accepted three days before the test date or on the day of the test date.

IELTS EXAM DATES

IELTS is offered on a first come first served basis. We can only guarantee a place in the exam after we have received your application, payment and confirmed your entry before the stated deadline.

Part Speaking of the IELTS test may take place up to seven days before or after the date of the written part of the test. If this is the case, you will be informed in the invitation letter / email.

IELTS tests are administered only in Sarajevo.

ON THE TEST DAY

The test starts at 9.30 a.m. on the date you registered for. Candidates need to be present at the venue (will be specified later) no later than 9.00. You must show your passport or identity card when you arrive to take the exam and at various times during the test day.

			Registration		09.00 – 09.20
			Listening		09.30 – 10.00
			Reading		10.15 – 11.15
			Writing		11:30 – 12.30
			Break		12.30 – 13.00
			Speaking		from 13.00 onwards (13–15 minute interviews)

RESULTS

Results are issued on 13th day after taking the test. Scores are recorded on a Test Report Form (TRF), showing overall ability as well as performance in each sub-test. Only one TRF will be issued per candidate, which can be collected personally or will be sent to the candidate’s address stated on the application form. Please note we are not able to release the results earlier and we are not allowed to give you any information regarding your results, neither on the phone nor in person, by e-mail or fax.

Up to 5 additional copies of the test report form will be sent only to those institutions which are listed in the application form.

If candidates would like to send additional test report forms (TRF) to institutions, they need to fill in the Additional TRF Form and send it to British Council, Ljubljanska 9, 71000 Sarajevo (please enclose a photocopy of the ID stated in the form). For a fee of 10 KM we will send one TRF to the institution of your choice by registered mail anywhere in the world.

You can compare your IELTS results to the Common European Framework levels issued by the Council of Europe.

The IELTS test result is valid for 2 years. However, some universities or organisations may have their own regulations concerning the period of validity.

ONLINE TEST RESULTS

Can’t you wait for your IELTS results? Then find out online before they arrive in the post. The British Council offers you access to your IELTS test results online on the 13th day after your test date. Your future is only a click away.

http://ielts-results.britishcouncil.org

Disclaimer: Please note that this online results service is only available through selected British Council managed test centres. The result is provisional and should not be used as an official confirmation of your achievement. British Council will not accept any responsibility in the event that your result fails to display, weather due to a technical fault or administrative procedure.

WHAT RESULT DO I NEED TO ACHIEVE TO PASS THE TEST?

If you are taking the test as an entrance requirement for a university degree course you should contact the university at which you are applying to study. Universities have varying requirements.

If you are taking the test in order to emigrate to Australia, Canada or New Zealand, you should contact the Embassy concerned.

LATE REGISTRATION

If we have extra copies of test papers, we can register candidates for the exam after the registration deadline has passed (within six weeks before the test date). In this case we have to receive both, the application form and proof of payment no later than four days before the test. No registrations (that is no application forms or payments) will be accepted three days before the test date or on the day of the test date.

REFUNDS AND TEST DAY TRANSFERS

Candidates who seek to cancel their registration or transfer test dates within the five-week period prior to the test date will only receive a refund if they can satisfy to the Administrator that their ability to sit the test has been affected by illness or serious cause. Serious causes include:

			Serious illness – e.g. hospital admission or serious injury (does not include minor illness such as a mild cold)
			Loss or bereavement death of a close family member
			Hardship / trauma (victim of crime, victim of traffic accident)
			Military service

Evidence must be provided within 5 days of the test date.

SPECIAL ARRANGEMENTS

Test centres make every effort to cater for candidates with special needs, 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 to be assessed fairly and objectively. If you require a modified version of the test, e.g. Braille, you must give the test centre three months’ notice. This notice period is necessary for the modified test version to be prepared. If your circumstances require special administrative arrangements only to be made, e.g extra time, you must give the test centre six weeks’ notice. Full details of these arrangements are given on the IELTS website www.ielts.org.

DISCLAIMER

The British Council and the Examining Boards take all reasonable steps to provide continuity of service. We feel sure you will understand, however, that we cannot be held responsible for any interruptions caused by circumstances beyond our control. If examinations or their results are disrupted, cancelled or delayed, every effort will be made to resume normal service as soon as possible. The British Council’s liability will be limited to the refund of the registration fee or re-testing at a later date.