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	Frequently Asked Questions

Contact the closest IELTS centre in order to obtain additional information.

		What's the IELTS?

IELTS - (International English Language Testing System) is an English language proficiency test recognised all over the world as the most dependable exam for measuring the candidates' abilities for communicating in English. It is the preferred test for most United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand and Canadian universities, and it is increasingly recognised by American universities as well.

In addition, the immigration departments of Australia, New Zealand and Canada have chosen IELTS as the official test required for their immigration processes.

IELTS was developed by the University of Cambridge and is managed by the British Council and IDP Education Australia in more than 100 countries and nearly 300 application centres. In Brazil, the British Council is in charge of managing IELTS in 10 official centres and more than 20 accredited sub-centres or venues, assuring high quality and security standards.

IELTS will show, on a scale from 1 to 9, the performance assessment of applicants in the four modules of the test, and also provide an overall evaluation that classifies applicants from "non-user" to "expert user" of the English language. IELTS offers a secure, thorough assessment of each applicant's performance, highlighting his/her strengths and weaknesses.

		What does the test involve?

IELTS covers the four communication skills present in situations experienced in the professional and academic lives of applicants: Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking. The Listening and Speaking modules are the same for all applicants. For Reading and Writing, there are two possible versions: Academic or General Training. Academic - for applicants who wish to study in a foreign institution. General Training - ideal for applicants who are trying to obtain immigration visas or for professional purposes.

		which dates can I take the exam?

	IELTS is the only exam of this kind that offers several date options. Each IELTS centre will have its own schedule, and it's also possible to schedule special sessions for a private institution, as long as the appropriate infrastructure is provided.

	If you are away on the test day with no prior notice, you will lose your full fee. However, if you provide a medical certificate within 5 days of the test date, you will receive a refund minus the 20% of the cost.

		What are the documents required for the enrolment process?

	01 recent 3x4 photo Original identification document plus one copy to be retained by the centre Filled and signed application form (click here to download) Payment of the fee R$415,00

		How early should I enroll for the test?

	We strongly recommend candidates to enrol for IELTS six weeks before the exam so that there is enough time to send the application to Cambridge University and get the exam material in time. Candidates willing to sit the exam within six weeks before the test date will depend on the availability or eventual cancellations.

		Is there a penalty for transferring the test date?

	The minimum notice for postponement is 10 days before the exam. Candidates willing to postpone the test date within this period will have to pay an administrative fee of 20% of the paid test fee.

		In case of cancelling, is there any refund?

	In the case of cancelling, at any time, candidates should be charged the full test fee within this period. However, according to the Brazilian law, the test centres cannot retain 100% of a fee paid for an unclaimed service. Then, refunds will be paid retaining 20% of the paid amount.

		How long does the test take?

30 minutes for the Listening test
60 minutes for the Reading test
60 minutes for the Writing test
15 minutes for the Speaking test

However, as interviews are individual, candidates might have to wait their turn, making the total time inside the test centre vary according to the number of candidates and the number of interviewers allocated for each specific test session. The Listening, Reading and Writing modules are taken in the morning. Interviews are usually scheduled in the afternoon so applicants need to be available for the whole day to complete the test. Please clarify this with your test centre.

		When do I get my certificate?

	The official scores are produced in 13 days after the test date and sent by regular post.

		Who will mark my exam?

Each test centre has a group of examiners, trained and certified by Cambridge University. Examiners are re-evaluated every two years. Besides that, the University delivers standardisation sessions and a monitored double-marking exercise every year at random.

These examiners are responsible for the clerical marking of Listening and Reading tests, marking the essays (two compositions) and conducting the interviews as well.

		If I am not happy with my results, can I have them reviewed?

	Yes. Candidates may apply for a re-mark (Enquiry on Results) at the centre where they took the test. This must be done within six weeks of the the test date. The candidate can choose which tests are re-marked. There is a fee for this service which will be refunded should the score on any test be increased. An Enquiry on Results can take up to six weeks to complete.

		Do IELTS results expire?

	No. The TRF – Test Report Form - only shows the date when the test was taken. The institution requiring IELTS has the right to set up a period of time in which the results may be accepted. There is a general rule which recommends that any proficiency test should be accepted during two years of having passed the exam.

		Is there an age limit or a minimum age to sit the test?

	No. There is no minimum age to sit IELTS test, but it is not recommended for candidates under the age of 16.

		What is required for special needs candidates? Any documentation? Do they have any special conditions to take the test?

There are different levels of ‘special needs’:

Special needs involving administrative arrangements only. Usually no additional document is necessary and the mention of special arrangements required in the application form is enough. Examples:
- If the candidate is left handed, an appropriate desk can be provided or
- Pregnant women can also be interviewed first, to avoid a long time in the waiting room, etc.
Please check with your centre
Special needs involving the allowance of extra time or the production of modified material, will need to be supported by medical evidence (an original document on headed paper, bearing the name, relevant qualification (s) and signature of a recognised practitioner).Examples :
- dyslexia (additional time may be allowed)
- severe hearing disabilities (special equipment may be allowed)
- visual difficulties (enlarged paper may be provided)
- blind candidates (a Braille version of the test is available)

Remark: all modified paper has to be ordered at least 4 months before the test date.

		How long do I need to wait to re-sit the exam?

	You don’t. As from 1st may 2006, it is possible to re-take the test at any time.

		Am I able to get extra copies of my IELTS results?

	Yes. Extra copies are available at the test centre at which the candidate took the test for a total of 2 years after the exam. The test centre will charge a small fee for each copy.

		What should I bring on the test day?

	Candidates are allowed to enter the test room with only their National ID or Passport, pencils, eraser and a pencil sharpener. Any other personal belongings should be left outside the test room. Please do not bring valuables as the test centre cannot be held responsible for them.

		What is the minimum score required for further education or immigration?

Each institution requiring IELTS can set up a minimum score. The candidate is responsible for checking it with the institution directly. But as a general rule, most of the Educational Institutions will ask for an IELTS overall band of 6.0 or 6.5. Some specific courses that are more linguistically demanding (Medicine, Law, Linguistics) might require more than these scores.

The relevant immigration departments should be contacted for further details about their specific requirements for General Training IELTS.