FAQ - IELTS - British Council

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IELTS Official website

IELTS



		Dates and Fees


		Results and Scoring


		Which exam to take


		FAQ

	Frequently Asked Questions

		Do I have to register in person?

	You can send someone who lives in Havana to register for you. This person must bring two recent photos, a photocopy of your document of identification, (ID card or passport), the completed form (which can be downloaded at www.ielts.org), and the payment of CUC 150 (see the Dates and Fees page).

		What is the closing date for registering for a test?

	You may register as late as the day before the test (from Monday to Friday in our offices, from 0900 to 1200), as long as there are spaces available.

		If I cannot collect the results myself, can I send someone else to do so?

	Yes. You must send a photocopy of your document of identification and a letter of authorisation giving someone permission to collect your results.

		What is the difference between IELTS and TOEFL?

IELTS is an examination in English language proficiency prepared by the University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations, in association with the British Council and IDP Australia. This examination is an internationally recognised examination in communicative skills in English in two modules - Academic and General training. All candidates receive an overall result for the exam, as well as individual assessments of each of the four language skills. The TOEFL exam is similar in its objectives, and is an American test of English as a foreign language.

		What is IELTS certificate useful for?

	IELTS can be used for overseas study and training, and for immigration purposes. For example, at the moment, the Canadian Embassy in Havana requests candidates for emigration to Canada to take the IELTS test. It is also used for entry into certain professions in Australia and UK.

		Validation of test results for IELTS?

	All IELTS tests are valid for 2 years. Generally speaking, once this period has expired you will need to take the test again.

		What is the IELTS exam like?

The Modules are always taken in the same order: Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking. They are usually taken on the same day - but in some cases the Speaking test may be taken up to two days after the other modules. The complete test takes a total of 2 hours and 45 minutes.

In the Listening and Reading tests, the texts used and the tasks set get progressively more difficult. Typical task types may include multiple choice, short answer questions, sentence completion, completing diagrams and identifying attitudes.

		What level of English do I need to take an IELTS exam?

	There is no required English language level, but IELTS is an examination which is recommended for those people who have studied English for a number of years. In addition, IELTS is aimed at adults and is generally not suitable for people under 16 years of age.

		What do the results mean?

Scores are recorded on an official Test Report Form, showing overall ability as well as performance in listening, reading, writing and speaking. All scores are given on a nine band scale, from non-user to expert user with "a fully operational command of the language". Different institutions have their own entrance requirements and may require minimum scores in particular modules. In general, universities request an overall band score of 6.0 or 6.5 for entrance to academic courses. You are advised to check the score required with the particular institution to which you are applying.

		Can I query my results?

Your answers to the Reading and Listening sections of the test are entered on a test grid and these are marked against acceptable answers on a master sheet. These can be checked again if requested. However, all marking and additions are double checked at the time of marking and errors are extremely infrequent. The Writing and Speaking sections are marked by trained and experienced examiners. Their assessments can only be re-marked by examiners in the UK and you must request this from our office.

		I have not attained the mark I needed. When can I take the test again?

	All candidates from 1 May 2006 will be able to repeat at the next available test, regardless of the date of their previous test.

		How can I get extra copies?

	You must pay a fee of USD 10 for a copy of the certificate. If you want your certificate to be sent to an institution you must also pay courier costs.