When you register to take an IELTS test you will receive a confirmation letter as well as an email giving you information about the test venue and starting time.
The test starts punctually at 9am and you need to arrive at the latest by 8.30 am. If you arrive after the start of the test you will not be allowed to take the test on that date.
You will have to leave all your belongings in a cloakroom. The cloakroom will be locked for the duration of the exam, but we strongly recommend not to bring any valuables, mobile phones etc to the test venue. British Council is not responsible for loss or damage to your personal belongings at the test venue.
An ID Check will take place before you can enter the test room. You must bring along the ID (National Identity Card or Passport) that you stated in your application form. Driving licenses and student IDs are not acceptable proof of identity. Candidates without a valid ID will not be allowed to sit the test.
- valid ID
- a pencil/ pen/ highlighter
- an eraser
- a bottle of water
You are not allowed to bring into the examination room any food, electronic devices e.g. mobile phones, electronic translators. If any of these items are found in your possession you will be disqualified.
At 9am the test starts with a welcome and a short introduction from your supervisor.
Please note that there are no breaks between the first three parts of the test.
Listening Test
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takes around 30 minutes plus 10 minutes for transferring answers to the answer sheet |
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the text is recorded on a CD which contains all the instructions and necessary pauses |
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the supervisor will conduct a sound check before beginning the test |
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once the CD has started it can not be stopped for questions so please make sure you ask any relevant questions before the CD begins |
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you must use a pencil and not a pen on the answer sheet |
Reading Test
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takes 60 minutes and contains 3 sections of increasing difficulty |
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regular time checks will be given by the supervisor |
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please note there will be NO extra time to transfer answers to the answer sheet |
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if you need to ask a question raise your hand and an invigilator will come to you |
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you must use a pencil and not a pen on the answer sheet |
Writing Test
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takes 60 minutes |
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task one requires at least 150 words and should take about 20 minutes |
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task two requires at least 250 words and should take about 40 minutes |
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You must use your own ideas. Pre-prepared answers will lose marks. |
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You will lose marks for essays which are under the specified word count |
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Regular time checks will be given by the supervisor |
Speaking Test
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a face to face interview of 11 to 14 mins with a trained IELTS examiner |
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you will need to arrive 15 minutes before the scheduled interview time |
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The time of your speaking test will be given to you on the morning of the test day |
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You will be asked to leave your personal belongings outside the exam room |
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you will be asked to present your ID document to the IELTS examiner |
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All test are recorded for double marking purposes |
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You will be asked to leave the test centre once your speaking test is over |
Usually the speaking test takes place on the afternoon of the test day. Occasionally speaking tests are conducted on the Friday before the test date. If this is the case you will receive a notification. However, please be assured that we do our best to accommodate your needs and to ensure that candidates travelling long distances to the test venue are tested on the same day.
We would suggest that you also read the official IELTS Test Day Advice and download the IELTS handbook  for more information
If you would like to know more about preparing for the IELTS test, please visit our IELTS preparation pages.
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