IELTS aims to assess the English language communication skills of all test takers fairly and objectively.

We can make arrangements to accommodate special requirements to enable everybody to take the IELTS test.

If you have a disability or another condition which might require special attention, let us know as soon as you can. Each case is considered individually, so we will need a medical certificate from you to be able to make the necessary arrangements.

In this case your application must be supported by medical evidence, which should meet the following criteria:

			The medical evidence should be legible and either in English, German, French or Italian.
			The medical evidence should be an original document on headed paper and bearing the name, relevant qualification(s) and signature of a recognised practitioner.
			The medical evidence should give a clear statement of the candidate’s disability.
			The medical evidence should make it clear how the disability justifies Special Arrangements.
			Additional criteria apply in the case of applications for Special Arrangements for candidates with specific learning difficulties (e.g. dyslexia): The medical evidence must be in the form of a report prepared in a period no more than two years before the test date.

We require a minimum of three months' notice to put special arrangements in place. We need to confirm arrangements with Cambridge, and modified versions of the test may need to be prepared (for example, in Braille).

Visual difficulties

A range of options is available, including enlarged print, and a Braille version of the question papers.

Answers may be recorded in a variety of ways, e.g. via an amanuensis, or using a Braille machine or word-processor, and extra time may be allowed for completion of Reading and Writing Modules.

A special needs version of the Listening Module is also available.

Hearing difficulties

If you have partial hearing loss and can hear with the help of headphones or special amplification equipment you may ask for permission to use this equipment when taking listening modules.

A lip-reading version of the Listening Module is available.

In the case of severe hearing difficulties, you can apply for exemption from the Speaking and/or Listening Modules.

Learning difficulties (eg: dyslexia)

You can apply for up to 30 minutes extra time to complete the Reading and Writing Modules.