Frequently asked questions - IELTS - British Council

	Frequently asked questions

Home > Examinations > IELTS > IELTS frequently asked questions

		What is IELTS?

IELTS is the International English Language Testing System. It is the world’s number one English language test, taken by over 1 million people every year from across the world. Since 1989, IELTS has been proven and trusted worldwide to provide a secure, global, authentic and customer-focussed test which is a reliable indicator of a candidate’s ability to communicate in English. IELTS has been developed by the British Council in partnership with IELTS Australia and Cambridge ESOL on the strength of forty years of research.
IELTS is jointly owned by the British Council, IDP: IELTS Australia and University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations.
IELTS is jointly delivered in Japan by STEP and the British Council.
IELTS is designed for those who are 16 years old and over.

		How can I prepare for IELTS?

	It's important to familarise yourself with the format of the test as outlined here. You may find it helpful to do a practice test. Please go to Free IELTS practice zone. If you would like assistance with test preparation, the British Council offers IELTS preparation courses and other courses.

		How often can I repeat the IELTS exam?

You can repeat the exam as often as you like. There is no waiting period. If you do not get the result you wanted, you can register for another test as soon as you feel you are ready to do so. Please note that you score is unlikely to increase unless you make a significant effort to improve your English before re-taking the test. The regulation requiring a 90-day interval between tests was abolished worldwide in May 2006.

		How long does it take to get my test result?

We issue and post the result 13 days after the written examination has taken place.

For details please go to STEP's website.

		I took an IELTS test abroad. How can I request a TRF (Test Report Form)?

	You need to contact the test centre where you took the test to request a TRF.

		Can I take a mock IELTS test?

	IELTS (the University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations (Cambridge ESOL), IELTS Australia, British Council, STEP) does not offer mock test. Please check Cambridge ESOL website to find IELTS sample quetions. Also, we have the IELTS Practice Zone.

		Is it possible to register for an IELTS examination close to the application deadline?

	If you are able to choose the test date you want on the online registration page, it means that there are still seats available in the session and you can register for them online. By post; you can take the test if your application form is received before the deadline and if the test session is not already full.

		What kind of ID is accepted for IELTS?

Only valid passports are accepted. No other ID is accepted for IELTS registration.
Candidates are required to bring their valid passports which were used for application on the test date. If you forget to bring your valid passport, you can NOT take the IELTS examination. No refund or change in the test date will be permitted. If you can not bring your passport on the test date because of a VISA application, please contact STEP IELTS Unit by phone (03-3266-6852) or email jp500ielts@eiken.or.jp before you reregister.

		Even though it is before the application deadline, I can not select the test date I want in order to register.

	Only the test dates which have seats available are shown on the screen. If you can not select the date, it means that the session is already fully booked.

		Can I change my test date or test location?

	If you wish to change your test, you may do so up to 5 weeks before the date of the written test. Please note that requested changes of date or module are strictly subject to availability. Send completed “Request Form for Change” to the test centre by registration closing date.

		I haven't received the invitation letter for my IELTS examination and it is 10 days before my test date.

	The invitation letter is sent out 2 weeks before the test date from STEP IELTS Unit. Please check your online registration account to confirm whether your registration has been successfully completed or not. When you have confirmed your registration, please contact STEP IELTS Unit as soon as possible.

		I have forgotten my username and password.

	Please contact STEP IELTS Unit by phone (03-3266-6852) or email (jp500ielts@eiken.or.jp).

		I would like to know more about the test date for the speaking test.

Test date for the speaking test for Tokyo and Osaka is scheduled for the following Sunday in general. In other cities, speaking test takes place in the afternoon of the listening, reading, writing test day. In IELTS regulations the speaking test could take place anytime between 6days before or after the written module test, and is subjected to change. Please make sure you have checked the date listed on the invitation letter, which you should receive approximately two weeks before the test date. We regret that we cannot accept any request or for change of the speaking test day or time.

		I was asked to submit two copies of my ID photos. Why?

You will need to submit new ID photos if one or more of the following apply to the pictures you have submitted:

Glasses or headphones are being worn
Eyes are covered by fringe
Top of the head is not in the frame
Picture has a non-blank background
Home-printed photo with low resolution
Taken from an angle
Not clear
Wrong size

Pictures to which one or more of the conditions above apply will not be accepted as an ID photos. Please submit two ID photos. (passport size 45mm x 35mm, must be taken at either a photo studio or an ID Photo booth - we will not accept pictures taken at home) . Those pictures must be;

No more than 6 months old
Taken without a hat, large hair-band, sunglasses or other glasses

		I have enquiries on my test result.

Please contact STEP IELTS Unit By phone (03-3266-6852) or email to jp500ielts@eiken.or.jp. Please be aware that you must make the Enquiry on Results application no later than six weeks after the test date. You can choose which test components are re-marked. There is a fee for this service which will be refunded if your score on any component is increased Enquiries on Results take six to eight weeks to complete.

		I have tried calling STEP IELTS phone number, but no one picked up my call.

	Please wait a while and try again. STEP IELTS phone line operating hours are Monday to Friday (except public holidays) between 9:30 - 13:00 and 14:00 - 17:30.

		I have registered by post. Can I see my result online too?

	You will receive your IELTS ID and password with your Test Report Form. You will need this information to see your result on ONLINE IELTS RESULTS SERVICE.