Important Notice on IELTS Biometric Security Enhancement System

The security enhanced personal identification system which had been introduced in Japan since February 2012, has been fully implemented as of June 2012. The new system is used in accordance with world-wide IELTS regulations.

The biometric security enhancement system will consist of test day photography and finger scanning before the written test and will also be used to confirm the identity of candidates when they enter and exit the room as well as for the speaking test.

Candidates will:
need to produce a valid passport at the registration desk.
have their right index finger scanned.
have their photo taken.

All candidates must follow the above procedure to take IELTS. Refusing to take part in any or all of the procedure will result in not being able to sit the test and will not be eligible for any refunds or test day transfers of any kind.

"Take IELTS"site launched.

Changes in requesting extra TRF (Test Report Form) after 19th June 2010.
Candidates are permitted to apply for additional IELTS Test Report Form (TRFs) to be sent direct to Receiving Organisations for the two year period in their results remain valid.  As we are no longer operating as an IELTS Centre, this service will be provided by Cambridge ESOL Examinations from 19 June 2010.

You can continue to request for issuing additional TRF to BC Tokyo and Osaka Test Centre until 18 June 2010. In case you need to notify your IELTS result to institutions, some of institutions are able to check your IELTS results online by notifying them of your TRF number which is listed right hand bottom of your TRF.

• Effective date: 19 June 2010, all the additional TRF requests received later than this date.
• Who can apply for: A candidate can request additional TRF for IELTS tests within 2 years (written exam) at venues listed below;
  - British Council Tokyo Test Centre (JP003） - Tokyo, Nagoya
  - British Council Osaka Test Centre (JP019） - Osaka, Kyoto, Fukuoka
  Required Documents: For identification your application must be accompanied by a scan of your passport or national identity card which clearly shows your photograph.
  ※ Please copy the passport you used for the IELTS test you are requesting.
• Application procedure: Candidates wishing to apply should download and accurately complete all parts of the application form here. Please go to IELTS > Test Takers > FAQs > Test Results Q5 > Application for additional TRFs (from closed centres) form.
  You will find instructions under Test Result Section, point no. 5 "How can I order more Test Report Forms if my test centre has closed since I took the test." Please read the instructions carefully and ensure that you follow each step correctly.
• Sending destination of TRF: Please note that Cambridge ESOL is not able to provide replacement copies of TRFs to candidates, nor will they send TRFs to individuals, residential addresses or agents. If you require your TRF to be sent to support a visa application to another country, Cambridge ESOL will only send direct to the immigration authorities that are registered with the Global Recognition System.
• Note: Providing inaccurate or incomplete information may delay your application as this is used for checking the identity of candidates. Applications that are not accompanied by a scanned copy of a passport/national identity card will be rejected.
• How soon TRF send: Your application will take up to 10 working days to process once all of the required information has been received, based on working week of Monday – Friday. Please note this does not include delivery time, which varies according to distance and country.
• Courier: All TRFs to be sent outside the UK will be sent by courier (DHL, FEDEX etc) but for destinations within the UK they will be sent by the Royal Mail Special Delivery.
• Fee: There is currently no charge for this service.

Change in where to apply and enquiries
IELTS in Japan will be jointly delivered in Japan by STEP and the British Council from April 2010.  IELTS candidates are kindly requested to check IELTS test dates and make their applications to STEP.
Please see STEP's website for details.

<Overview of Joint Delivery>
Press Release on 17 Nov 2009 "STEP and British Council - Agreement on joint operation of the IELTS English language proficiency test"（PDF 79KB）