Frequently-Asked-Questions-Exams-British Council-Spain

Students with headphones on, Brazil - photographer Mat Wright copyright British Council

EXAMS



		IELTS


		English Language Exams with Cambridge ESOL


		Where and when to enrol for individuals

	Frequently Asked Questions

		WHEN CAN I TAKE my EXAM?

IELTS is held on a monthly basis, registration taking place at least five weeks before the test date.

Cambridge ESOL Main Suite and BEC take place two or three times year, registration being held three months in advance.

BULATS and Cambridge International Diplomas are available on demand.

UK universities and professional bodies fix their own exam dates.

Find out more at Where and when to enrol.

		WHERE CAN I TAKE my EXAM?

	You may take it in any of our centres in Spain. Before the exam date we will provide the address of the exam venue and directions to get there. We always try to ensure the premises are as convenient for you as possible. Contact us if you don’t live near any of our offices.

		WHICH EXAM CAN I TAKE WITH YOU?

	You can take a wide range of exams with us including IELTS and Cambridge Main Suite exams. We also offer business exams and a number of professional qualifications and UK exams.

		HOW DO I ENROL?

	Enrolment dates and availability of exams vary slightly between our centres. Please visit Where and when to enrol.

		HOW MUCH DOES MY EXAM COST?

	The fees vary from one exam to another. Access Where and when to enrol for updated information.

		ARE THERE FACILITIES FOR DISABLED CANDIDATES?

	Yes. Please tell us the exam, date and place which suit you and we’ll make the necessary arrangements. Some exams are available in Braille, large print and special audio format. We also have services for candidates with dyslexia and other learning difficulties. Please note you’ll have to submit the appropriate certification when you enrol.

		HOW CAN I FIND OUT ABOUT EXAM RECOGNITION?

Visit the following websites:

IELTS
Cambridge ESOL
University of Cambridge International Examinations

		HOW CAN I PREPARE MYSELF?

	It is very important that you learn the exam techniques and get used to the time limits by doing several past papers. Try to avoid studying the night before, it will make you tired and may lead to underperformance. Make sure you know the exact location of the exam venue and arrive before the starting time so that you are less pressed.

		HOW CAN I IMPROVE MY PERFORMANCE?

During the examination:

read the instructions carefully and make sure you answer the correct number of questions

read all the questions carefully

try to follow the recommended time per question, otherwise you may not be able to finish all the tasks

don’t be afraid if you come across a difficult task – other people will face the same situation - calm down, you can answer it

try to leave enough time to go over your work

don’t leave early – use the extra time to go over your answers.

		WHEN ARE RESULTS AVAILABLE?

			IELTS: certificates are available 13 days after the test date.
			Cambridge ESOL Main Suite and BEC: the results are available around eight weeks after the exam date.
			BULATS: results are immediate with the Computer Test and for the other tests takes ten to fifteen days.
			Cambridge International Diplomas: Results are released within ten weeks.
			Universities and professional bodies: The board will usually send them directly to you.

If you have enrolled through your teaching or language centre, the certificates will be sent directly to it. If you have enrolled as a private candidate, we will send them directly to the address you have stated at the moment of registration. If you haven’t received your results after ten weeks, please contact your British Council centre.

		HOW CAN I UNDERSTAND MY RESULTS?

			IELTS: you will get an overall mark and a score per section, all on a nine-band scale.
			FCE, CAE, CPE and BEC: pass marks are graded A,B or C. D represents narrow fail, and E fail. On the Statement of Results you will also have a graphic with your performance by paper.
			KET and PET: pass with merit, pass, narrow fail and fail.
			BULATS: overall mark and score per section over 100 and the corresponding ALTE and Council of Europe levels.
			Cambridge International Diplomas: it may vary between qualifications. Distinction, Pass, Fail.

		WHAT HAPPENS IF I DISAGREE WITH MY RESULT?

	Your exam will be marked by at least two independent professional examiners, and if necessary, by three and even four. Still, if you feel there is a problem, please first seek your teacher’s feedback. Then contact your British Council exam centre and we will explain the procedures to follow. Please note examining boards always retain the right to decide whether a revision is applicable or not.

		WHAT HAPPENS IF I FAIL?

	It’s not the end of the world If you fail you may always re-sit the exam. In all exams you may enrol for the following session.

		WHERE CAN I GET FURTHER INFORMATION ABOUT UK QUALIFICATIONS?

	Contact educationuk@britishcouncil.es

		SUGGESTIONS AND COMPLAINS

In the event a candidate wishes to make a complaint or suggestion regarding the administration service provided before and/or after the date of the exam, this should be sent in writing to the relevant examining centre. The British Council will reply to all messages received within seven days.

If any candidate is adversely affected by any incident during the exam which they consider may have a negative impact on their exam performance or the final exam result, they should present a detailed written description of the incident to their examination centre. The British Council will immediately submit details of the incident reported to University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations.

		CAN I WITHDRAW FROM THE EXAM?

Each Cambridge ESOL examination session has an specific period for cancellation. Please check with your centre.

Refunds due to medical circumstances are accepted at any time. The candidate must provide a medical certificate. If your request is accepted, the British Council will refund you the full fee less an administration fee. Please contact your examining centre for more specific information.