Are you planning to study or train abroad? Are you applying to an institution and need to prove your level of English? Do you need to raise your standard in English? Then we can help you with an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) exam.

IELTS assesses whether you are ready to study in English or live in an English-speaking country. It tests your ability to listen, read, write and speak in academic or general training contexts. It is the preferred test of most universities in the United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand an also widely recognised in Canada and the USA. A good IELTS score is a requirement for further and higher education worldwide.

WHERE IS IELTS RECOGNISED?
IELTS is accepted by most UK, Australian, Canadian and New Zealand academic institutions. In the United States it is increasingly gaining recognition as an alternative to TOEFL (Teaching of English as a Foreign Language).

WHAT TYPE OF IELTS SHOULD YOU TAKE?
You can take either the Academic or General Training Reading and Writing modules.
Choose the Academic Reading and Writing module if you are planning to undertake academic study in a higher education institution.
If you are planning to undertake non-academic training or apply for immigration to Australia, Canada or New Zealand, we recommend you take the General Training Reading and Writing modules.
You will be tested in listening, reading, writing and speaking whichever module you decide to take. If you are unsure of which module to take, please contact the relevant authority to find out which version to take. We are not able to advise you which version to take as these requirements are set by the relevant authorities.

WHEN AND HOW WILL YOU RECEIVE YOUR RESULTS?
The test is marked at our centre to help us make sure you receive your results within 13 working days. Download a copy of the IELTS handbook for more detailed information.

WHEN CAN I TAKE IELTS?
Tests are held twice every month. The IELTS test dates for 2008 are:

NOTE: The dates with asterisks (*) are for Academic Module ONLY

HOW MUCH DOES IELTS COST?
IELTS test fee KSHS 13,000.
IELTS sample materials pack KSHS 2,500.
Test Report Form Postage: (The postage charges may be subjected to change as dictated by the service providers).
a)Abroad via DHL Kenya KSHS 2,500.
b)Abroad via registered mail Kenya KSHS 500.

WHAT IS THE IELTS EXAM FORMAT?
There are four papers: listening, reading, writing and speaking. The exam takes place on one day. For the first part, you will do listening, reading and writing, which will take approximately 3 hours. For the next part you will have your 15-minute speaking test. There is a choice of Academic or General Training modules.

Choose Academic if you are planning to undertake higher education study or if you wish to register with the Medical or Nursing Council in the UK, USA, Australia and New Zealand. Choose General Training if you are considering non-academic training, work experience, or need IELTS for immigration purposes.

HOW DO I REGISTER?
You can register for the IELTS test at our centres in Nairobi and Mombasa. However the tests are only held in Nairobi. To register, you need to bring with you a passport size photo of yourself, your original identification document and a photocopy of the same. You will be given a registration form to complete and asked to pay your fees and obtain an official receipt.

WHAT HAPPENS ON THE TEST DATE?
The IELTS exam starts at exactly 9:00am. You should arrive at the test venue by 8:30am to complete pre-test requirements and to check your candidate number and seat assignment. Bring with you pencils, sharpener and eraser and your official identification document.

WHEN DO I GET MY RESULTS?
Your IELTS test results will be available thirteen days after the test date. Results will be returned to you as a Test Report Form. There is no pass or fail mark. Scores are given on a band scale of one to nine (with one being a non-user and nine being an expert user of the English language). Your Test Report Form will be ready for pick-up at the British Council office or will be mailed to the address indicated on your application form. We do not give test results over the telephone or by email.

You will only receive one original Test Report Form. This is a very valuable document and it is recommended that you take due care in keeping your Test Report Form secure. IT CAN NOT BE REPLACED. Your IELTS test result is valid for two years. However, some universities or organizations may have their own regulations on the period of validity.

HOW CAN I PREPARE FOR THE IELTS EXAM?
You can take a one-day IELTS Preparation course to help you prepare for the IELTS test. Click here to find out more. You can also purchase an IELTS sample materials pack from our centres in Nairobi and Mombasa. The pack contains a full practice test with an answer key and a CD of the listening test so that you can get an idea of the level and familiarise yourself with the format of the test.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION
No refunds or re-scheduling will be allowed unless the request is received 5 weeks in advance of the test date.

The British Council reserves the right to cancel any examination and to refuse to accept any application for examination. If the British Council cancels the examination, a full refund of the application fee will be made to you. The British Council also reserves the right to change examination dates if necessary.

As for Test Times, we would appreciate if it was noted that the candidates are required to be at the Test Venue British Council Nairobi, Upper Hill Road not later than 8:15 a.m. on the Test Date. This usually is the Test Venue unless otherwise the candidates are advised in advance about any changes.

If you are sitting an IELTS English test, you may want to attend an IELTS workshop to help you achieve the best results.

WHEN AND WHERE WILL THE TEST AND WORKSHOPS BE?
Although test dates vary, we run a regular service. Either view the events calendar or select your country or town from the drop down box to find out when you can take your test.

Please visit the official IELTS website www.ielts.org for more information.

Good luck!

CONTACT US:
British Council Nairobi
Upperhill Road
PO Box 40751
Nairobi 00100
Telephone: +254 (0)20 283 6000
Email: exams@britishcouncil.or.ke

British Council Mombasa
Jubilee Insurance Building, Moi Avenue
PO Box 90590, Mombasa
Telephone: +254 (0)41 222 3076, 231 5342
Email: mombasa@britishcouncil.or.ke

We are open for registration and enquiries from 9.30a.m. to 4.00p.m. Mondays to Fridays.