IELTS FAQs - Exams - British Council

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	IELTS


	International English Language Testing System

British Council no longer manages the IELTS test in Latvia. Starting from 1 February 2008 it is managed by the Baltic Council for International Education. If you are interested in dates and prices or want to register for an exam, please visit the website of the Baltic Council for International Education or call +371 67317628.

To find out more about IELTS read the answers to the most frequently asked questions.
In order to see the answer, click on a question below.

		Why take the IELTS test?

	IELTS is accepted by educational institutions in Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom, and increasingly in Canada, the USA, and other countries, as evidence of the language skills necessary for entry to university or college courses. Many other organisations around the world use IELTS scores for a range of purposes - for example immigration, recruitment and entry to training courses.

		What are the types of IELTS?

	There is only one type of IELTS test, but you can choose Academic or General Training Reading and Writing Modules. Academic if you are planing to undertake higher education in the UK, Australia, New Zealand or North America, or General Training if you are considering non-training or work experience or planning to emigrate.

		What does the IELTS consist of?

IELTS is made of four parts:

			Listening approximately 30 minutes
			Reading one hour
			Writing one hour
			Speaking 11 - 14 minutes

		How is the test marked?

IELTS is marked locally by trained examiners. The scores are recorded on a Test Report Form, showing overall ability as well as performance in listening, reading, writing and speaking. There are nine bands ranging from 'Band 1' ('an absolute beginner') to 'Band 9' ('an expert-user').
From 1 July 2007, the scores for each part of the test will still be reported on the scale from 1 to 9, but now the Writing and Speaking tests will be reported in whole or half bands in the same way as the Reading and Listening tests.
IELTS scores are valid for two years.

		How will I get the test results?

	Your results will be released on the 13th calendar day after the test day. You should collect your Test Report Form (TRF) in person. The TRF can also be sent to up to five institutions free of charge provided that you indicate the contact details of receiving institutions on your application form before or on the test date.

		What is the IELTS fee?

			Ls 98 if you pay before the registration deadline
			Ls 120 if you pay after the registration deadline

If you want to postpone or cancel your IELTS exam, a minimum of five weeks notice must be given; otherwise the full fee is forfeited.

If you are absent on the test day without prior notice, you will forfeit your full test fee. If a medical certificate is provided, then 90% of the test fee will be refunded.

		How to register for IELTS?

	IELTS in Latvia is administered by the Baltic Council for International Education. Information on how to register is available here.

		When can I take the IELTS test?

	Check the test dates for year 2008 here.

		How to prepare for the IELTS test?

Information on modules and test structure is available on www.ielts.org. Preparation materials are available at the Library of Foreign Languages at Riga Congress Hall, Kr. Valdemara Street 5.

If you want to attend IELTS preparation courses, you can choose any language school that provides courses. An indicative list is available here.

		How to obtain additional Test Report Forms?

Candidates who passed the test and received the Test Report Form before 1 February 2008 can apply for additional IELTS Test Report Forms (TRFs) to be sent direct to Receiving Organisations for the two year period in their results remain valid. This service is provided by Cambridge ESOL Examinations.
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 at www.ielts.org.
Candidates wishing to apply should download and accurately complete all parts of the application form. You will need to scan the completed form and send it by email to Cambridge ESOL Application Support esolitqa@cambridgeesol.org.

Candidates who passed the test after 1 February 2008 should contact the Baltic Council for International Education in order to apply for additional Test Report Form.