What is IELTS?
Academic or General Training Module?
Why take IELTS?
Who accepts IELTS?

What is IELTS?

IELTS is the International English Language Testing System which tests English proficiency across the globe. Conducting 1.5 million tests globally, IELTS is the world’s most popular English testing system. IELTS tests are held in over 500 centres. IELTS respects international diversity and is fair to anyone who sits the test, regardless of nationality.

The effectiveness of IELTS has been proven since 1989. Leading experts in language assessment have designed the test to be fair, accurate and relevant wherever and whenever it is taken.

Uniquely IELTS tests your English conversation skills through a face-to-face Speaking test which means that you are assessed by having a conversation with a real person. This is the most effective and natural way of testing your English conversation skills.

You can choose from two types of IELTS test, depending on whether you want to study (Academic), work or migrate (General Training). Both modules are made up of four parts – Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking.

For more information, download the Information for candidates booklet.

You can trust the quality and security of IELTS because it is managed by three reputable, international organizations: British Council, IDP: IELTS Australia and the University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations.

Academic or General Training Module?

We recommend you to check with the school/organisation you want to apply to before you book the test. As different types of test papers are booked cancellation fees apply once you want to transfer between the modules after registration deadline.

Please use our IELTS Global search tool to find out the module needed by any education, emigration, employment, professional registration or training body that accepts IELTS worldwide.  

Why take IELTS?

• British Council Bratislava offers IELTS every month. In December, January and February we try to offer at least 2 test dates a month. On most test dates both modules are available. Check test availability.
• Use IELTS in Slovakia as an alternative to the local “maturita” in English.
• Simple online registration via the IELTS Online Registration System. Please note registration is usually closed 5 weeks before the test date. If free places are available registration is prolonged till up to 5 working days before the test day.   
• Results issued in only 13 days! Results available online to candidates by midday, using very simple Check Online Results tool. Certificates/Test Report Forms are sent by registered mail on the same day directly to candidates and any institutions/schools/employers entered in candidate’s registration.
• IELTS tests are guaranteed to show your true ability to communicate in English across all four language skills – listening, reading, writing and speaking, in a way that is relevant to the real world.
• Almost all universities in Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the UK accept IELTS. Check our IELTS Global search tool.
• In the USA, IELTS is accepted by over 2,000 universities, colleges and faculties, including Ivy League. See the up-to-date list of Recognising Organisations in the USA.
• IELTS is used for immigration to Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the UK.
• Employers, professional and training bodies in areas such as law and medicine in English-speaking countries and beyond accept IELTS.
• IELTS tests international English; no UK or US bias.
• IELTS test is valid for 2 years from the test date and you can ask for Additional TRF which is normally issued and sent within 3 working days.

Who accepts IELTS?

IELTS scores are trusted around the world.
You can be confident that your score will be accepted by over 6,000 institutions, business and governments in English-speaking countries worldwide.
You can find out the score you need to access the education, emigration, employment, professional registration or training opportunity of your choice by usingIELTS Global search tool.

Useful Links:

Check test availability
Simple online registration
Information for candidates
Who accepts IELTS?
List of Recognising Organisations in the USA

IELTS Test Dates
Registration

IELTS Test Dates

British Council Bratislava offers IELTS every month. In December, January and February we try to offer at least 2 test dates a month. On most test dates both modules are available. Check test availability using the Online Registration System.

Registration is normally open up to 5 weeks before the test day. By that time candidate’s application must be complete.

The test fee is €185.

IELTS tests are normally taken on Saturdays, with some sessions on Thursdays. The Listening, Reading and Writing tests are all taken on the same day. Part Speaking of the IELTS test may take place up to seven days before or after the date of the written part of the test. If this is the case, candidates are informed in the invitation letter e-mailed to them only after their registration is complete and not later than 2 weeks before the test day.

Click here for a .pdf version of British Council Bratislava 2012 IELTS test dates or see the table below:

Click here for a .pdf version of British Council Bratislava 2013 IELTS test dates or see the table below:

IELTS tests are administered only in Bratislava.

Registration

IELTS is offered on a first come first served basis.
We can only guarantee a place in the exam after your registration is complete including online application, ID copy, 2 photos and payment all submitted before the stated deadline.

Registration for IELTS was never easier…

1. Read Information for Candidates, Refund and Transfer Policy and supporting information on our website or at our reception area, send any enquiries to exams@britishcouncil.sk.
2. Check availability of required module and registration deadline.
3. Online Registration.
4. Send copy of your ID and 2 photos and {this last one is optional} up to 5 institution addresses where you would like to have your results sent to.
5. Payment.

Step 1
All documents mentioned in Step 1 are available to read or for download here on our website.

Step 2
If you register during registration period your place is guaranteed. Do not hesitate to contact us for available places (cancellations or test date transfers occur regularly) even after registration period. There is no late registration fee for IELTS.

Step 3
Candidates can register for IELTS online through IELTS Online Registration System from anywhere in the world or at the British Council office in Bratislava. If you are a student of British Council or a language school we or the school may register you on your behalf. Please make sure that the address in your registration is a valid postal address including town and ZIP as this is the address where we will send your results. Also use a valid e-mail address so that you will receive all our reminders, invitation and information before and after the test day.

Step 4
The following documents must reach British Council within 5 days after registering for the test at the latest:

• 2 recent colour photographs without glasses. Please remember to put your name and surname as well as the test date on the other side of the photograph.
• A clearly legible copy of your valid ID or passport. Please sign the copy. On the exam day you will need to provide this ID. This is the only form of identity that will be accepted on the test day. Candidates taking test outside of their own country must present a valid passport.
• Optional. Send up to 5 institution addresses where you would like to have your results sent to either with the documents above or by e-mail within 12 days after the test day.

Step 5
Once you have registered successfully, you will receive a confirmation email generated automatically by our system with information how to pay the IELTS fee (EUR185). Candidates can pay via bank transfer, in cash or by credit card.

			Account number:		200 847 0006
			Bank code:		8130 (Citibank Slovakia a.s.)
			Variable symbol:		from the confirmation e-mail generated automatically by our online registration system
			IBAN Code:		SK94 8130 0000 0020 0847 0006 (for international payments)
			SWIFT:		CITISKBA (for international payments)

Always use variable symbol as it helps us to identify your payment. Once we allocate your payment to your registration you will be sent an automated message with your access codes to online preparation called “Road to IELTS”.
Incomplete applications (e.g. no photos) will not be processed!
An invitation letter specifying the time and place of the test will be sent to your e-mail address 2 to 3 weeks before the test date only if your registration is complete.

Useful Links:

Check test availability
2012 IELTS test dates
Online registration system
Information for candidates
Registration flyer

Road to IELTS
IELTS Workshop
IELTS Self-study books
IELTS Preparation Course

Road to IELTS

We have launched extra examination preparation benefits – free 30 hours online preparation – for registered IELTS candidates. The self-study preparation course ‘Road to IELTS’, written by the British Council, is now available online in the Slovak Republic as a free added-value service for IELTS candidates. The course takes the test candidate through all four parts of the test; reading, listening, speaking and writing. The material gives explanations of question types, provides tips on how to handle the tasks and provides online scoring of exercises so that candidates can assess their level and progress. In the speaking section, sample videos take the learner through each stage of the speaking test.

What is Road to IELTS Online?

• 30 hours of free online self study materials from the British Council to support your preparation
• Exclusively for registered candidates  
• 3 units, each based on commonly used IELTS topics
• Each unit covers all four sections of the exam (reading, listening, writing and speaking).

What will the materials allow me to do?

• practise IELTS listening tasks under timed conditions
• view sample videos of speaking tests, highlighting good and less good practice
• develop vocabulary and techniques for writing tasks 1 and 2
• work on authentic texts for the reading test as in the real exam
• develop vocabulary in topic areas commonly used in the IELTS exam

What are the advantages for me?

• Instant Feedback. Gain instant feedback on your performance and monitor your personal progress.
• Understand your mistakes. See the correct answers and receive tips and hints to help you improve.
• Develop Confidence. As the exercises are based on real IELTS tasks, you become more familiar with the test and so feel more confident.

‘Road to IELTS Online’ is available now and is open to any person who has registered for an IELTS test with the British Council in the Slovak Republic and paid the exam fee. The access to this online preparation site is unique for each applicant who will receive it via an automatic e-mail message once his payment has been identified by British Council Exams team.

IELTS Workshop

Owing to the huge interest of exam candidates and teachers the Teaching Centre at the British Council Bratislava, Slovakia, has prepared a special IELTS preparation programme. This specially designed 6-hour workshop will cover all the key skills of the exam – Speaking, Writing, Reading and Listening with a special emphasis on the aspects of Speaking and Writing as they are often the most problematic for students. The main purpose of the training is to guide candidates and teachers through the skills necessary to pass the exam at the appropriate level. The workshop is mainly aimed at candidates taking the Academic Module and teachers preparing their students for IELTS exam (Academic Module).

The IELTS workshop is usually available on the last Wednesday or Friday before the Saturday test date (9.30–16.30) and its price is 90 EUR. Places are limited. Check our home page for the following Workshop date.

Please confirm your interest by sending your personal details (name, address, date of birth and contact telephone number) by E-mail at least 5 days before the IELTS Workshop date. We will confirm your registration by sending you your attendance number together with our payment details. Please notice that workshop can be cancelled in case of insufficient number of attendees.  

Here’s what a customer who attended the workshop in July recently wrote to us: “I am writing to let you know that I am a proud student of the University of Birmingham now and I would like to thank you for your workshop at the British Council. I am so happy that I made it on the first attempt. I achieved 7.5 overall :)) What is more, 8.5 from listening and 8 from reading.”

IELTS Self-study books

You can prepare yourself by using self-study materials.

We offer the IELTS Specimen Materials Packs with CD. They have been produced according to Cambridge ESOL's Question Paper Production cycle and are the only preparation resources that are endorsed by all three IELTS partners. This includes a full practice test with answer key so you can gain experience in the format of the test and get an idea of your level.

IELTS Specimen Materials Packs with CD will help you

• Get an idea of what the test is like.
• Find out whether your English is at an appropriate level.
• Test yourself before you take the test.

You can purchase this material from us personally, or we can ship it to you within one week.
E-mail us or call us at 02/54431074.
The price including shipment costs is EUR 20–22.

IELTS Preparation course

This 10 week course focuses on the 4 s    ections of the IELTS exam and gives the students broad coverage and practice in the skills needed to better cope with the demands of the test. The course caters for both General and Academic modules. You can enrol for this course as for any other courses we offer during registration period before each term.

Useful Links:

Our Courses
Registration for Our Courses

What sort of help we can provide for disabled candidates
If you have a visual impairment
If you have hearing difficulties
If you have learning difficulties

What sort of help we can provide for disabled candidates

The IELTS test is a fair test.

Your English language ability will be assessed objectively, regardless of any disability that you may have.

You will need to provide a medical certificate not older than two years and or contact us to discuss your special needs at least 3 months before you plan to sit the IELTS test.

The medical certificate must be an original document on headed paper, and bearing the name, relevant qualification and signature of a recognized practitioner and should give a clear statement of the candidate’s disability.

Applications for modified material (e.g. Braille test papers, lip-reading version of the Listening test) must be made at least 3 months in advance of the test date.

Applications for administrative arrangements (e.g. extra time, word processor) must be made at least 6 weeks in advance.

If you have a visual impairment,
we can provide:

• enlarged print (e.g. we enlarge the standard question paper making no changes to the layout or material an you will receive A3 size question papers, usually 15.5 point)
• Braille test papers
• an amanuensis to write answers
• a Braille word-processor
• extra time (25-100% depending on your medical certificate)
• you may use a typewriter or PC or you may dictate your answers to an amanuensis
• you can use magnifying glass or hand-held scanning apparatus
• you may ask for a 'reader' to read and re-read questions to you

The Listening test arrangements for candidates with a visual impairment:

• The Supervisor will stop the tape at certain points during each part to allow you enough time to write one or more answers.
• The Supervisor will stop the tape after each part to allow you enough time to check your answers.
• A reader is a person who will read the questions out to you. Note that the reader will not explain the questions to you or offer any advice.
• An amanuensis is a person who will write down your answers. If you would like an amanuensis to write down your answers, you should note that you will be asked to spell certain words, you must also indicate punctuation. The amanuensis will also read your answers back to you if you wish.
• We recommend that you practice with a reader/amanuensis before the examination. For example, you should make sure that you can spell out the letters of the alphabet.

If you have hearing difficulties,
we can arrange:

• headphones or special amplification equipment for the Listening test if you suffer from partial hearing
• a lip-reading version of the Listening module in case of total deafness  
• extra time for the Speaking test if it takes you longer than usual to say things or to understand what people say to you

A Lip-reading version of the Listening test for candidates with hearing difficulties:

• During the lip-reading version of the listening test the first time, the supervisor will read the text straight through without stopping.
• The second time the supervisor will pause while reading the text. This is to give you time to think about the text and questions, and/or write one or more answers.

If you have learning difficulties,
for example dyslexia and/or dysgraphia, we can arrange:

• a pc for the Listening, Reading and Writing test
• extra time for the Listening test (only the part of the test when the candidate is supposed to transfer the answers to the answer sheet)
• extra time for the Reading and Writing tests (25-50% depending on your medical certificate)

Useful Links:

Check test availability
Information for candidates

Before your test
Your IELTS test date

Before your test

• Read the invitation. You will find there all important information essential for you.
• Check the start time and location of your IELTS test venue, together with instructions how to get there so that you arrive on time for registration.
• Read full details of the IELTS test terms and conditions for further and detailed information about your IELTS test day.

Your IELTS test date

• Our venue staff is friendly, welcoming and highly professional. We try to deliver IELTS test fairly and securely. Please follow the instructions of the venue staff carefully.
• Please arrive on time for your registration. No candidates are allowed in the test room after the test has officially started (normally after 9 am).
• Switch off your mobile phone (not silent mode).
• You will be asked to place your personal belongings along with your handbag, ID and mobile phone in a cloak room. The cloak room provided is for IELTS candidates only and must be locked or supervised.
• Candidates have to identify themselves with the ID used in their online or paper application. If you arrive with the wrong ID, you will not be allowed to take the test. Candidates who sit the test abroad have to register with their passport.
• We will take a photograph of you on the test day and this photograph will appear on your Test Report Form. For more information see IELTS candidate identity verification.
• There are no breaks between the Listening, Reading and Writing tests. It will take 2 hours and 40 minutes to complete this written part of the IELTS test.
• We recommend you eat and drink beforehand as no food is allowed into the test room; you will only be allowed to take a drink in a transparent bottle (no cans or coffee cups).
• You will need only your pen or pencil and your ID on your desk. We provide pencils, erasers, sharpeners for all candidates. Please note the Listening and Reading answer sheet must be filled in by pencil.  
• If you need to go to the toilet during the test (not allowed during the Listening test), simply put your hand up. Do not disturb other candidates by speaking aloud

More information about each part of the IELTS test:

Listening test advice
Reading test advice
Writing test advice
Speaking test advice
Tips from IELTS test takers

Useful Links:

Information for candidates
IELTS test terms and conditions
Test Day Photo

Test Day Transfer
Cancellation
Refund

Test Day Transfer

Even after you have registered for IELTS you can transfer your registration to another test day within a 3-month period. The same conditions and fees apply to a module change e.g. from General Training to Academic.

If you wish to change the test date and/or module you have originally registered for please fill in and sign the Test Date Transfer Form. Send it by post to British Council, Panska 17, 811 01 Bratislava or e-mail a scanned copy to our Exams team. Once your application is approved we will contact you with payment details. After we receive your payment the application will be processed.

Cancellation

A candidate’s registration is accepted when a complete application (either via online registration or in paper form) is submitted with a test fee. Candidates who cancel their registration will receive their test fee deducted by an administrative fee.

If you wish to cancel your registration please fill in and sign the Request for Refund Form. Send it by post to British Council, Panska 17, 811 01 Bratislava or e-mail a scanned copy to our Exams team. Once your application is approved we will inform you and process your application within 10 working days.

Refund

If a candidate is absent on the test date the candidate will normally forfeit their full test fee.

Candidates will only receive a refund if they can satisfy the IELTS Administrator that their ability to sit the test has been affected by illness or serious cause.

Serious causes include:

• Serious illness – e.g. hospital admission or serious injury (does not include minor illness such as a mild cold)
• Loss or bereavement death of a close family member
• Hardship / trauma victim of crime, victim of traffic accident
• Military service

Candidates must lodge an application for refund to the test centre no later than 5 working days after the test date. They can choose to transfer their registration to another test date or claim a refund. If this is a case please fill in and sign the Refund Form (medical or other evidence on page 2 necessary) and the Request for Refund Form (only if you claim a refund) and send it by post to British Council, Panska 17, 811 01 Bratislava or e-mail a scanned copy to our Exams team. Once your application is approved we will contact you within 2 working days with further instructions about your test date transfer or process your refund within 10 working days.

Useful Links:

The Test Date Transfer/Refund Form
The Request for Refund Form (in case of cancellation)
Information for Candidates Booklet

Results Day
Test Report Form
Understand your IELTS scores
Who accepts IELTS?
Relating IELTS scores to the Common European Framework of reference (CEFR)
Additional Test Report Form
Enquiry on results (EOR)

Results Day

am		Results are made available online and instructions how to access them are sent by e-mail to candidates.
am		TRFs are printed and prepared for pick-up or despatch.
pm		Candidates can pick up their TRFs at the British Council Front Desk or expect delivery the following week (each candidate advises his/her choice on the Test Day).
pm		One copy of TRF is mailed to the candidate’s address and up to 5 TRFs per candidate are sent (either electronically or by post) to Receiving Organisations´ addresses (if any in candidate’s registration).

Test Report Form

TRF stands for Test Report Form and this is the official certificate/report where candidate scan see their band scores for each of the tests (Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking) as well as the Overall Band Score.

Validity of TRF is 2 years from the test date.
Each TRF bears a unique TRF number and a specific number of Speaking and Writing Examiner.
We take a photo of you before you enter the test room on the Test Day and this photo will appear on your TRF. For more information see IELTS candidate identity verification.

Please note we as any other IELTS centre are not permitted to give you your results over the phone or by fax or email as we cannot check your identity.

Only one Test Report Form is issued per candidate so keep it safe as replacements cannot be issued.
You can ask for additional TRFs within the 2-year period from the Test Date but these can be sent only to Receiving Organisations not to candidate´s address.

Understand your IELTS scores

Good news. You can’t fail IELTS...

You will be given a score from 0 to 9 for each part of the test (Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking) and the average produces your overall band score.

Who accepts IELTS?

IELTS scores are trusted around the world.

You can be confident that your score will be accepted by over 6,000 institutions, business and governments in English-speaking countries worldwide.

You can find out the score you need to access the education, emigration, employment, professional registration or training opportunity of your choice by using IELTS Global search tool.

Relating IELTS scores to the Common European Framework of reference (CEFR)

The picture below is the new conversion table used from spring 2011.

Read more about Common European Framework equivalencies.

Additional Test Report Form

If candidates would like to send additional test report forms (TRF) to institutions, they need to fill in the Additional TRF Form and send it by post to British Council, Panska 17, 811 01 Bratislava or e-mail a scanned copy to our Exams team. Please enclose a photocopy of the ID stated in the form. For a fee of 12 EURO we will send up to 2 TRFs to the institutions of your choice by registered mail anywhere in the world.

			Account no.:		2008470006/8130,Citibank.
			Additional TRF fee:		EUR 12
			Variable symbol:		test date e.g. 21st Jan 2012 = 21012012.
			Comments:		= candidate’s name

You can ask for additional TRFs within the 2-year period from the Test Date but these can be sent only to Receiving Organisations not to candidate’s address.

Enquiry on Results (EOR)

If you did not receive the score you expected, you can apply for your test to be remarked. This is called an Enquiry on Results.

You must make this request within six weeks of your test date.

You can choose which parts of the test you want to have re-marked; one, two or all four parts of the test. The fee is the same regardless.

Complete the Enquiry on Results form and forward it with your original Test Report Form and payment to the IELTS Administrator at your test centre. Please allow 1 week from the day your EOR Form is submitted for processing the request. Your test will be sent to England for re-marking by Senior Examiners and it will take another 8 weeks to complete.

You will then receive an e-mail with a letter stating your final results. The hardcopy of the letter and a TRF will be sent to you by registered post within another 7 working days.

			Account no.:		2008470006/8130, Citibank
			EOR fee:		equivalent of GBP 60 in EUR
			Variable symbol:		candidate number e.g. 000123
			Comments:		= candidate’s name.

This fee will be refunded if your score is increased for any part of the test.

Useful Links:

Who accepts IELTS?
Preview your online results
Additional TRF Form
Enquiry on Results form
Information for Candidates Booklet