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EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW

About IELTS

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is jointly owned by the British Council; IDP: IELTS Australia and Cambridge English Language Assessment. IELTS scores are accepted by over 10,000 recognising organisations and accepted in 140 countries. Milliions of tests are taken each year.

Frequently Asked Questions

See test takers' most common questions

See Your Test Day Journey

Venue details & What happens on test day

Prepare For Your Test

Resources to help you prepare for your test.

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is jointly owned by the British Council; IDP: IELTS Australia and Cambridge English Language Assessment. IELTS scores are accepted by over 10,000 recognising organisations and accepted in 140 countries. Milliions of tests are taken each year. IELTS is designed to assess the language abilities of those who wish to work or study in countries where English is the primary language of communication. It is recognised by thousands of organisations, including universities, government agencies and corporations. IELTS is the world’s most popular and most reliable English language testing system.

 

There are two IELTS tests available in Leeds: Academic or General Training, depending on whether you want to work, study or migrate. General Training is not offered on all IELTS test dates. The Academic test is for those who wish to study for an undergraduate or post-graduate degree course through English. The General Training test is for those who are planning to join a training or work experience programme in an English-speaking environment. It is also suitable for those wishing to emigrate to Australia, Canada and New Zealand. If you are not sure which test you should take or what score you require, you can search here for institution requirements.

 

Both the Academic and General Training tests have four sections: Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking. You can choose to do the IELTS test on either paper or computer.

 

The Test Report Form, content, timing and structure of the test is the same whether you take the test on paper or on computer.

 

IELTS on computer

IELTS on computer requires test takers to sit the Listening, Reading and Writing sections in front of a computer with the questions presented on the screen in the Leeds IELTS test centre. The test takers then submit their answers using a keyboard and a mouse. The Speaking section is not on computer and is carried out face-to-face with a trained IELTS Examiner.

 

With IELTS on computer there are more test dates available and test takers can choose a time convenient for them. Results are available online (subject to approval by the IELTS Test Partners) 3 to 5 days after the test.

 

IELTS on paper

Test takers write their answers for the Listening, Reading and Writing on a paper answer sheet, using a pen or pencil. The Speaking section is carried out face-to-face with a trained IELTS Examiner.

The written section of the test (Listening, Reading and Writing) takes place in the morning between 09:00 and 12:00. The Speaking section of the test can take place in the afternoon or on another day before or after the main test date.

Test takers will be able to see the available dates and times when they make their booking.

Results for IELTS on paper are available online (subject to approval by the IELTS Test Partners) 13 days after the test.

Registration for the IELTS on paper test is between 08:00 and 08:30.  If you arrive later than 08:30 you will not be allowed into the test.

 

See ‘What to expect on the day‘

For further information, please visit the TAKE IELTS website, which contains lots of useful information and advice on the test.

Test Dates

 

Resource Centre

Frequently Asked Questions

How often is the IELTS exam held?

We offer the paper IELTS test three Saturdays per month. We offer the computer-delivered IELTS test every Thursday and Saturday. See our dates here

How do I book the exam?

You can register online. You will need to complete an online application form, upload a copy of your ID document and pay the €200 IELTS test fee. Click Here

Should I choose Computer-delivered IELTS or paper-based IELTS?

The Test Report Form, content, timing and structure of the test is the same whether you take the test on paper or on computer. The computer- delivered test requires test takers to sit the Listening, Reading and Writing sections in front of a computer with the questions presented on the screen in our IELTS test centre. With the paper-based IELTS, the test taker writes their answers for the Listening, Reading and Writing on a paper answer sheet, using a pencil. The Speaking section is carried out face-to-face with a trained IELTS examiner in both the paper and computer-delivered IELTS.

Should I do the Academic or General Training module?

You can choose from two types of IELTS tests in Leeds: Academic or General Training, depending on whether you want to work, study or migrate. General Training is not offered on all IELTS test dates. The Academic test is for those who wish to study for an undergraduate or post-graduate degree course through English. The General Training test is for those who are planning to join a training or work experience programme in an English-speaking environment. It is also suitable for those wishing to emigrate to Australia, Canada and New Zealand. If you are not sure which test you should take or what score you require, you can search here for institution requirements.

For paper-based IELTS, results are available 13 calendar days after the test date. For computer-delivered IELTS, results are available 5 to 7 calendar days after the test date.
Find out more here:https://www.ielts.org/about-the-test/paper-or-computer

How often can I take the exam?

You can take the examination as many times as you wish. However, to minimise the amount of times required to take the examination, we recommend either taking a preparation course or using official IELTS practice materials. Prepare

How is the IELTS test scored?

The IELTS 9-band scoring system is used to measure and report scores in a consistent manner. Examiners are trained in line with globally agreed standards to ensure consistency in the quality of their assessment.
To understand how your test is assessed, please see the British Council website – results

How long will I wait for results?

Paper-based IELTS test results are posted and available to view online 13 calendar days after the test date. Computer-delivered IELTS test results are posted and available to view online 5 to 7 calendar days after the test date. Please note that we are not permitted to give out test results over the phone, fax, text or by email.

You can check your results online from 10:00 am on the 13th day after the test for paper-based, or 2-5 days after the test for computer-delivered. The results show for 35 days after the results are released. You will need your date of birth, your ID number and your six digit candidate number (given to you on the day of the test). Please note: the online preview of your result is provisional and should not be used as an official confirmation of your achievement.

 

If you wish to collect your test results in person, please indicate this on your application form.

You will need to bring your passport or ID with you to the offices in Dublin on the collection day. IELTS results can only be given to the test taker who sat the exam unless alternative arrangements have been made beforehand.

Where is your test centre?

Paper-based IELTS tests are held in the Camden Court Hotel conference room. This modern facility has comfortable seating, air-conditioning and Bose speakers situated directly overhead throughout the room (MAP link). Computer-delivered IELTS tests are held in our purpose-built test centre in CES, 15/16 Dame Court, Dublin 2. (MAP link) Prior to your test, you will receive an email with detailed instructions and maps on how to find our test venue.

Can I cancel my test?

You can only cancel a test up to five weeks before the date of the written exam. There is an administrative fee of €30 for cancellations. If you wish to cancel a test within five weeks of the exam date, you will lose the full test fee. Please contact us if you wish to cancel your test: [email protected] / 01-679 9506.Contact Us.

Can I change my test date?

You can transfer to a different test date up to five weeks before the test date you are registered for. There is an administrative fee of €30 for transfers. Please Contact us if you wish to transfer your test date: [email protected] / 01-679 9506.

What happens on the day of the test?

You must bring your ID document. This is most important as you will not be allowed to sit the test without it and will lose the full test fee. The ID must be the same document you provided to the centre during the registration.

No other documents or photocopies will be accepted. We accept only valid passports or valid EU National Identity cards. We do not accept any other form of ID. You can also bring pencils, erasers, pencil sharpeners, water in a transparent bottle and tissues. Mobile phones, watches or electronic equipment are not allowed in the test room.

What happens if I arrive late?

Candidates who arrive late for test registration will not be allowed to take their test and will lose the full test fee.

If you cannot attend a test because of a medical emergency, you must provide an authorised medical certificate within five days of the missed test. The certificate must be in English and must clearly state the reason for the absence. You can email a scanned copy to [email protected]

Can you send my results to different institutions (e.g. universities)?

When making the application, you can request to have copies of your test results sent to up to five institutions (universities, government agencies or employers). Please write the full postal address of the relevant institution on the ‘Other Institutions’ section of your online booking.

Can I appeal results?

It is possible to appeal against IELTS results you have been given. If you wish to appeal your results, please email exams[email protected] and we will send you the relevant documentation.

Can I complain?

If you want to make a complaint regarding the conduct of your test, you must do so before you leave the test venue on the test day. Please speak to the Exams Manager about your complaint.

If you have a complaint that does not relate to the conduct of the test please contact the exams office .

For information about the British Council Global complaint procedure complaint procedure please see the British Council website.

I am an asylum seeker / refugee with no passport. How can I register for a test?

If you are an asylum seeker / refugee without an identity card or passport and you want to take an IELTS test, please contact our office and we will assist with registration.

[email protected]

01423 531969