Where and when can I take the IELTS test?

In Switzerland, the test is held in our offices in Bern three times a month, we also organise tests in Zürich and Geneva eight times a year. For the exact dates, please have a look at our IELTS dates page. If those dates do not suit you, or we have no places available, please get in touch with the British Council offices in Milan, Paris, and Berlin to find out about availability of dates. These offices hold IELTS tests in Milan, Lyon, Strasbourg, Freiburg i.B., Stuttgart and Munich.

Can I repeat the test?

You can repeat the test as often as you like, and you no longer have to wait before you can sit it again. You will also have to send us a complete application and pay the full fee again.

How can I make sure that my first choice of date will work?

If you want to be absolutely certain that you can sit the test on a particular date, please check the exam dates on our online registration system and register online.

How much does the test cost?

The test fee is CHF 320, and has to be paid in advance. We only accept applications which include proof of payment.

Where can I do IELTS courses?

Please have a look at our Preparing for IELTS page. There you can find the possibilities that are on offer from us.
If you think you need some English training, we would advise you to contact your local language school, and ask if one of their teachers would be able to help you prepare for the test. Unfortunately, we don't hold any information on Swiss language schools.

Can I change my test date?

It is possible to change the date of your test up to five weeks before the test date. However, we will have to charge you an administrative fee of CHF 50. If you wish to change the date of your test less than five weeks before the date, we retain the whole fee. Please click here to download our refund and cancellation policy.

What about candidates with special needs (e.g. dyslexia or hearing problems)?

If you have special needs, please let us know in advance. We will do everything possible to organise the test day so we can provide support for you. Please find more information on the special arrangements page.

How does IELTS compare with other English language tests?

For a comparison with other tests please look at this

What mark do I need to go to university / emigrate to Australia / New Zealand / Canada?

Typical requirements for UK universities are as follows:

IELTS

Undergraduate

Band 6

Post-graduate

Bands 6.5 - 7

PLAB

Band 7

(minimum of 6 each module)

Doctors

Band 7

(minimum of 7 each module)

If you want to sit the IELTS test in order to emigrate to Australia or New Zealand, you usually need a 5 in every module. However, your situation might be different, therefore we would advise you to get in touch with the embassy or with your immigration officer.

If you want to emigrate to Canada, please have a look at the Canadian Immigration Department's webpage.

What happens if I cancel? / Can I get my money back? / How do I get my money back?

Please click here to download our refund and transfer policy. Please note refunds and transfers are only possible up to five weeks before the test date. We would be grateful if you could let us know in advance that you will not be attending, so there will be no inconvenience for the other candidates.

How much time does it take to sit the IELTS test?

The IELTS test takes a whole day. You start at 8.45 with the Listening module, which takes 40 minutes; then you continue with the Reading module, which takes an hour. You continue with the Writing module, which takes an hour. And in the afternoon, you do the oral exam, which takes 15 minutes. The time of the oral test could be anywhere between 12.40 and 17.30, depending on how many candidates there are.

How soon do I receive the results?

We send the results to the address(es) you indicated on your application form on the 13th day after the test date, i.e. they should arrive on the 14th day after the test date (in Switzerland).

We have recently introduced a new service which will allow you to have access to your results online by using the following link. You will be able to do this on the 13th day after your test after 3:00pm.

What can I do if I'm not happy with my results / Is it possible to repeat just one module of the test?

If you are unhappy with your results, please contact the exams team, who will discuss your options with you.
We also offer a service called Enquiry on Results (EoR) which allows you to request a re-mark of specific parts of your test. As the papers will be sent to London, this procedure takes approximately 8 weeks. Please note that we need to receive your request for a re-mark within 6 weeks of your test date. To request the EoR, please download this form. For instructions on how to complete the form, please contact the exams team.
It is not possible to repeat only one module of the test, i.e. if you are not happy with some of your marks, you will have to do the whole test again.

How can I get the results sent to an institution?

For security reasons, we can't send you more than one copy of your test results. However, if you want us to forward your results to an institution, you can give us their address and we will send the results to them directly.
You can ask us to forward your results for as long as they are valid. This service is included in the test fee.

How long is the IELTS test valid for?

The IELTS test is valid for two years, i.e. it is very up to date and contains information about your language skills as they are at that point in time.

Who can I contact for further questions and to give feedbacK?

Please contact the exams team for further questions and feeback.