Learn about the steps involved on the day of your test

When you register to take an IELTS test you will receive a confirmation email, 4 or 5 weeks before the test day, giving you information about the test venue and starting time.

Arrival Time

The test starts punctually at 9am and you need to arrive at the latest by 8.30 am. If you arrive after the start of the test you will not be allowed to take the test on that date.

Cloakroom

You will have to leave all your belongings in a cloakroom. The cloakroom will be locked for the duration of the exam, but we strongly recommend not to bring any valuables, mobile phones etc to the test venue. British Council is not responsible for loss or damage to your personal belongings at the test venue.

ID Check

An ID Check will take place before you can enter the test room. You must bring along the ID (National Identity Card or Passport) that you stated in your application form. Driving licenses and student IDs are not acceptable proof of identity. Candidates without a valid ID will not be allowed to sit the test.

Materials allowed in the test room

valid ID

a pencil and a pen

an eraser

a bottle of water

Materials forbidden in the test room

Pencil case, glasses case

Blanco, Tipp-Ex

Highlighter

Electronic devices e.g. mobile phones, translators etc.

Test

At 9am the test starts with a welcome and a short introduction from your supervisor.

Please note that there are no breaks between the first three parts of the test.

Test stages

Listening Test

takes around 30 minutes plus 10 minutes for transferring answers to the answer sheet
the text is recorded on a CD which contains all the instructions and necessary pauses
the supervisor will conduct a sound check before beginning the test
once the CD has started it can not be stopped for questions so please make sure you ask any relevant questions before the CD begins
you must use a pencil and not a pen on the answer sheet

Reading Test

takes 60 minutes and contains 3 sections of increasing difficulty
regular time checks will be given by the supervisor
please note there will be NO extra time to transfer answers to the answer sheet
if you need to ask a question raise your hand and an invigilator will come to you
you must use a pencil and not a pen on the answer sheet

Writing Test

takes 60 minutes
task one requires at least 150 words and should take about 20 minutes
task two requires at least 250 words and should take about 40 minutes
You must use your own ideas. Pre-prepared answers will lose marks.
You will lose marks for essays which are under the specified word count
Regular time checks will be given by the supervisor

Speaking Test

a face to face interview of 11 to 14 mins with a trained IELTS examiner
you will need to arrive 30 minutes before the scheduled interview time
You will be asked to leave your personal belongings outside the exam room
you will be asked to present your ID document to the IELTS examiner
All test are recorded for double marking purposes
You will be asked to leave the test centre once your speaking test is over

Usually the speaking test takes place on the afternoon of the test day. Occasionally speaking tests are conducted on the Friday before the test date. If this is the case you will receive a notification. However, please be assured that we do our best to accommodate your needs and to ensure that candidates travelling long distances to the test venue are tested on the same day.

We would suggest that you also read the official IELTS Test Day Advice and download the IELTS Information for Candidates Icon of Adobe Acrobat, image © Adobe Systems brochure for more information

How can I prepare for test?

If you would like to know more about preparing for the IELTS test, please visit our IELTS preparation pages.

This practical handbook will help you find out more about the IELTS test, preparation, dates and results information

Special Arrangements

We can organise exams for people with disabilities

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IELTS test day