On the IELTS test day

As your test day approaches, it’s important to know what to expect before, during and after you take your IELTS test.

Make sure you arrive early and have all the necessary documents with you as the check-in process may vary between test venues. After you have checked-in, you will be able to lock away your personal belongings before you will be guided to your seat by a test invigilator. After this point you won’t be able to talk to fellow test takers.

Once the test begins, keep track of time so you have enough time to complete each part of the test. If you have any questions, you can raise your hand to get the attention of an invigilator. Once the test concludes, you can leave the test room and collect your belongings.

Your provisional test results will be available online 3 to 5 days after taking IELTS on a computer or 13 days after sitting a paper-based test. Your official Test Report Form (TRF) can be picked up from the test venue or mailed to you.

A lot of work and preparation goes into your IELTS. Here are our top tips to help you perform at your best on test day.

Be prepared

• Double check the time and date of your test and allow plenty of time to travel to the test centre. If you are late, you may not be allowed to take the test.
• Make sure you have the right identification documents with you. If you arrive with the wrong ID, you will not be allowed to take the test.

Relax

• Try to remain calm at the test centre.
• If you start to feel worried, take some deep breaths to help you calm down.
• Work calmly, focus on the questions, don’t rush your answers and you will do your best.
• Read the IELTS rules and regulations before the test so you understand them. If you have any questions our friendly centre staff are there to help.

Follow the instructions

• Switch off your mobile phone and any other electronic devices. You will be asked to place all of your personal belongings outside the test room.
• The Listening, Reading and Writing tests take 2 hours 40 minutes and there are no breaks between each section of the test.
• Make sure you are prepared and have something to eat and drink beforehand. You will not be allowed to take food into the test room. You will only be allowed to take a drink in a transparent bottle.
• Listen to the supervisor carefully and follow the test day instructions.
• When you get your test papers, read the instructions on the cover page first before writing anything.
• Don’t lose points for careless mistakes because you haven’t read the question properly.

Watch the time

• Watches are not allowed in the test room. Every test room will have a clock on the wall. Stay aware of the time so you can attempt all questions.
• The Listening, Reading and Writing tests have a number of sections. Allow enough time for each section.
• Be aware that some questions have suggested time limits for you to follow.

Here are some common questions that candidates ask:

Can I do all parts of the test on the same day?

The Listening, Reading, and Writing parts of the test are completed immediately after each other on the same day. In some test centres, you will sit the Speaking test on the same day, or up to 7 days before or after your test date.

If you take computer-delivered IELTS, the Speaking test will be taken on the same day, either before, or after the other three parts of the test.

What to do if I am late to my test due to situations beyond my control?

If you experience difficulty on a test day, please inform the test centre immediately. The test centre may offer you a test on the next available test date.

What should I bring on my test day?

You must bring the same passport or national identity card that you used to book your IELTS test. If you do a paper-based IELTS test, you can take pens, pencils and erasers into the examination room. If you do a computer-delivered IELTS test, the centre will provide you with pencils and paper.

You must leave all of your personal belongings outside the examination room in a secure area or locker. Mobile phones, pagers and smart watches must be switched off and left with your personal belongings.

If you keep mobile phones or electronic devices with you, you will be disqualified.

What order will I complete the IELTS test in?

If you take computer-delivered IELTS, you will do the tests in the following order on the same day: Listening, Reading and Writing, with the Speaking test before or after this test session.

If you take paper-based IELTS, you will do the tests in the following order: Writing, Reading and Listening. Depending on the test centre, the Speaking test can be done on the same day, or up to 7 days either before or after the test date.

What do I need to bring to my Speaking test?

You must bring the same passport or national identity card that you used to book your IELTS test. Your ID will be checked before you enter the interview room and again during the interview.

What accents can be heard in the Listening and Speaking tests?

As IELTS is an international test, a variety of voices and native-speaker accents are used in both the General Training and Academic tests.