EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW

About IELTS

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is the world’s most popular English language proficiency test for study, work, training, and migration purposes. More than 10,000 organisations globally recognise IELTS, so when you take the test you can be confident that it is accepted by educational institutions, employers, governments and professional bodies around the world.

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.

What is the purpose of the test?

 

The International English Language Testing System, or IELTS, is an international standardised test of English language proficiency for study, work, training, and migration purposes. IELTS has been developed by some of the world’s leading experts in language assessment, and is supported by an extensive programme of research, validation and test development.

 

There are two modules to choose from – Academic and General Training:

IELTS Academic is for test takers wishing to study at undergraduate or postgraduate levels, and for those seeking professional registration.

 

IELTS General Training is for test takers wishing to migrate to an English-speaking country (Australia, Canada, New Zealand, UK), and for those wishing to train or study at below degree level.

The IELTS test is trusted worldwide because your test is delivered according to the highest standards in security and quality. Security protocols that include identification verification of all test takers, and data encryption ensure the integrity of your test results. Similarly, you can trust in the quality and consistency of the test because all examiners are qualified highly trained and qualified. Examiners’ work is routinely monitored, and they undergo continuous training.

What is test format, and how is it scored?

 

IELTS test uses a nine-band scale with  increments of 0.5, to assess your English language proficiency in four key skills: listening, reading, writing, and speaking. Scores range from Band Score 1 (non-user) to Band Score 9 (expert).

 

 

The total test time is 2 hours and 45 minutes: Listening 30 minutes, Reading 60 minutes, Writing 60 minutes, and Speaking 11-14 minutes.

 

For more details on the test format, including the types of task and marking scheme, see here.

Can minors take the test?

 

The IELTS test can be taken from the age of 16.

 

If you are younger than 18 years old on the day of the test, you will require permission from a parent or legal guardian in order to take the test. We must receive permission in order to capture your photograph and finger-scan on the day of the test. You will not be able to take the test unless we receive this permission.  When you have made a booking, we will provide you with a consent form which you will have completed by your parent or legal guardian.

Can I request Special Requirements?

 

In order to ensure that the language ability of all test takers is assessed fairly and objectively, IELTS provides a comprehensive service for test takers who have special requirements, including specific learning difficulties, hearing difficulties and visual difficulties, medical conditions.

 

If you have a disability or special requirements we may be able to help you take your test.

 

If you require a modified version of IELTS, you must give the test centre three months’ notice. If your circumstances require special arrangements to be made, e.g. extra time, you must give the test centre six weeks’ notice.

 

Please do not hesitate  to contact us to discuss your requirements. Please note that we may ask for medical evidence. CONTACT US

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 €205 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. You should also check with the institution you are applying to.

For paper-based IELTS, results are available 13 calendar days after the test date. For computer-delivered IELTS, results are available 3 to 5 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 3 to 5 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. We can also make your results available to universities if they are recognising organisations. There is no charge for this – simply email us with the name of the university and we will make your result available if they are a recognising organisation.

If you lose your original Test Report Form you can apply for a replacement. Contact us by email and we will arrange this. Please note there is a charge of €30 for replacement Test Report Forms.

Can I appeal results?

It is possible to appeal against IELTS results you have been given. This is called an Enquiry on Results (EOR). You can request an EOR via your test taker portal. Log in to your account, find your test date and follow the steps to request an EOR. The fee for an EOR is €120 whether you choose to have one part or all parts rechecked. Once we receive the EOR application, we will issue a payment link for the EOR fee. After this, your test materials will be sent to the British Council for remarking. The results of your EOR will be available within 2- 21 days. If your score improves, you receive a refund of the EOR fee. If your score does not improve, you do not receive a refund and your original result stands. If you have any questions, please contact us at [email protected]

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 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]

+353-1-6799506