You’ve officially decided you’re going to study or work overseas in an English-speaking country – or perhaps you need to prove your English language level to an employer back home. So now you need to know where to take IELTS!
IELTS helps you demonstrate your English language proficiency for a range of purposes, such as university, visa, and job applications.
Ideally, when you’re researching, you’re looking for a location, time, and date that works best for you. But does that mean you should take your IELTS test at one of the British Council or IDP test centres?
The answer depends on you and your situation, so before you book the IELTS test online, let’s explore some of the differences between these two major IELTS test centres.
How to decide where to take IELTS
If you’re deciding where to take IELTS, you should note that both the British Council and IDP are co-owners of the test, along with Cambridge English.
That means you can take your test at a British Council test centre or an IDP one. IELTS is exactly the same at both test centres.
The IELTS test always follows the same format, content, and marking criteria. You may even meet some of the same speaking examiners. So, in case you were wondering, neither the British Council IELTS test nor the IDP IELTS test is any easier.
Pro Tip:
If you decide to take IELTS on Computer, both test centres offer One Skill Retake. This service is useful if you haven’t scored as well as you had hoped. It allows you to retake any (single) section of the test, without having to repeat the entire test, saving you time and money.
One Skill Retake is available for:
- IELTS Academic and General Training on computer (not available for tests taken in the USA)
- IELTS for UKVI - Academic and General Training - (not available for tests taken in the UK or USA.)
Ready for your IELTS test? Book with the British Council now
For more information, please see the One Skill Retake information page.
Where to take IELTS: An alternative option
You can also take IELTS Online if you are 18 or older.. This means you can take the test from the comfort of your own home as long as you have a reliable internet connection and a private, well-lit space.
Note that IELTS Online is not currently accepted for immigration (visa) purposes – and be sure to check that the institution of your choice accepts this version of the test before booking your place.
See the IELTS Online information page for more details
What are the differences between the IDP and British Council test centres?
While the format and content of the test will be the same at both British Council and IDP test centres, other factors may change.
Let’s take a look at a few things to consider before you decide where to take IELTS.
IELTS test centre location
The British Council has a presence in 140 countries, while IDP covers around 60 countries. So, for instance, if you live in Sierra Leone and need to take the IELTS test, the British Council will be your only available test centre.
However, if you live in a country where both test centres are accessible to you, it may help to consider which centres are closer or easier to get to. If you live in a city with lots of traffic, for example, you may prefer to choose the closest possible test centre, so you don’t have to stress about being late.
To determine which centres are available in your country or region, you can search:
- 'British Council IELTS near me'
- ‘British council near me’
- 'IDP IELTS near me.'
- ‘Book IELTS test online’
Where to take IELTS: Availability and scheduling
Both British Council and IDP test centres offer computer-based and paper-based tests, though availability will depend on the country you are taking the test.
Before deciding where to take IELTS, be sure the test centre offers the version of the test at the time that works best for you. Consider which days of the week and times fit your schedule.
Pro Tip: think about your body clock, too. For instance, are you a morning person or a night person? Are there specific times of day when you are more alert? You’ll want to keep that in mind when deciding when and where to take IELTS.
Fees, promotions, and perks
Testing fees may differ slightly depending on which test centre you choose. You should also look out for sales or promotions. These might even include a free ride to your test centre.
Also, consider additional benefits that one may offer over the other. For instance, British Council offers access to test prep resources like IELTS Ready. On the other hand, IDP is an international organisation that connects students with learning opportunities abroad and has helped over 800,000 students study abroad successfully.
More about IELTS Ready with the British Council
IELTS Ready from the British Council offers you a range of free preparation materials and practice tests. All you need to do is register to get started. You’ll have access to:
- six free practice tests that cover Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening;
- a bank of videos, test exercises and tips from expert IELTS teachers:
- a familiarisation test that helps you get used to what it’s like to take IELTS on Computer.
But that’s not all! If you decide to book your test and take IELTS with the British Council, you’ll have free access to IELTS Ready Premium. There’s a lot more to help you prepare for your test and it’s exclusive to British Council test takers.
For example:
- Get detailed AI feedback on your Speaking and Writing skills in a free mini-mock test
- Try out 40 different practice tests
- Attend live and on-demand classes
- Get access to practice questions and answers
- Track your progress using a dashboard
- And more!
Learn more about IELTS Ready on our website.
Choosing the right location to take IELTS
No matter where you choose to take your IELTS test, be assured that you’ll receive consistent support, both online and in-person, at either test centre.
If you’re still unsure, start with some research. Check out the IELTS test centres near you to see how far they are from your home, job, or school. You can also visit the British Council and IDP IELTS websites to find a test centre near you.
Ready for your IELTS test? Book with the British Council now
