Last updated: 20 May 2020

The British Council’s priority is always to ensure the safety and well-being of our test takers, employees, and the communities in which we operate. We are committed to protecting the health of our test takers, while also trying to minimise disruption to life-changing opportunities for international higher education and migration. For this reason, we are scrupulously following the instructions from authorities and are managing our activities according to official guidelines. We are grateful for your patience and understanding.

Please note that tests are currently running in the following locations: 

  1. Azerbaijan (IELTS and IELTS for UKVI)
  2. Brazil
  3. Belarus
  4. Brunei
  5. Bulgaria (IELTS and IELTS for UKVI)
  6. Canada (Vancouver and Surrey only)
  7. Czech Republic (IELTS and IELTS for UKVI)
  8. Denmark
  9. Finland
  10. Greece (Athens and Thessaloniki) (IELTS for UKVI available in Athens)
  11. Hong Kong (Macao)
  12. Korea (IELTS and IELTS for UKVI)
  13. Latvia
  14. Lithuania (IELTS and IELTS for UKVI)
  15. Malaysia (IELTS and IELTS for UKVI)
  16. Mongolia
  17. Netherlands 
  18. New Zealand 
  19. Norway (Bergen)
  20. Taiwan, China (IELTS and IELTS for UKVI)
  21. Thailand (IELTS and IELTS for UKVI)
  22. Serbia and Montenegro (IELTS and IELTS for UKVI)
  23. Sweden (Goteborg and Lund)
  24. Switzerland (IELTS and IELTS for UKVI)
  25. Turkey (IELTS and IELTS for UKVI)
  26. Russia
  27. Vietnam (IELTS and IELTS for UKVI)

Will my test be cancelled due to Covid-19?

In line with official requirements, testing is currently suspended in some locations. In other locations, where it is permitted and safe to do so, IELTS testing is going ahead, with additional precautions in place to help protect the health of test takers and staff.

Please note that the situation is evolving quickly, and tests may be suspended at short notice. If you have any queries, please contact your test centre via email.

How do I contact my test centre?

Please visit contact us page where you will find the email address and telephone number of your test centre. Due to the increased number of enquiries our customer service teams are receiving, we recommend sending an email in the first instance. 

I haven’t received a response from my test centre, what can I do now?

Test centres are experiencing high call and email volumes due to Covid-19 which unfortunately means we’re facing delays in responses. We will get back to you, but this may take a few days. 

If you haven’t received a reply within five days, please fill in our online enquiry form by going to this link.

I’m worried about Covid-19. If I cancel my test will I get a refund?

We recommend you read and follow the government and health authority guidance in your country closely. Please also visit the World Health Organization for more information.

Our test centres, and all employees, are following medical advice and good hygiene practices. We are asking all test takers not to attend their test if they have been in contact with anyone suspected to have Covid-19 or if they have a cough, fever or are showing signs of being short of breath. 

If you would like to discuss the option of transferring to a later date or getting a refund, please contact your test centre.

Will my test centre inform me if my test is cancelled due to Covid-19?

We are keeping our websites up to date with cancellations and will send you an email with details of how to reschedule, if your test is going to be cancelled. If you don’t hear from us, please presume your test will be going ahead. 

If you’re unsure and would like more information about your test, please contact your test centre.

Will I still be able to book and take an IELTS test?

In some countries, we are still testing safely, while using best social distancing practices. Please refer to our website for up to date details of where tests are still available. Due to the nature of the challenge we are all facing, and limited availability of tests, we ask that you don’t travel for more than two hours for your tests and limit your use of public transport. Please follow your local Government advice. 

When will I be able to book an IELTS test?

We are working with the government and leading medical authority in each country and following their advice. Where we are allowed, we will begin testing again as soon as possible, while using best social distancing practices. Our website holds up to date information about testing availability, please keep checking back. 

Will my test be cancelled due to Covid-19?

We are still running tests in some countries. To find up to date details of this, please visit this page. If you’re unsure if your test centre will be open, please contact them via email initially to find out more. 

How can I get my TRF?

At present, we are sending TRFs in a slightly different way; you will be emailed with your unique TRF number and be asked to login to verify this. All of these details, along with a how-to guide will be emailed to you. However, please note we are facing a backlog and your TRF number and email may be delayed. If you haven’t heard within five days of expecting to receive your TRF, please contact your test centre. 

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