Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

What are the two types of IELTS test?

There are two types of the IELTS test: IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training.

The IELTS Academic test is for people applying for higher education or professional registration in an English-speaking environment. It reflects some of the features of academic language and assesses whether you are ready to begin studying or training.

The IELTS General Training test is for those who are going to English speaking countries for secondary education, work experience or training programs. It is also a requirement for migration to Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the UK. The test focuses on basic survival skills in broad social and workplace contexts. Listening and Speaking are the same for both tests, but the subject matter of the Reading and Writing sections differs depending on which test you take.

Which IELTS test should I take?

Please go to Which test should I take? and read the description of the Academic and General Training tests. Individual organisations have different requirements. Make sure you check which IELTS test the organisation you are applying to is asking for. Note that you must know which type to take when you complete the online application form.

What is the IELTS test format and how long will it take?

The IELTS test has four sections Listening (30 minutes), Reading (60 minutes), Writing (60 minutes) and Speaking (11-14 minutes). The total test time is 2 hours and 45 minutes.

You'll take the first three sections of the test on the same day, in the following order: Listening, Reading and Writing (there are no breaks between these tests). Your Speaking test will be held either on the same day or seven days before or two days after that, depending on local arrangements.

If you take IELTS Online, the Speaking test will usually be before your Listening, Reading and Writing. It could be on the same or a different day. 

I have more questions about the IELTS test format. Where can I find answers?

You can find more information about the IELTS test format on our site.

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

As IELTS is an international test, a variety of English accents are used in both tests.

IELTS on paper

Does the IELTS listening tape provide instructions and pauses?

Yes. At the beginning, you hear instructions. Then you read section 1 questions, listen to section 1 and answer the questions.

Is there a similar period of 10 minutes in the IELTS Reading test to transfer answers?

No. The Reading test is one hour, and you must write all your answers on the answer sheet in this time.

Can I use a pencil for the IELTS Listening and Reading tests?

No. You must do it in a black ballpoint pen, supplied by the test centre.

What if I misspell a word in my IELTS on paper test?

You can cross out incorrect answer and re-write it inside the designated answer box for your Listening, Reading or Writing tests. Extra answer sheets are available for the Writing test.

Will corrections, overwriting or crossing out answers affect my IELTS score?

No, marks are not deducted for making corrections. A response which has overrun the box will be marked, as long as the correction is clear, and it is also clear which question the response was answering.

Can I make notes on the IELTS Listening and Reading question papers?

Yes. The IELTS Examiner will not see your question paper.

What is the IELTS Speaking test?

The Speaking test is a conversation with a certified IELTS Examiner. The Speaking test is made up of three parts. It is recorded on an audio cassette or a digital recorder.

What do I need for the IELTS Speaking test?

You must bring the same identification documents you supplied on your IELTS Application Form and used for the rest of the test. Your ID will be checked before you enter the interview room. Personal items, including electronic devices and watches, are not allowed in the Speaking test room.

IELTS on computer

IELTS on computer is exactly the same test as IELTS on paper, but instead of writing your answers on paper, you will type them on a computer.

If you select this option, you will take the Listening, Reading and Writing sections on a computer (headphones are provided in some venues), but the Speaking test will still be face-to-face with a trained IELTS Examiner.

IELTS Online

The test format and timings for IELTS Online are exactly the same as an IELTS Academic test taken at a test centre. Your Speaking Test will take place with a trained examiner via video call.

Where can I find IELTS practice tests and other preparation material?

You can find free practice tests and other preparation material on our site.

Where are the answers to the practice tests?

Answers to the free online Listening, Reading, and Writing practice tests can be found in the last part or task of each practice test. The answers are available as a PDF download.

Where do I access my free copy of IELTS Ready Premium?

Log in to the Test Taker portal after you have booked your test to gain access.

What are the different options available for an IELTS test?

You can take your IELTS test on paper or on a computer in our official test centres.

If you take the IELTS Academic test, you can also take your test at home or anywhere with a stable internet connection and a private space.

Find out more information about how to take your IELTS test.

When can I take an IELTS test?

IELTS on paper is available on 48 fixed dates a year up to four times a month, while IELTS on computer can be available on any day of the week, depending on local demand.

How much does an IELTS test cost?

IELTS has a set fee for its test. The Academic and General Training tests are the same cost. When you apply online, you will be told the fee.

What help is available for IELTS test takers with visual, hearing, speaking or learning difficulties?

Our official British Council IELTS test centres can help if you have visual, hearing, speaking or learning difficulties. If you need a modified version of IELTS, please be aware that you are required to provide medical evidence to support your claim. The medical report should be written in English and within a period of two years before the test date, by a medical professional and needs to be provided six weeks prior to the test.

What can I bring into the IELTS test room?

Only water in a transparent bottle without any label is allowed in the test room (please check with your test centre). You must bring the passport/national identity card you used on the IELTS Application Form to the test. You must leave everything else outside the testing room. Mobile phones, pagers and electronic devices of any kind must be switched off and placed with personal belongings in the area designated by the supervisor. If you do not switch off your phone/pager or any other electronic devices, or keep it on you, you will be disqualified. Personal watches are not allowed in the test room. Personal stationery, including pencils, are not permitted in the test room

Which part of the IELTS test do I take first?

You will take the Listening test first, followed by the Reading and Writing tests (there are no breaks between these tests). Your Speaking test will be held either on the same day or seven days before or two days after that, depending on local arrangements.

Is the IELTS test completed in one day?

The Listening, Reading and Writing tests are always completed immediately after each other and with no break. The Speaking test will be held either on the same day or seven days before or two days after that, depending on local arrangements.

If you take IELTS Online, the Speaking test will usually be before your Listening, Reading and Writing. It could be on the same or a different day. 

When will I receive my IELTS test results?

You will receive your results 13 days after the test date if you have taken IELTS on paper, 1-5 days if you have taken IELTS on computer and 6-8 days if you have taken IELTS Online.

If you have taken IELTS for UK Visas and Immigration (on paper), you can view your results 13 days after your test, and 3-5 days if you have taken IELTS for UK Visas and Immigration (on computer).

Some test centres also provide SMS alerts and an Online Results Service. 

Can I check my IELTS test results online?

Yes, you will receive an email notification with a link to view your IELTS scores. 

How are IELTS tests marked?

IELTS uses a 9-band scoring system to measure and report test scores in a consistent manner. You receive individual band scores for Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking and an Overall Band Score on a band scale from one to nine.

Who sets the pass mark for the IELTS test?

There is no pass or fail in IELTS. Scores are graded on the 9-band system. Each educational institution or organisation sets its own level of IELTS scores to meet its individual requirements.

What if I am not satisfied with my IELTS result?

If you wish to make an enquiry about your test results, or have any section of the test re-marked, you can submit an Enquiry on Results (EOR) request up to six weeks after your test date.

You can do this online through the Test Taker Portal or at the centre where you sat your test. There is a charge for having a section re-marked, but this will be refunded if your score increases for any section of the test. 

The outcome of Enquiry on Result (EOR) can become available on the same day as your application and up to 21 days after your application. The time it takes depends on several factors, including the number of sections you’ve asked us to re-mark.

IELTS One Skill Retake

IELTS One Skill Retake allows you get your desired test score without retaking the full test. If you want to improve your score on one test skill, you can retake any of the four IELTS skills – Listening, Reading, Writing, or Speaking within 60 days of your original test date.  This is currently only available for IELTS on Computer bookings.  Find out more about IELTS One Skill Retake.

How do I send a copy of the Test Result Form to an organisation?

We can send up to five additional copies of your Test Report Form directly to institutions you are applying to (for instance universities, immigration officers, etc.) If you would like us to do this, please include the relevant addresses on the Test taker portal within two years of taking the test. Some universities or institutions have subscribed to electronic download of scores, so please make sure you check with your local test centre before sending them your results.

What do I do if I lose my Test Report Form?

Test Report Form (TRF) is valid for two years. Copies cannot be sent to test takers but we will send a TRF to your relevant institution or embassy. Up to five copies will be sent free of charge. Additional copies will incur a small administration charge. Talk to your test centre for further details.

What if I need to postpone or cancel my IELTS application?

You can cancel your IELTS test registration at any time before taking your test by notifying your test centre. 

You may change your test date at any time before the test. However, your transfer request may be treated as a cancellation dependent on how near to the test day it is made.

Read the full Cancellations, refunds and transfers policy here.

What if I am absent or sick on the test day?

If you are absent on the test day with no prior notice, you will lose your full fee. However, if you provide a medical certificate within two calendar days of the test date, you will receive a refund minus the local administrative cost.

What if I am delayed by circumstances beyond my control?

The IELTS test centre may offer you a test on the next available test date.

How soon can I re-sit the IELTS test?

There is no limit on sitting the test. However, we recommend you do additional study before taking the test again. Some test centres offer preparatory courses and language classes. 

IELTS One Skill Retake

If you want to improve your score with IELTS One Skill Retake, you must sit your One Skill Retake within 60 days of your original IELTS test. 

Where do I log in to the Test Taker Portal?

Go to https://ieltsregistration.britishcouncil.org/ttp to access the Test Taker portal, where you will find all the information relating to your IELTS test.

I've accidentally entered incorrect information about myself. How can I update my details?

Please log in to the Test Taker portal to amend. Please note you won't able to make changes after you have taken the test.