With the IELTS test, you can be sure you’re choosing the most highly-regarded and internationally-recognised English language test for higher education and global migration.

How to book your IELTS test

IELTS registration is simple:

Book your IELTS test with the British Council

What to expect from your IELTS test

  • Convenient locations
    There are more than 800 official IELTS test centres around the world so you can find one that’s convenient to you.
  • Wide range of dates
    With up to 48 different test dates throughout the year, you’re not restricted to a small number of fixed IELTS exam slots.
  • Take IELTS from home
    If you live in one of the following, you can also choose to take your IELTS exam from home via IELTS Online Exams: Antigua, Aruba, Austria, Bahamas, Barbados, Belgium, Belize, Bahrain, Brazil, Bulgaria, Chile, Costa Rica, Croatia, Curacao, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Dominica, El Salvador, France, Germany, Grenada, Guam, Guyana, Greece, Haiti, Hong Kong, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, Indonesia, Italy, Jamaica, Luxembourg, Mauritius, Mexico, Morocco, The Netherlands, New Zealand, Occupied Palestinian Territories, Oman, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, St Kitts, St Lucia, St Martin, St Vincent, Switzerland, Trinidad and Tobago, Turkey or Ukraine.
  • Easy booking and friendly, professional staff
    With two ways to book (online or in person) and convenient payment options, registering for your IELTS test is easy. If you need any extra help, our experienced staff members are on hand at every step – Just get in touch!
  • Take your test on computer or paper
    IELTS can be taken on computer as well as on paper. Check your local test centre for IELTS on computer availability.
  • Get access to IELTS One Skill Retake
    If you choose to take IELTS on computer, you also get the option to use our IELTS One Skill Retake feature. IELTS One Skill Retake enables you to improve your score by retaking any one of the four IELTS skills – Listening, Reading, Writing or Speaking – within 60 days of your original test.

What you get when you book your IELTS test with the British Council

  • Access to IELTS Ready Premium
    Prepare for your test with IELTS Ready Premium, free for anyone taking their test with the British Council. IELTS Ready Premium includes 40 full practice tests across the four skills: Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking, a personalised study plan, and more.
  • Copies of your IELTS Test Report Form
    Your Test Report Form (TRF) is the official confirmation of your IELTS test result. If you take your test on paper, we will send up to five copies of your TRF to immigration offices, universities or prospective employers to prove your English language proficiency. If you take your test on a computer or online, you will get an electronic TRF (eTRF) only. This will be available to download from the Test Taker portal 3-8 days after your test. From there, you can print or email your eTRF as many times as needed, or you can send your results direct to organisations through the portal. Learn more about getting your IELTS results.

Your questions answered:

  • How much does an IELTS test cost?
    IELTS is priced at a set fee, which is the same for both the Academic and General Training tests. When you register online to book your exam, you will be told the fee.
  • When can I take an IELTS exam?
    The IELTS on paper exam is available on 48 fixed dates a year, with up to four dates available per month. The IELTS on computer exam may be available anytime, depending on local demand.
  • How long does the IELTS test 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. Your Speaking test may be held on the same day as the other sections of the test or at another time, depending on local arrangements. Learn more about the IELTS test format.
  • What happens if I need to change my IELTS exam date?
    If you need to postpone or cancel your IELTS exam booking, we ask that you give us five weeks’ notice. You’ll then receive a refund (minus an administration charge).
    If you have a medical certificate to confirm why you need to postpone or cancel, this notice period extends to five days before your scheduled IELTS exam date.
  • What if I miss my IELTS test due to circumstances beyond my control?
    If you are delayed by circumstances beyond your control, the IELTS test centre may offer you a test on the next available test date.
  • How long does it take to receive IELTS test results?
    You will receive your results 13 days after your exam 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.

Have more questions about IELTS? See our full list of Frequently Asked Questions.