Information and advice about your IELTS test day

You might feel a bit nervous at IELTS test time. So that things go as smoothly as possible for you, we’ve put together some information to help you understand what will happen on the day of your test for IELTS, whether you’re doing your test on paper or on a computer.

The IELTS test timetable You will need to arrive in good time for your IELTS test. Your confirmation email will provide you with your IELTS test timetable and procedures on the test day. If you arrive late, you may not be allowed to take the test. You will receive an email at least five days before the test so you will know at what time your test starts.

If you have asked for special arrangements as a result of a disability or other condition, adjustments will be made for you on the test day. Requests for this should be made three months prior to the test date. 

Make sure you are prepared and have something to eat and drink beforehand. You will not be allowed to take food into the test room and you will only be allowed to take water in a transparent bottle.

How long is the IELTS test?

The Listening, Reading and Writing tests take 2 hours 40 minutes and there are no breaks between the parts of the test.

Your Speaking test for IELTS may be offered up to a week before or after the Listening, Reading and Writing tests. You will receive notification in advance regarding your IELTS test timetable for your Speaking test.

Please note: In the computer-delivered Listening test, the timings are slightly different from the paper-based test. This is because the paper-based test requires users to transfer answers to an answer sheet. This step becomes redundant when answering directly on a computer.

  • Before the start of each part of the Listening test you will have some time to read the questions.
  • After the end of each part of the Listening test you will have some time to review your answers.
  • At the end of the Listening test, you will have 2 minutes to check your answers.
  • The timing of the Listening test is between 30 – 34 minutes.

What do I need to bring into the test room?

You need to bring:

  • your identification document (passport)
  • a pencil and a pen (a pencil will be needed for Listening and Reading)
  • an eraser

We recommend you bring:

  • a transparent bottle of water.

You will not be able to take anything else into the test room.
Switch off your mobile phone and any other electronic devices. You will be asked to place these with other personal belongings outside the test room.

What do I do with my belongings at IELTS test time?

There will be a secure area where you need to leave all your belongings. The British Council is not responsible for loss or damage to your personal belongings at the test venue. Therefore, we strongly recommend leaving valuables like mobile phones and computers at home.

When will I get my test day photograph taken?

Your photograph will be taken on test day as an additional security measure and will appear on your Test Report Form.

What happens at the end of the test?

Stay in your seat until the invigilator gives you permission to leave the room.

If you think that there have been any issues that may have affected your performance, tell the invigilator straightaway.

If you want to raise an issue or make a complaint, please ask your invigilator for a Test Day Incident Form to complete. 

What if I need assistance during the test?

If you have any questions during the test, raise your hand to ask for help.

When you take the Listening test, check that you can hear the sound properly. Raise your hand straightaway and let the invigilator know if you cannot hear the recording.

Please remember that you will have 10 minutes after the Listening section to fill in your answer sheet. You will not have 10 minutes after the Reading section, so make sure that you write your answers on your answer sheet as you complete each section.

If you need to go to the bathroom during the test, raise your hand to attract the attention of the invigilator. Do not disturb other test takers.

What identification document do I need to bring with me?

You need to bring along the valid passport as identification on your application form. Driving licences and student IDs are not accepted as identification. Unfortunately, candidates without valid ID will not be allowed to sit the test.

The British Council takes your security seriously

Please note that security at the British Council IELTS test is very important. As an added measure, all candidates will be required to have their photograph taken by IELTS administrative staff on their test day. Please make sure that you review the photograph instructions supplied to you after you have booked your test for IELTS. The photograph appears on your results (also known as your Test Report Form). Candidates will also be required to do fingerprint scans. This procedure is mandatory.

Candidates under 18 years of age must have a consent form signed by a parent or legal guardian so that we can take the photograph.

All watches irrespective of their style and age are not allowed in the test room. You will be required to leave your watch with your belongings in the secure baggage area. There will be a clock at the test venue.

 
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