IELTS Test Day

 

What to Expect on Test Day

 

The IELTS test has four components. Three components − Listening, Reading and Writing − are always taken on the same day, in the same session. The Speaking component may be sat the same day or taken up to seven days before or after the other tests, depending on your test centre. The IELTS test implements sophisticated, biometric security measures which protect candidates and organisations from attempts to cheat.

 

You will go through the processes described below when you register on test day.

 

Arrive early
 

Allow plenty of time to get to the test. You will be required to register and to show your passport or National ID Card before you enter the examination room. Make sure you have enough time to check in and move through all necessary security procedures. If you are early, go for a walk or get a cup of coffee. If you are late, you will not be allowed to enter. Avoid the added tension of having to rush.

 

Checking-in your personal items
 

No personal items to be taken into the test room. Test day staff will collect and safely store your personal belongings. Items which are forbidden from the test room include: mobile phones, hand-held computers, cameras, hats, scarves, wallets, books or notes.

 

ID Verification

• On test day, a member of staff will verify your identification (ID). Your ID must be the same ID that you used when you booked the test. It must also be original (not a photocopy), valid (unexpired) and include a recognisable photo of yourself.
• The test centre will then take a photograph of you. For this photograph you will be required to temporarily remove anything covering your face – Remove a hat and glasses – This photo will appear on your IELTS Test Report Form. – A finger scan will also be taken.
• Before you enter the test room, your finger will be scanned again to verify your identity

 

Your privacy

Any personal data collected during the identity verification process by the centre either at test registration or on the test day will be processed and securely stored by the IELTS Test Partners for the purposes of the IELTS test. The photograph will be supplied to any organizations to which you have applied for the purposes of allowing these organizations to verify your test results or to carry out enquiries in relation to possible malpractice or test integrity issues. Finger-scan data will not be disclosed to any party except the IELTS Test Partners.

 

Entering the IELTS test room

When it is time to enter the IELTS test room, a test invigilator will guide you to your seat. Do not write any notes. You are not permitted to speak to any other candidates. If you have a question, put up your hand and a member of staff will assist you. On your desk, you are only allowed to have your identification, pens/pencils, eraser and a bottle of drink in a transparent bottle.

 

Breaks

You are not permitted to leave during the last 5 minutes of either of the IELTS test components. If you need to leave the test room to go to the bathroom at any other time, raise your hand and ask a member of staff.

 

Asking for help

If you have a problem (for example if you think you have been given the wrong paper, you cannot hear the instructions, or you feel ill) raise your hand to attract the attention of the supervisor. Remember that the invigilators will not give you any explanation of the questions.

 

End of the IELTS test
You cannot leave your seat until you papers have been collected and you have been told to leave. If you finish the test early you must wait quietly until the test is finished and you are advised that you can leave. You must leave any notes and materials on the desk.

 

After the IELTS test

Collect your belongings. Your provisional results will be available online 14 calendar days after the test.
Your official result will appear on your Test Report Form which will also be ready after 14 calendar days. You can collect it from the test centre or have it posted to you – depending on what was specified at the time of registration. Please notify the staff at the registration desk if you would like your results posted to you.

 

NOTE: Candidates from other countries must pay a courier fee to send the TRF to their chosen country which can also be arranged via email or directly through the office after the test.