Frequently asked questions about IELTS

Special Notice

Special precautionary measures on Test Day

Health and well-being is our key priority. Please note below information on health precautions to maintain a safe and comfortable environment.

Wearing a mask is recommended but not mandatory. Test takers, test day staff and examiners may wear a mask on test day.
Please follow basic hygiene practices such as using hand-sanitiser provided on test day.

Please do not attend if:

You have a cold, fever, shortness of breath or any respiratory symptoms.

IDP IELTS has recently added a transparent partition between the test taker and examiner in each IELTS speaking test room, so you can take your test with greater peace of mind!

Note: Photographed at IDP IELTS Mong Kok Computer Test Centre. The room environment and facilities might vary in different test venues.

In addition to the questions below, you will find IELTS support on our official IELTS website: ielts.idp.com. As a proud co-owner of IELTS, IDP Education provides free advice, practice questions and IELTS Masterclasses and seminars to help you be better prepared.

IELTS on Computer FAQ

1. What is IELTS on computer?

IELTS on computer is the same as paper-based IELTS, except taken on a desktop computer at an IELTS test centre.

2. What is the IELTS on computer test format?

If you choose to take the IELTS on computer test, you will take the Listening, Reading and Writing tests using a computer. All aspects of the test are identical to the paper-based IELTS test.

3. Is the IELTS Speaking test the same?

Yes, the IELTS Speaking test is the same! We believe a face-to-face Speaking test is the most effective way of assessing your speaking skills and offers a more supportive and comfortable environment.

4. How do I prepare for IELTS on computer?

Visit ielts.idp.com to familiarise yourself with how to complete computer-delivered IELTS, plus access free practice material online.

5. How do I book a IELTS on computer test?

Locate your test centre via ielts.idp.com or speak to the team at this centre to book your test.

IELTS for UKVI FAQ

1. Which IELTS test do I need if I am applying for a UK visa application?

If you are applying for a UK visa, there is an IELTS test for you. For visa applications to the UK, you may need to have an English language qualification. IELTS and IELTS Life Skills are included on both the UK Home Office’s list of Secure English Language Tests (referred to as SELT tests by UK Home Office) and the OFQUAL register. It is recommended you check all visa requirement information directly with the UK government website.

To find out whether you need to take an approved test, what level you need to achieve, and which test you can use, you should contact UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI). For more information, please visit www.gov.uk/check-uk-visa

2. What do I need to do if I am applying to study at a British university or college?

Those who are applying for a Student route visa to a Highly Trusted Sponsor (HTS) to study a bachelor or postgraduate degree are required to meet the English language level set by the institution. All British universities and colleges accept IELTS results. This means that you do not need to take the IELTS test under UKVI specified condition, unless your institution has required you to.

Please visit https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/register-of-licensed-sponsors-students for more information.

3. Can I use any IELTS test result for UK visa application?

These changes are effective from 6 April 2015. To assist with the transition, the UK government has announced they will accept results from all IELTS tests taken before 22 April. This means that you can submit your past IELTS results to UKVI if:

Your visa application requires you to supply results from a Secure English Language Test, and
Your IELTS test date was before 22 April 2015, and
Your IELTS test was taken at any of the 1,000 IELTS test locations around the world, and
You submit your application to UKVI before 5 November 2015.

From 23 April 2015, you will require results from an “IELTS for UKVI” test from one of the UKVI authorized test centres. You can take your IELTS for UKVI test at this test centre.

4. How often is an IELTS or IELTS Life Skills test available?

For IELTS and IELTS Life Skills, test dates will be available within 28 days of booking your test. The frequency of IELTS and IELTS Life Skills testing for UK visa and immigration purposes varies by location.

5. How often can I re-take IELTS or IELTS Life Skills?

There are no restrictions on retaking IELTS. You can register for a test as soon as you feel you are ready to do so.

For IELTS Life Skills candidates ONLY – Candidates who have previously taken the IELTS Life Skills test and have passed are not allowed to re-take the test at the same level within two years. E.g: a candidate who has taken an IELTS Life Skills A1 test and has passed cannot take another Life Skills A1 test within two years. Similarly a candidate who has taken an IELTS Life Skills B1 test and has passed cannot take another Life Skills B1 test within two years.

6. How is my IELTS test different if I take it for UK visa purposes?

The IELTS test for UK visa purposes is designed to meet certain administrative requirements that are specified by UK Visas and Immigration. Test Report Forms will be slightly different, to show that test takers have taken the test at an IELTS UK visa session. The actual test taken is the same – same content, examiners, format, level of difficulty, scoring and so on.

7. If I take an IELTS test for UK visa purposes, can I use my result in other countries / for other purposes?

Yes. IELTS test results are accepted by more than 11,500 organisations worldwide, including universities, colleges, governments and employers.

8. I’ve already taken IELTS. Can I still use my result to apply to UK Visas and Immigration?

If your IELTS test date was on or before 22 April 2015, UKVI will accept your results until 5 November 2015.

From 23 April 2015, UKVI will require you to submit results from an “IELTS for UKVI” test that was completed at an IELTS test centre authorised by UKVI to run IELTS tests for UK visa and immigration purposes. You must confirm at the time of registration that you wish to use your test result for these purposes.

9. Can I cancel my IELTS for UKVI test?

You can cancel your IELTS test registration at any time before taking your test by notifying your Test Centre. Generally speaking, if you cancel your IELTS test registration more than 14 days before the test you will receive a 75% refund of the total test fee. If you cancel within 14 days but more than 2 days before the test you will receive a 50% refund of the total test fee. If you cancel within 2 days of the test you will receive a 25% refund of the total test fee. No refund will be provided if you cancel your IELTS test registration on the test day or after the test. >>> More Details

In addition to the questions, you will find IELTS support on our official IELTS website: ielts.idp.com. As a proud co-owner of IELTS, IDP Education provides free advice, practice questions and IELTS Masterclasses and seminars to help you be better prepared.

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IELTS Examination Venue

IDP IELTS tests are generally held in hotels, schools and conference centers. The venues are mostly located on Kowloon (including: Lai Chi Kok, Kwun Tong).

Disclaimer: It is the responsibility of the test taker to register for the right type of test (IELTS, IELTS for UKVI). The test centre cannot be held responsible for an incorrect selection.

Please Note

We have noticed some online advertisements on several social media sites claim to provide services for IELTS test takers, such as registering for IELTS, collection of results and making arrangements for a re-mark of the test. We advise all potential IELTS test takers to avoid using such services that are not directly affiliated to IELTS.

Please read "Notice to Test Takers: Special precautionary measures on Test Day"

Frequently asked questions about IELTS and IELTS for UKVI