When is the best time to take the IELTS test? The golden time to take the IELTS test

After 4 months, IELTS test topics often change, so this leads many people to mistakenly believe that “The April test will be easier because there hasn't been a change yet and there have been many reviews from previous candidates”. However, in reality, these are all perceptions stemming from individual thoughts and biases. The reason why April becomes the most ideal time to take the IELTS test of the year is because:

• The number of registered candidates is relatively low

• The period of April is just enough for you to prepare mentally and knowledge-wise after the long Tet holiday

IELTS certification exams are held at different times worldwide. Therefore, whether the test is difficult or easy is purely random and does not follow any specific sequence.

IELTS test results are also not considered by the organizing units as an achievement to compete with other organizing units. They do not need to set specific goals for the number of candidates achieving high scores like universities or colleges with a certain percentage of candidates scoring 6.0 or higher. Therefore, they certainly do not need to have measures to adjust the test to achieve that goal.

In Vietnam, the two reputable IELTS test organizing units are IDP and the British Council. Both centers do not have any announcements or official documents stating that the difficulty level of the IELTS test will vary at different times of the year. The assessment of whether the IELTS test is difficult or easy mainly depends on your personal perception!

>>>Read more: Take the IELTS test on a computer at IDP

The best time to take the IELTS test will depend on your specific needs and purposes. Specifically, it includes the following three factors:

- The purpose of your IELTS certificate (studying abroad, working, self-assessment, high school graduation in English)

- You need to allow for a 2-week buffer before the test date if you urgently need the IELTS certificate, as the results will be announced to you about 7 - 15 days after the test date

- The validity period of the IELTS certificate lasts for 2 years (In some cases, taking the IELTS certificate but not using it within 2 years will waste time and money)

Example: You are a 12th-grade student and preparing to study in the US after completing high school. You will need to determine the application submission time to know the appropriate time to receive the IELTS certificate. Then, register for the IELTS test 2 weeks before the certificate receipt time and prepare for 3-4 months instead of waiting until the last minute.

Taking the IELTS test has many purposes, each purpose will have many factors affecting the question of when to take the IELTS test

Advice for beginners taking the IELTS test

• Understand the test structure, especially the small parts in the 4 main sections

• Know the common topics that are often tested

• Know the test time for each section

• Especially the Speaking test, which will definitely change every 4 months (around January, May, and September), you should carefully review the feedback from previous test-takers within 4 months to understand the common topics

• Master common sentence structures and vocabulary

• Check out IELTS study tips from previous high-scoring test-takers

3.1 Should not take the Speaking test before the other 3 skills

If you happen to get a difficult Speaking topic and fail, you may easily get stressed and lose motivation to take the other 3 skills. In case the Speaking test day does not fit your schedule or health condition, proactively contact and arrange another test day.

Some previous candidates have suggested not taking the speaking skill first to avoid losing confidence

3.2 Choose the most confident and healthy test day

Choosing a day when you feel healthy, happy, and excited will help you achieve a higher score. These are the days when your body is full of energy, you eat well, sleep enough, and have things that make you happy. Of course, the most important thing is that you have mastered and are proficient in your IELTS lessons!

Female candidates should choose the most comfortable days to take the IELTS test

3.3 Some tips for taking the IELTS test

Another factor that affects the question of when to take the IELTS test is when you are truly confident in your abilities and have fully prepared the test tips to achieve a high score:

• Try to listen and understand the entire passage and use the notes to get complete information.

• Write the answers on draft paper and review them 1-2 times before writing them on the answer sheet

• Do not spin the pen or look at other prominent objects in the exam room to focus entirely on the Listening test.

• Skip the questions you feel you cannot answer and come back to them after finishing all the other questions.

• Stay calm, speak clearly, and use natural and fluent pronunciation.

• Prioritize using vocabulary and phrases that you understand and know how to use fluently.

• Answer the question directly, do not go around in circles to waste time or cram in too much unnecessary vocabulary.

With over 20 years of experience organizing professional IELTS exams nationwide. IDP Vietnam is proud to be the most reliable IELTS test provider for you. All you need to do is register for the IELTS test online at IDP in just 2 steps as follows:

• Step 1: Visit the IDP homepage to check the nationwide IELTS test schedule and choose a suitable test date.

• Step 2: Register for the IELTS test on the system and proceed with online payment

Additionally, if you have any questions or requests related to the exam (rescheduling, score report issuance, re-evaluation, etc.), you can directly discuss with IDP consultants through:- IELTS IDP Fanpage: IELTS by IDP- Email the nearest IDP office:

• IDP Hanoi: ielts.hanoi@idp.com

• IDP Da Nang: ielts.danang@idp.com

• IDP Ho Chi Minh City: ielts.hcmc@idp.com

- Contact Hotline: 1900 6955The above is all the information we have gathered about the IELTS test dates throughout the year. We hope that through this article, readers have learned which day is the best for taking the IELTS test! For more detailed advice on IELTS test procedures, readers can visit https://www.idp.com/vietnam/ielts/book-a-test/ today!