Welcome to IELTS

On the test day, your IELTS centre will be helpful and friendly. But they have to follow strict procedures to ensure the quality and security of the test. Below are some guidelines for taking the test.

Arrive on time and try to stay relaxed and calm so you can do your best in the test. Read the Information for candidates booklet (PDF, 450KB) and Notice to candidates (PDF, 93KB)before coming to your test.

1. Bring your passport / national identity card with you:

You must have the same identification that you provided on your IELTS Application Form (PDF, 720KB). If you do not have the correct identification document, you will not be able to take the test.

Pens, pencils and erasers which you need for the test.

2. During the test:

Follow the supervisor’s instructions. If you are in doubt, raise your hand and the supervisor will assist you.

Tell the supervisor if you think you have not been given the right question paper, or if the question paper is incomplete or illegible.

You may not ask for any explanation of the questions.

You may not lend or borrow anything from another person.

If you feel that your work may be affected by illness or any other reason, you must tell the supervisor at the time.

3. You must not:

Try to cheat, copy the work of another candidate or disrupt the test.

Use, or try to use, a dictionary, pager, spell-checker, electronic recorder or mobile phone. You will be disqualified.

Talk to, or disturb, other candidates once the test has started. Smoke, eat or drink in the examination room.

Reproduce any part of the test. You will have your test results disqualified and be liable to prosecution.

Take any materials from the examination room. This includes, but is not limited to, test papers, answer papers and working paper.

Leave the examination room without permission.

If you are caught infringing any of the candidate rules, your test result will be disqualified and your receiving institution or professional body will be notified.

For more information on taking the test, see Frequently asked questions.

Here are some quick tips for practicing your English and taking the test. Good luck!

1. Practice for confidence

Practice your English language skills with the IELTS Official Practice Materials or through other books or courses.  You can order your IELTS Official Practice Materials in one of three ways:

• place an online order from IELTS in Australia
  
• place an online order from IELTS in the UK
  
• through your local test centre

Download the Information for candidates booklet (PDF, 450KB) to understand more about the test.

Read, speak and listen to English as much as you can.

Practice speaking English with your friends.

Use radio, television and the web to hear and read different English texts.

2. Arrive on time to the test

Double check the time and date of your test and allow plenty of time to travel to the test centre.

If you are late, you may not be allowed to take the test.

Make sure you drink water and eat healthy food on the day of your test.

3. Try to be calm and relaxed

Get a good night’s sleep before your test. Don‘t cram your study.

Try to remain calm at the test centre. The centre staff will be friendly and assist you.

Read the IELTS regulations before the test so you understand the rules - a copy is on your IELTS Application Form (PDF, 720KB)

4. Understand the test format

To do your best, you need to know what to expect. Make sure you understand the test format.

Look at the free sample test pages to see the types of texts and questions.

5. Follow the instructions

Listen to the supervisor carefully and follow the instructions on how to sit the test.

When you open your test papers, read the instructions first before writing anything.

Don’t lose points for careless mistakes because you haven’t read the question properly.

6. Stay aware of the time

Every test room will have a clock on the wall. Stay aware of the time so you can complete all of your questions.

Each part has a number of sections. Allow enough time for each section. Some questions have suggested time limits for you to follow.

7. Do your best

If you feel yourself becoming worried, take some deep breaths to calm down.

Work calmly, focus on the questions, don’t rush your answers and you will do your best!

For more information on taking the test, see Frequently asked questions.