Frequently asked questions about IELTS, IELTS for UKVI and IELTS Life Skills

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.

1. Wearing a mask is recommended but not mandatory. Test takers, test day staff and examiners may wear a mask on test day.

2. 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.

1. Do I take all parts of the test on the same day? Which part do I take first?

The Listening, Reading and Writing components of the test are always completed immediately after each other and with no break. You will take the Speaking test on the same day or the day after the test date.

2. What are the test rules?

Test rules and guidelines can be found on the "Notice to Candidates" provided in the IELTS Application Form. You are also advised to read the Information for Candidates booklet carefully so that you understand the test format and know what to expect on test day. IDP Education offers practical advice for test day on ielts.idp.com.

3. What is IELTS Speaking test?

The Speaking test is a discussion over 11-14 minutes with a certified and highly qualified IELTS Examiner. The Speaking test is made up of three sections. It is recorded on a digital recorder.

4. What do I need for the Speaking test?

You must bring the same passport/ Hong Kong identity card you supplied on your IELTS Application Form and continue to use the same identity documents for each part of the test. Your identity will be checked before you enter the interview room.

5. What kinds of accents can be heard in the Listening and Speaking tests?

As IELTS is an international test, a variety of English accents is used in both of these tests.

6. Can I write in capital letters?

Yes, you can use all capital letters in the IELTS Reading and Listening components and also in the Writing component.

7. How are the tests marked?

IELTS uses a 9-band scoring system to report test scores in a consistent manner. You receive individual band scores for Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking and an Overall Band Score on a band scale from one to nine.

8. Can I make notes on the Listening and Reading question papers?

Yes. The people marking your answers to the Listening and Reading questions will not see your question paper.

9. Who sets the "pass" mark for the IELTS test?

There is no pass or fail in IELTS. Scores are graded on the 9 grade scale. Each educational institution or organization sets its own minimum IELTS scores to meet its individual requirements.

10. What if I am not happy with my result?

You can apply for an Enquiry on Results (EOR) procedure within six weeks of the test date. The fee is HK$1000.00. After re-marking, should the score on any module be increased, the re-marking fee is refunded.

11. What is the arrangement during bad weather?

If Typhoon signal No. 8 or higher or the Black Rainstorm warning is hoisted AT or AFTER 6:15am, the IELTS test will be cancelled and rescheduled; If Typhoon signal No. 3 or below or the Yellow or Red Rainstorm warning is hoisted, IELTS test will be run as scheduled. Candidates should listen to radio or watch television in case the weather deteriorates suddenly.

12. How soon can I re-sit the test?

There is no limit on sitting the test. However, IELTS recommends you do additional study before taking the test again.

13. How many copies of IELTS Test Report Forms am I entitled to?

You will be given ONE copy of your test report form. You may, at the time of registration or 2 years WITHIN the stated release date on the test report form, request that up to five additional copies of their test results be sent to schools / institutes / Government offices / Registration Bodies. For additional copies, $50 administrative cost will be charged per copy only, while there is no limitation for electronic copies.

14. Which version should I do, Academic or General Training?

The Academic Version is the best choice if you are planning to use English to study at an undergraduate or postgraduate level. The General Training is suitable for candidates who are going to English speaking countries to complete their secondary education, to undertake work experience or training programmes not at degree level, or for immigration purposes to Australia, Canada and New Zealand.

15. What if I am absent or sick on the test day?

If you are away on the test day with no prior notice, you will lose your full fee. However, if you provide a medical certificate within working 5 days of the test date, an administration charge (25% of the test fee) will be applied.

16. What if I need to postpone or cancel my IELTS test?

If you postpone or cancel your IELTS test more than 5 weeks before the test date, a maximum of 75% of the test fee is refundable as an administration charge of 25% will be deducted from the test fee. No refund will be granted within 5 weeks before the registered Test Date.

17. When will I get my test results?

Test Results will be issued approximately 2 weeks after the Test date. Candidates may bring along their Confirmation of Registration together with their HKID cards or passports (present the one you used for the registration) to collect their results or authorize a person to collect their results.

Candidates can also check the overall bandscore online two weeks of the result release date. Candidates can search for the provisional IELTS result online from ielts.idp.com IELTS result is usually available on-line 13 days after the test date, and will remain available for 28 days thereafter. You should select the test date, enter your candidate number, Identification number and date of birth for checking your result.

18. How long is the result valid?

The IELTS test partners recommend that receiving organisations do not accept an IELTS Test Report Form that is more than two years old. It is the decision of the receiving organisation, not the IELTS test partners, if they accept an older IELTS Test Report Form. No letters or references endorsing a candidate's level of English can be provided.

19. How can I register for the IELTS test?

You can register your IELTS test in-person at IDP Hong Kong Office or register online.

20. Which organisations accept IELTS?

IELTS is accepted by more than 11,500 organisations worldwide. These include universities, immigration departments, government agencies, professional bodies and multinational companies.

In addition to the questions above, 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.

You can also find daily IELTS updates on our Facebook page.

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.

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.

Learn more

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.

1. What is IELTS Life Skills? What is it for?

IELTS Life Skills is a new English language test offered by the three IELTS Test Partners – British Council, IDP: IELTS Australia and Cambridge English Language Assessment.

IELTS Life Skills is a test of Speaking and Listening, available at CEFR Level A1 and CEFR Level B1. It is designed to meet the requirements of UK Visas and Immigration for certain visa categories and other immigration purposes.

2. Which IELTS Life Skills test do I need?

Are you are applying to UK Visas and Immigration for a ‘family of a settled person’ visa? If yes, IELTS Life Skills A1 is the test for you.

Are you applying to UK Visas and Immigration for indefinite leave to remain or citizenship? If yes, IELTS Life Skills B1 is the test for you.

• >>> More on "guidance"

• >>> More on "UK visa"

3. What is the format of the IELTS Life Skills test?

You take the test with another test taker and one Examiner. Your own performance on both speaking and listening will be assessed during this one session.

4. Why does IELTS Life Skills only cover Speaking and Listening?

The new test has been designed to meet specific immigration requirements for which applicants only need to demonstrate speaking and listening skills.

5. How long does the IELTS Life Skills test take?

IELTS Life Skills at CEFR Level A1 takes 16-18 minutes and Level B1 is 22 minutes.

6. Is there any break between Speaking and Listening?

No, you will be assessed on your Speaking and Listening skills at the same time.

7. How is IELTS Life Skills assessed?

A certificated IELTS Examiner will assess your performance throughout the Speaking and Listening test based on the following criteria:

• obtaining information

• conveying information

• speaking to communicate

• engaging in discussion

The performance of the other test taker paired with you in IELTS Life Skills test does not affect the assessment of your own performance

8. How can I prepare for the IELTS Life Skills test?

Please click here for free test samples.

9. How many copies of IELTS Life Skills Test Report Form will I get?

You will receive one copy of the IELTS Life Skills Test Report Form.

10. How soon will I get my IELTS Life Skills results?

Test results are normally available within 7 days of your test.

11. 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 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.

Adverse Weather Arrangement

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.

Learn more

IELTS Examination Venue

IDP Education IELTS tests are generally held in hotels, schools and conference centers. The venues are mostly located on Hong Kong Island (including: Central, Wanchai, Causeway Bay, etc.) and Kowloon (including: Mong Kok, Tsim Sha Tsui, Yau Ma Tei, etc.).

Disclaimer: It is the responsibility of the test taker to register for the right type of test (IELTS, IELTS for UKVI, Life Skills A1 or Life Skills B1). 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.

Once you’ve submitted your IELTS application, it’s time to start preparing. Learn tips, get sample tests, past papers, and more from IDP. We even offer 30 days of free online practice to get you better prepared for your examination.
If you have any questions, require special arrangements, or anything else, please speak to your test centre team. They will be more than happy to assist you in any way regarding the IELTS registration and application, as well as information about the test day.

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