IELTS questions

Find answers to common questions about the IELTS test, the British Council, the booking process and preparing for a test.

• 'What is IELTS?'
• 'Which organisations accept IELTS?'
• 'Who owns IELTS and who writes the test?'
• 'Why are there two versions of the test?'
• 'Which version should I do?'
• 'What is the test format and how long will it take?'
• 'What help is available for disabled candidates?'
• 'When can I take IELTS?'
• 'How much does it cost?'
• 'What if I need to postpone or cancel my application?'
• 'What if I am absent or sick on the test day?'
• 'Is the IELTS test completed in one day?'
• 'What can I bring into the examination room?'
• 'Which part do I take first?'
• 'What kinds of accents can be heard in the Listening and Speaking tests?'
• 'Does the Listening tape provide instructions and pauses?'
• 'Is there a similar period of 10 minutes in the Reading test to transfer answer?'
• 'Can I use a pen for the Listening and Reading tests?'
• 'Can I make notes on the Listening and Reading question papers?'
• 'What is the Speaking test?'
• 'What do I need for the Speaking test?'
• 'How are the tests marked?'
• 'Who sets the ‘pass’ mark for the IELTS test?'
• 'When will I receive my test results?'
• 'What if I lose my Test Report Form?'
• 'How soon can I re-sit the test?'
• 'What if I feel my test result is wrong?'
• 'What if I am delayed by circumstances beyond my control?'

Test Day Photography

The following FAQs relate to the Test Day Photography procedures which are applicable in certain test locations:

• 'What is Test Day Photography?'
• 'What is this used for?'
• 'How long will the test day photo take?'
• 'Do I still need to submit another photo given that my photo is already taken on the test day?'
• 'If I withdraw from the speaking test, and fail to participate in the test day photography, can I still get the TRF?'
• 'Can I refuse to participate in the test day photography system?'