What learning difficulties are supported in IELTS special arrangements?

IELTS provides support for learning, communication and interaction difficulties such as dyslexia, dysorthographia, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), ADHD and Asperger Syndrome.

What special arrangements are available for IELTS test takers with learning difficulties?

Available arrangements may include 25% extra time for Listening, Reading and Writing, enlarged print question papers, supervised breaks, separate invigilation and the use of a PC or laptop for typing answers.

How does extra time work in the IELTS Listening test for learning difficulties?

Test takers may receive 25% extra time, with a modified Listening test that repeats recordings twice and includes additional pauses to allow time to write answers.

Can I use a Reader or Scribe if I have dyslexia?

No, test takers with specific learning difficulties such as dyslexia are not permitted to use a Reader or Scribe and must read and write their own answers.

Can I take supervised breaks during the IELTS test?

Yes, supervised breaks may be allowed for test takers with conditions such as ADHD or anxiety to help them manage the test more effectively.

Is separate invigilation available for IELTS special arrangements?

Yes, separate invigilation may be provided to create a more suitable and less distracting test environment.

What support is available for physical difficulties in IELTS?

Support is available for test takers with physical difficulties, including those with paralysis or those who write using non-standard methods. Appropriate arrangements are made based on individual needs.

Do I need medical evidence to request special arrangements?

Yes, medical evidence is required in most cases to support your request for special arrangements unless the disability is clearly visible.

Can a support worker accompany me during the IELTS test?

Support workers are generally not allowed inside the test room. They may accompany you up to the test room but must wait outside during the test unless special permission is granted.

Can I be exempt from certain IELTS test sections?

Yes, in cases of severe difficulties, you may apply for exemption from one or more test sections. Each request is reviewed individually and must include detailed medical evidence.

How do I apply for IELTS special arrangements?

You should contact your local IELTS test centre as early as possible, provide detailed information about your needs and submit the required medical documentation.

Special arrangements for learning difficulties

Learning, communication and interaction difficulties.

Learning, communication or interaction difficulties include conditions such as:

dyslexia
dysorthographia
ASD (Autistic Spectrum Disorder)
ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder)
AS (Asperger Syndrome).

Group of friends sitting together outdoors during winter.

If you have one of these conditions, a combination of some, or all of the below arrangements may be helpful for you:

25% extra time for Listening (Your test centre can request a modified CD from Cambridge Assessment English for the Listening test. This will repeat the Listening texts twice and include additional pauses for you to write your answers.)
enlarged print question papers (Your test centre can request modified papers from Cambridge Assessment English with a layout and font style which may help test takers with dyslexia.)
25% extra time for Reading and Writing
supervised breaks (which may help test takers with ADHD or anxiety)
separate invigilation
use of a PC or a laptop for typing answers.

Test takers with a specific learning difficulty such as dyslexia are not permitted to use a Reader or Scribe. In this case you must read and write your own answers.

Support for physical difficulties

This category includes test takers such as those with a form of paralysis or those who can write but not by conventional means, e.g. with their feet.

You will need to include as much information as possible in your application so that suitable arrangements can be made, and the correct modified materials arranged. Medical evidence must be provided in all cases unless your disability is obvious.

Support workers are not usually allowed to accompany a test taker for any part of an IELTS test. Usually, they can only stay with you as far as the test room and must then wait outside until the test is finished. Please provide your test centre with as much information as possible if you are requesting the presence of a support worker.

Young woman with a backpack and coffee cup walking outdoors on a rainy day.

Exemptions

Special arrangements will enable most test takers to take all four sections of the test and to be assessed in the same way as any other test taker. However, special arrangements may not meet the needs of some test takers with particularly severe difficulties. In this case you may apply to be exempt from one or two of the test sections.

Applications for exemptions must include as much medical evidence and background information as possible to justify the request. These will be considered on a case by case basis.

Contact your local test centre

Please contact your local test centre as soon as possible if you have special needs that may require a modified IELTS test version.