IELTS FAQs

No, you are required to use pens instead of pencils when taking IELTS on paper. The staff at the test centre will provide black ink pens for you to use. No other stationery is allowed inside the test room.

IELTS (International English Language Testing System) is a test of your English skills for study, work or living abroad.

European universities that require you to take a test like IELTS will usually accept IELTS Academic. It is important to check the university’s website to know its requirements.

Many TNE programmes require proof of English proficiency. IELTS Academic is widely accepted as evidence that students can study and communicate effectively in an English-speaking education environment.

Most visa types from Australia, Canada, USA and the UK require proof of English proficiency via a secure English language test. The tests that are accepted differ by country and visa type, so you should always check the official government website of the country you wish to move to. IELTS is a good choice because it is accepted by all of these four immigration authorities, plus thousands of educational institutions, employers and programmes.

Immigration authorities such as the UK Home Office often require IELTS for spouse visas. This test proves that a spouse can speak and understand English at CEFR A1 level or above.

For work permits, Canada generally accepts IELTS General Training. IELTS Academic is generally preferred for professional licensing and registration. Be sure to always check the requirements for your work visa on the government's website before booking your IELTS test.

No, IELTS does not provide visas. Visa decisions are made by government authorities.

USCIS doesn’t require IELTS or any other English proficiency test. However, companies and licensing bodies might ask for proof of English proficiency. Always check that your chosen company or organisation accepts IELTS before taking your test. 

To confirm countries accepting 5.5 IELTS for nurses, check with national nursing councils or immigration websites. IELTS requirements for NHS nurses may be higher than in other countries, though most countries prefer a higher IELTS score than 5.5.

You can take your IELTS test on computer or on paper at one of our official test centres. Availability of different modes is dependent on your location.

IELTS on computer: Take all test sections except Speaking on a computer at a test venue.

IELTS on paper: Handwrite all sections - except Speaking - in a booklet at a test venue.

In some countries and territories, you can take IELTS Online at home with the right equipment. This option is not available for IELTS for UKVI tests. Go to our IELTS online page to find out where this test is available.

Take a free practice IELTS test or use an approved English language assessment tool. Your results will indicate if you have the necessary English level to study, work or apply for a visa to Australia.

You can assess your English level using our free practice tests for IELTS Academic or IELTS General Training. We also offer lots of free materials and resources to help you study and prepare.

Use official IELTS practice materials or other tests to assess your English level. Your results will show whether you meet the language requirements for universities or work purposes in the USA. 

Once your test score is ready, you’ll be able to find it on the Test Taker Portal. It takes 1-5 days to get your score, but you will usually receive it within 2 days.

You’ll receive an IELTS for UKVI Life Skills Test Report Form (TRF) with your result – PASS or FAIL.

Learn more about IELTS test results.

We use strict security measures and standardised procedures to ensure test integrity and fairness.
[OPT] For IELTS Online, the examiner or remote proctor will ask you to show them your room, desk and equipment with your mobile device.

The IELTS test takes about 2 hours and 45 mins: Listening (30 minutes), Reading (60 minutes), Writing (60 minutes) and Speaking (11-14 minutes). If you take IELTS on paper, you will have an additional 10 minutes at the end of the Listening section to transfer your answers from the question booklet to the answer sheet.

You will take the Listening, Reading and Writing sections of the test on the same day with no breaks between the test sections. You will take your Speaking test either 1) on the same day, 2) within 7 days before or after the other test sections. The date of your Speaking test will depend on your local test centre and arrangements.

If you take IELTS Online, your Speaking test will usually be before your Listening, Reading and Writing, either on the same day or a different day.

Yes. Degrees awarded through accredited branch campuses or official partnerships are typically awarded by the home institution and recognised accordingly.

Both IELTS and TOEFL are widely accepted in the USA.  However, TOEFL only offers an academic test, while IELTS also offers General Training, which may be preferred by employers.

The same questions are used for IELTS on computer and IELTS on paper, so one is not easier than the other. However, IELTS on computer offers additional benefits compared to IELTS on paper, including Faster Results, the option to retake one skill, and a wider choice of test dates and locations.

The online version of IELTS Academic (IELTS Online) is accepted by many universities worldwide, but you should check with your chosen institution before booking your test.

Yes, Canadian universities often require you to submit language proficiency test scores through providers like IELTS. The specific score and test type can vary by institution and visa type, so always check individual universities’ and official government websites (opens in a new tab).

You should take IELTS Academic as it assesses the language skills needed for an academic environment and is the most commonly accepted version of IELTS for branch campuses abroad and other forms of TNE. However, always check the university admissions requirements before you book your test.

As IELTS is an international test, you will hear a variety of accents from different English-speaking countries, like the UK, USA, Australia, Ireland or New Zealand.

The accent you hear in the Speaking test will depend on your examiner’s nationality and where you take the test. You may hear an accent from an English-speaking country, like the UK, USA, Australia, Ireland or New Zealand. However, non-native speakers can also be IELTS examiners if they have a high level of English, so you may hear an accent from another country. 

A1 spouse visa test questions in IELTS Life Skills focus on simple speaking and listening tasks, such as introducing yourself, asking basic questions and discussing everyday situations.

The British Council offers IELTS Academic, IELTS General Training, IELTS for UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) and IELTS for UKVI Life Skills. See Which test should I take? to learn which test is right for your purposes. 

Only water in a transparent bottle without any label is allowed in the test room. You must leave everything else outside in an area designated by the supervisor. Mobile phones, pagers and electronic devices of any kind must be switched off and placed with your personal belongings  If you keep your electronic device with you or do not switch it off, you will be disqualified. Personal watches and stationery, including pencils, are also prohibited from the test room.

You must use a computer that meets the IELTS Online technical requirements. Mobile phones, devices and Chromebooks are not permitted.

Bring your identification document that you used to register for the test (passport or national ID), and any other required documents specified in your registration confirmation. You will need these to access the test room.

Australia generally requires an English test like IELTS for visa applications. For detailed information on which visa categories IELTS helps with, visit the official Australian Immigration website (opens in a new tab).

If you fail the test, you cannot use the result for your visa application. You'll need to retake the test and pay the test fee again until you get a pass. We recommend that you use our expert preparation resources to prepare for retaking your test.

IELTS score requirements vary by institution and study level, but typically range from 5.0 to 7.0 overall. However, some programmes may require higher scores. Always check IELTS for local campuses of universities abroad requirements directly with your chosen institution.

US working visas do not require IELTS, but licensing bodies and employers usually require at least 6.5-7 out of 9. Be sure to check with the relevant authority for up-to-date information. 

Every university is different, but most universities will require an IELTS band score between 5.5 and 7.0.

The IELTS score you need will depend on which country you are planning to migrate to, and visa you are applying for. Some may require IELTS C1 level, while others may accept IELTS B2 level or A1 for IELTS for UKVI Life Skills. Always check the official government website of the country you plan to migrate to.

The IELTS score you need to register as a nurse in Canada depends on the province you want to work in and the professional body you need to register with. However, you should aim for an IELTS Academic score of 6-8.

IELTS satisfies skilled worker visa requirements for English proficiency in numerous countries, including the UK, Australia, Canada and New Zealand. The score you need depends on the country you apply to and the visa category. Always check official government websites for the most up-to-date information.

IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training are both widely accepted by employers across the USA. 

Visa requirements vary by country and visa type. That means where you want to go and whether you want to work, study or join family members. For most English-speaking countries, the required English Exams for abroad scores range between IELTS Band Score 4 to 7.5.

Understand band scores.

The IELTS test assesses four key language skills: Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking.

IELTS Listening: This component tests how well you understand spoken English.

IELTS Reading: This component assesses your English reading skills.

IELTS Writing: This component assesses how well you can write in English.

IELTS Speaking: This component tests your spoken English via a live conversation with an official IELTS examiner.

For more information, visit our How does the IELTS format work page.

Minimum scores vary by academic institution and programme. Typically, undergraduate degrees require a minimum of 5.5-6.5. You may need higher for post-graduate courses. Be sure to check official guidelines on the Home Office website (opens in a new tab).

Transnational education (TNE) allows students to earn a qualification from a university in one country while studying in another country. This includes branch campuses, joint or dual degrees, franchise partnerships and online or blended programmes.

For assistance, report any technical issues to the test centre staff immediately.

IELTS for UKVI A1 or B1 tests are available at hundreds of UK Home Office-approved locations around the world. The IELTS for UKVI Life Skills A2 test can only be taken in the UK.

Your test may be at a British Council test centre or at one of our hundreds of partner sites around the world.

Visit our IELTS booking portal to check availability at your local test centre.

IELTS General Training is the best English test for working abroad. Choose IELTS Academic if you want to study abroad rather than work. 

If you're planning to apply to live in the UK via some visa types, Indefinite leave to remain or British citizenship, you'll need to take an IELTS for UKVI Life Skills test.

To apply for an International Sportsperson or Representative of an Overseas Business visa, or for the UK Family route for Indefinite leave to remain, you’ll need to take the IELTS for Life Skills A1 test.

To apply for an extension to a Family visa, you’ll need to take the IELTS for Life Skills A2 test, which can only be taken in the UK.

To apply for British citizenship or Indefinite leave to remain, you’ll need to take the IELTS for Life Skills B1 test.

Always check the UK’s official government website to check which test you should take before booking.

Nurses usually need IELTS Academic with an overall score of 6.5–7, depending on the state and licensing board. 

There is no official language proficiency requirement for US visas, but many academic institutions will require you to submit test scores before accepting you. The band score can vary, but typically ranges from 6.0 to 7.0+, depending on the programme and university.

Many European universities will accept IELTS Academic, particularly if they’re offering courses taught only in English. 

If you're planning to study at a university that teaches its courses in English, or plan to make a professional registration in an English-speaking country, you'll need to take IELTS Academic test.

If you're planning to work or train in an English-speaking country, you'll need to take the IELTS General Training test. You will need to take this test to migrate to Australia, Canada, New Zealand or the UK.

If you're planning to apply for a UK visa or study a course below degree level in the UK, you'll need to take an IELTS for UKVI test. 

Always check official government or institutions' websites to find out which test you should take before booking.

Many global universities have overseas campuses, such as the University of Nottingham Ningbo China, Monash University Malaysia and Middlesex University Dubai. These offer students the opportunity to gain international qualifications without leaving home.

The IELTS test is used to study or work abroad, particularly in countries like Australia, Canada and the US. 

IELTS for UKVI is necessary to apply for a UK visa. IELTS for UKVI Academic and General Training tests have exactly the same content and format as the standard IELTS tests, but they are taken it at an official IELTS for UKVI test centre where there are additional security protocols. 

You can reschedule your IELTS test within the terms and conditions provided by the British Council. Find out more about the IELTS test rescheduling policy here.

Yes, you can take IELTS as many times as you need, subject to a fee each time.

You can find available test dates and locations in the British Council IELTS booking portal.

You can register online via the British Council’s IELTS booking portal. To register, you will need a valid passport or national identity card.

The IELTS exam fee varies by location and test type. Please choose your test type and location in the booking portal to see the fee for your selection.

You may need to pay a penalty depending on the amount of notice you give. Read our Cancellations and Refunds policy for more information.

You can cancel your IELTS test within the terms and conditions provided by the British Council. Find out more about the IELTS test cancellation policy here (opens in a new tab).

Log in to the Test Taker Portal to edit your details before the test. You won't be able to make changes after you have taken the test.

No. They will only interrupt the test if something seems wrong, or if you raise your hand to tell them you have issues during the test or need to take a bathroom break.

You can take a 5-minute bathroom break, but it must be between tests. If you need a bathroom break, raise your hand and wait for the proctor to contact you.

No. All your work must be on the computer.

Yes. If you need a modified version of the IELTS test, you must provide medical evidence six weeks before your test. Your medical report should be written in English by a medical professional and dated no more than two years before your test date.

You can access the Test Taker portal here.

The proctors will only remain active for the duration of your test. Once your test is finished, both you and the proctor will exit the Inspera Integrity Browser and access to your camera will be stopped.

Refunds are returned to your original payment method. Processing times vary by country and test centre. Check your local British Council IELTS website for details.

Your new institution will only see the Test Report Form (TRF) that you request us to share, or you share yourself. 

You can request for a Scribe or Reader if you are unable to read or write.

Rules for using a Scribe:

• The Scribe must write down only what the test taker dictates.
• The test taker must dictate their answers clearly, indicating all punctuation and capital letters and the spelling of commonly misspelt or less common words.
• If the Scribe is unclear on the details of the test taker’s intended answer, they must request clarification.
• The Scribe must also ask the test taker to dictate the spelling of words which are less common, likely to cause confusion (e.g. where there is a similar but different word in the test taker’s first language), homophones. The Scribe must underline all words where the spelling has been checked in this way.
• The Scribe must not give factual help to the test taker nor offer any suggestions.
• All dictation and writing must be completed within the time specified for the test.

Rules for using a Reader: 

• A test taker using a Reader must have separate invigilation.
• A Reader should be able to read accurately and at a reasonable rate and must be familiar with the texts and task types in IELTS. 

During the test a Reader must:

• Read accurately.
• Not give factual help to the test taker, nor offer any suggestions.
• Not advise the test taker regarding which questions to do, when to move on to the next question, or the order in which the questions should be done.
• Read, as often as requested, the questions and the answers already recorded. This means that the Reader can repeat one or more of the questions after reading a section of text, or at any point upon the test taker's request.
• If asked, give information regarding time elapsed and remaining.
• If asked, give the spelling of a word which occurs in the question paper; otherwise spellings must not be given.
• Not offer the test taker any other kind of assistance, e.g. indirectly by using intonation.
   

If it’s a short break, you will get extra time to complete your test. If the connection cannot be restored, the British Council will help you organise a test retake. To avoid issues, please make sure you have a stable internet connection.

If you are absent on test day and do not tell the test centre in advance, you will lose your fee. However, if you are sick and you provide a medical certificate within two calendar days of the test, you will receive a refund minus the local administrative fee.

We can make special arrangements for test-takers with disabilities or special needs. Contact the British Council well in advance of your test date for details.

You can take your IELTS test at one of over 1,600 locations in more than 140 countries. This may be at a British Council test centre or at one of our hundreds of partner sites around the world. Visit our booking portal to check availability at your local test centre. 

IELTS for UKVI tests must be taken at a UK Home Office-approved IELTS for UKVI location.

A remote proctor will monitor your Listening, Reading and Writing test online and ensure the test maintains the security standards set by IELTS. In the Speaking test, your examiner will perform this role.

Your new institution will only see the Test Report Form (TRF) that you request us to share, or you share yourself. 

You cannot pass or fail IELTS; you receive  a band score between 0-9, based on your performance. However, preparation is recommended to improve your English skills, manage time effectively, and understand the test format and assessment criteria.

Yes. When you book IELTS with the British Council, you get free access to IELTS Ready Premium, our online preparation platform including over 40 scored practice tests and other learning materials. We also offer free video tutorials and Facebook Social Live sessions.

Firstly, you need to book your IELTS test with the British Council. Once you've booked your test, you can access IELTS Ready Premium via the Test Taker Portal.

How much preparation you need to do depends on your current English level and the IELTS score you need. To find out your current score, we recommend that you take a scored practice test. For those close to their target score, you may need a few weeks to focus on familiarising yourself with the test so you are prepared for question types, test conditions and timing.

If you are over two bands from your target score, you may need to invest in further English learning and practice to improve your English skills.

We recommend that you prepare for your IELTS Academic test by practising your English language skills, familiarising yourself with the test format and trying the different task types that you’ll come across in the test.

You can do all of this with IELTS Ready Premium, our complete exam preparation toolkit, which is free when you book your test with the British Council.

We also offer intensive teacher-led IELTS Coach courses and a familiarisation test. If you are not ready to book yet, you can sign up for IELTS Ready Member and start familiarising yourself with the test for free.

We recommend that you prepare for your IELTS General Training test by practising your English language skills, familiarising yourself with the test format and trying the different task types that you’ll come across in the test.

You can do all of this with IELTS Ready Premium, our complete exam preparation toolkit, which is free when you book your test with the British Council.

We also offer intensive teacher-led IELTS Coach courses and a familiarisation test. If you are not ready to book yet, you can sign up for IELTS Ready Member and start familiarising yourself with the test for free.

Test takers can cross out incorrect answers and re-write it inside the designated answer box. Marks are not deducted for making corrections. The test content and assessment criteria remain the same. A response which has overrun the box, will be marked.

Once your test score is ready, you’ll be able to find it on the Test Taker Portal. It takes 1-5 days to get your score if you took IELTS Academic test on Computer, but you will usually receive it in 2 days. It can take up to 14 days for your score to arrive if you took IELTS on Paper.

You’ll receive an IELTS Test Report Form (TRF) with your overall band score (between 1-9), as well as your scores for each section of the exam.

Yes, you will receive an email notification with a link to view and download your IELTS scores as an official Test Report Form (TRF) from the Test Taker Portal. Some test centres may also provide SMS alerts and an Online Results Service. 

Yes, you can request a re-mark if you think your scores don’t accurately reflect your English skills in one or more test sections. For example, if you scored high in mock tests but low on test day. Or if a small adjustment could impact your academic, professional or migration plans.

You will pay a fee for an Enquiry in Results (re-mark), which is refunded if your score improves in any section of the test. Fees vary by test centre.

We can send up to five free copies of your paper Test Report Form (TRF) or 10 free copies of your electronic TRF (eTRF) directly to institutions and organisations within two years of your test date.

To send an eTRF, you need to select the receiving organisation in the Test Taker Portal. Alternatively, you can download your eTRF and share it yourself by post, email or via the portal. To send a paper TRF, you need to add the address of the receiving organisation in the Test Taker Portal.

If your test centre closes permanently within the two-year period since you took your test, you can request to have your results sent to recognising organisations by filling in the Additional IELTS Test Report Form. Note that there is a fee for this service. 

There is no pass or fail in IELTS. Scores are graded on a band scoring system. You will receive a score from 0-9, with 9 being the highest and 0 being 'did not attempt the test'. However, each educational institution, government or organisation sets its own minimum level of IELTS scores to meet its requirements.

IELTS uses a band scoring system to measure and report test scores consistently. You will receive individual band scores on a scale from 0 to 9 for Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking. You will also receive an overall Band Score from 0 to 9. This is the average of your band scores in each test section, rounded up or down to the nearest whole or half band (e.g. 6, 6.5, 7, 7.5, etc).   

You must submit your EOR form via the Test Taker Portal within six weeks of the test date on your Test Report Form.

You will receive your re-mark result within 2-21 days after submitting your EOR request, depending on the number of test sections you request to be re-marked. If your scores change, you will receive an updated Test Report Form.
Contact your test centre if you haven’t received your results after 21 days. 

Your Test Report Form (TFR) is valid for two years from the date of your IELTS test.

When you receive your results depends on which test mode you choose:

IELTS on computer: 1-5 days, but typically received within 2 days
IELTS on paper: up to 13 days
IELTS Online: 6-8 days
IELTS for UKVI Life Skills: up to 7 days

If you are having issues logging into the Test Taker portal, contact your IELTS Test Centre directly for support.

An IELTS remark doesn’t guarantee a higher score; it may stay the same, but it will never go down. Your test is re-marked following strict assessment standards by a senior examiner who doesn’t know your original scores. This ensures the process is fair and impartial. 

If you want to query your results or have a section re-marked, you can submit an Enquiry on Results (EOR) request up to six weeks after your test. You can do this online through the Test Taker Portal or at the centre where you took your test. You will pay a fee to have one or more sections re-marked, but this will be refunded if your score increases in any section of the test. The outcome of your EOR may be available on the same day as your application or up to 21 days afterwards. The time depends on several factors, including the number of sections you asked us to re-mark.

There is no specific ‘passing’ score for the IELTS Academic test. Each university has its own requirements. It is important to check the score required by the programme that you are applying for entry to.

If you can’t view your results in the Test Taker Portal, contact your IELTS Test Centre directly.

You will receive just one copy of your Test Report Form. Replacement copies are not issued in the event of loss or damage. However, we can send up to five free copies to a recognising organisation within the two year test validity period.

You can have any, or all, of the test sections re-marked: Listening, Reading, Writing or Speaking.

Occasionally, IELTS results are delayed due to quality control checks. These are random checks to ensure scores are fair and accurate. Other reasons include a review of test performance if there are technical issues, discrepancies or suspicions of malpractice. In some cases, delays can also be caused by national holidays like Christmas or New Year. Contact your test centre if your results are not available during the normal timeframe for the test you took. 

Fees vary by test centre and location. You will see the fee when you log in to the Test Taker Portal.

The format, task types and question difficulty are the same as the full IELTS test. However, you may find One Skill Retake easier because you already know what to expect and will only take one part of the test.

You can take One Skill Retake if you recently took a full IELTS on computer test at a participating centre. You must book One Skill Retake within 60 days of your original test date. Check the Test Taker Portal to see if you are eligible based on your test date and location.