Test day advice
If you’re getting ready to take IELTS, it helps to know what to expect on IELTS test day. This page has some helpful IELTS test day guidelines for a smoother test-day experience.
Know what to expect on IELTS test day
Here are some useful IELTS tips to help you prepare for test day:
Make sure you have read and understood the IELTS test terms and conditions before your test. They contain important information about the test day. You can find them in the Test Takers Information section of your application form. Understanding these IELTS guidelines in advance helps you avoid last-minute issues on the day.
Plan to arrive on time.
Before test day, check the location of your test centre and the test start time, and ensure you know how to arrive in plenty of time. If you are late, you may not be able to take the test. Remember to allow enough time to have your photo taken before the test starts.
Get a good night’s sleep.
On the evening before the test, go to bed early and try to avoid distractions or anything you find stressful. You’ll perform better on test day if you are well-rested.
There are no breaks during the test.
The test (excluding Speaking) is 2 hours and 40 minutes with no breaks, so make sure you go to the bathroom beforehand. You also cannot bring food into the test room, so have a good meal before travelling to the test centre.
Ensure you are comfortable.
There is no dress code for the IELTS test, so you can wear what you want. However, you should be comfortable enough to sit for long periods of time without getting too hot or too cold.
Be ready to show your ID.
To be allowed into the test room, you will need to show the identity document you used when booking the test. You will also have your photo taken on arrival at the test centre (for use on your Test Report Form only). Some test centres may also request a fingerprint scan for extra security.
Leave all personal belongings outside.
You can only take water in a transparent bottle with no label into the test room. All electronic devices (smartphones, smartwatches, etc.) must be switched off and left with your other personal belongings outside the test room, where staff will look after them.
If you requested special arrangements as a result of a disability or other condition, adjustments will be made for you on the day of your test.
What to expect during the test?
Once the test begins, follow these IELTS guidelines:
IELTS always follows the same format.
You will sit the test in the following order: Listening, Reading and Writing. Your Speaking test may be on the same day as the other sections, or on a different day, up to one week before or after. This format applies to both paper-based and computer-delivered IELTS.
No. If you are taking the IELTS test on paper, you must use the black ink pen provided by the test centre. No other stationery is allowed in the test room.
Read the instructions for each section and make sure you understand them before answering the questions. Also, remember to check how many words you need to write for the Writing section.
If you have any questions about the test or need to use the bathroom, raise your hand to attract the invigilator’s attention. Do not call out, as this will disturb other test-takers.
Timings are different for each section.
The Listening, Reading and Writing tests take 2 hours 40 minutes in total. There are no breaks between sections. Not all sections are timed the same, so make sure you give yourself enough time to write down your answers for each one.
When it’s time to take the Listening test, check that you can hear the recording clearly. If you can’t, raise your hand and inform the invigilator.
What happens after you finish your IELTS test?
Once you finish your test, please remain in your seat until an invigilator says you can leave.
If anything happens during the test which you think might have affected your performance, please tell an invigilator as soon as possible.
If you have a complaint, fill out a Test Day Incident form as soon as possible after your test.
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