IELTS FAQ
WHERE CAN I TAKE THE IELTS EXAM?
In Denmark you can at present take the IELTS exam in Copenhagen and Aarhus. However for Aarhus we currently do not have a fixed schedule, candidates will be contacted when we can offer them a place in Aarhus. Until further notice we ask candidates to be prepared to come to Copenhagen. IELTS tests in Denmark are organised by EDU Danmark - IELTS, e-mail: ielts@edu-danmark.dk.
IS IELTS DIFFICULT? - DO I NEED A PREPARATION COURSE?
We cannot give individual advice on this, but we would recommend to prepare for any examination, including the IELTS test. We refer to the test examples that are available on http://takeielts.britishcouncil.org/prepare-test/free-practice-tests. These, together with the information in "How to Prepare" on this site as well as the "Test Day" advice will all assist you in getting the score you need.
CAN I REGISTER ONLINE? - We expect this is implemented here shortly.
HOW DO I PREPARE FOR THE TEST? - See the How to prepare section on this website.
WHICH ID CAN I USE AS PROOF OF IDENTITY?
Candidates must have a valid passport to register for the IELTS exam and the same passport has to be shown on the test day. Other ID such as driving licenses and student identity cards are not acceptable forms of identification.
We do not need to see work or residence permits.
Contact us if you are renewing your passport or waiting for a visa, on ielts@edu-danmark.dk.
I AM A VISITOR / TEMPORARY RESIDENT IN DENMARK. CAN I TAKE THE TEST HERE?
Yes, you can. You only need a valid passport. We do need a correct address to send your confirmation and Test Report Form, as we may only issue one copy to you. Therefore, if you have a temporary address please make sure the address includes the name of the person you are staying with, i.e. "Miss J. Jones, c/o Peter Hansen" etc. etc.
SHOULD I TAKE THE IELTS ACADEMIC MODULE OR THE GENERAL MODULE EXAM?
The IELTS Academic Module exam is intended for those who want to study in an English-speaking country or where the medium of communication is English, as well as for medical professionals who want to practise abroad. The General Module exam is for those who want to emigrate to Australia, Canada or New Zealand, undergo practical vocational training, or do a work placement. Before you register you should check directly with the institution you are doing the test for. It is your responsibility to choose the module that suits your purpose.
WHAT SCORE DO I NEED TO GET TO PASS?
There is no "pass" or "fail" in IELTS. If you are taking the IELTS Test in order to study, please check directly with the university what the minimum requirements are. Different universities require different scores. If you are taking the exam in order to emigrate to Australia, Canada, the UK or New Zealand or another country, please check with the relevant embassy. To search for a recognising institution, use Who accepts IELTS?
DO I RECEIVE A CONFIRMATION BY E-MAIL?
Yes. Sometimes you will first get an e-mail to confirm receipt of your papers, then a final confirmation with the test date. However, please make sure you give us your complete address including any "C/O" name if your name is not on the mailbox or door. Your test result will be sent by post to the address you supply on page 1 of your application form.
I HAVEN'T RECEIVED ANY CONFIRMATION. AM I ALLOWED TO COME TO THE EXAM?
It is important that you write your correct and complete email address so the mail is not returned to us. However, if you have applied for an IELTS Exam and have not received a confirmation about 7 working days later, please contact us. Without a written confirmation, there is no guarantee that you can sit the test on the desired date. For tests on Saturday, please note the telephone switchboard closes Friday at 16:00 hrs.
HOW LONG DOES THE EXAM TAKE AND WHERE IS THE TEST CENTRE?
The written parts of the exam take about 3 hours. In the course of the afternoon the speaking tests will take place, each lasting no more than 15 minutes. In those cases where Speaking tests are held on another day (for candidates close by Copenhagen) you will be informed on forehand. You will be informed of test venue address in your letter of confirmation.
CAN I USE A COMPUTER?
The test is paper-based and you write by hand. We provide the writing utensils: pencils, pen, sharpener and eraser.
CAN I USE A DICTIONARY?
No, you can not use any form or type of dictionary, notes or anything else, neither on paper nor electronically.
CAN I BRING SOMETHING TO EAT AND DRINK?
You can only bring water in a transparent bottle. You can not bring anything else into the test room. Candidates asking for an exemption on the grounds of medical needs should indicate this on their application form and supply medical evidence, in original, paper fomat.
WHEN ARE THE SPEAKING TESTS HELD?
Speaking tests are normally held on the same day, if this is not the case you will be notified beforehand. All candidates who live far away will be able to get their Speaking test on the same day or another test date will be offered.
WHEN DO I RECEIVE MY RESULT?
The test results (Test Report Forms or TRFs) are sent out on the 13th day following a test. For a test on Saturday this is the Friday two weeks later. They are sent out by post to the address on your application form. We need a correct address to send your confirmation and Test Report Form, as we may only issue one TRF to you. Therefore, please make sure the address includes the name of the person you are staying with, i.e. "Miss J. Jones, c/o Peter Hansen" etc. etc.
CAN I SEE MY RESULTS ON THE INTERNET?
We expect this to be operational by the end of this year.
CAN I GET EXTRA COPIES OF THE TEST REPORT FORM?
You will only get one personal copy of your results and we advise you to keep this in a secure place. We can send copies on your behalf to institutions, immigration authorities etc. up to two years after the test. You can use the form enclosed with your TRF or contact us. You need not fill out any institutions on page 3 of your application form at the time of applying. Up to five TRFs are included in your test fee, if you need more we charge DKK 90.
CAN I RETAKE THE TEST IF I DON’T GET THE SCORE I NEED?
You can take the test as many times as you wish by applying again for any available date. However, it should be noted that to significantly improve a score it is necessary to engage in further study or practice. IELTS research indicates that scores are unlikely to improve dramatically without extensive English language tuition in the interim. You must repeat the full test and the test fee is the same for each repeated test.
WHAT IF I WANT TO CANCEL or POSTPONE?
The full test fee may be charged if you cancel or postpone the test within five weeks of the test date. If we can find another candidate you can get a refund minus DKK 500,-. If you are absent on the test day your test fee is lost, unless you provide appropriate medical evidence (the original doctor's statement on original letterhead paper, with stamp and signature, stating the reason for absence), within five calendar days of the test date. (We refer to page 4 of the application form.)
If you cancel more than five weeks before the test, you will be entitled to a refund, minus an administration fee of DKK 200. Refunds are only made to Danish bank accounts.
You can postpone your test once to a later date which is still available, free of charge, if you do it latest 5 weeks before the test date.
You can not a refund for practice materials that we have already sent to you.
WHAT IF I AM NOT HAPPY WITH MY RESULTS?
If you are not satisfied with your results, you have the option of applying for a re-mark of (parts of) your test. This process is called Enquiry on Results and costs DKK 630. Should your score improve as a result of this re-evaluation, this amount will be refunded to you. Your result cannot be lowered from the original Test Report Form issued to you. To make use of this service send an email to ielts@edu-danmark.dk. Please note that we must receive your form and payment within 6 weeks of the test date.
HOW LONG ARE THE RESULTS VALID?
There is no formal expiry date. As with most English language qualifications, it is recommended that IELTS scores only be accepted after a 2-year period if you can prove you have kept up your language level. It is at the discretion of the receiving institution whether they wish to accept your results after this period of 2 years. Please note we cannot issue a Test Report Form on your behalf after the 2-year period.
CAN SOMEONE UNDER THE AGE OF 18 SIT THE EXAM?
Yes, the minimum age is 16. Exceptions can only be made in rare cases, such as the test being a school admission requirement. Generally it is strongly recommended that those under the age of 18 take Cambridge ESOL exams instead. You can do this at Studieskolen in Copenhagen.
CAN A NATIVE ENGLISH SPEAKER TAKE THE EXAM?
Yes, anyone over the age of 16 can take the exam.
WHAT ABOUT SPECIAL NEEDS?
Please contact us before registration on ielts@edu-danmark.dk if you have special needs or a handicap.
WHAT IS THE MAIN DIFFERENCE BETWEEN IELTS AND TOEFL?
With IELTS, you will always have a Speaking test - a short person-to-person conversation with an examiner. For many, this helps to increase their average score. Depending on which version of TOEFL you are looking at, you will either have no Speaking test or you will have to speak into a computer.
IELTS ON FACEBOOK: "IELTS Official“
This is the official global IELTS Facebook page. Here, you can talk to people about to take the test or who have already done so. Feel free to ask any questions, as well as practise your English skills.
