Before taking the IELTS test
You can find useful information about the test day on www.takeielts.org, see for example the below links:
Understand the IELTS test format
IELTS test day advice
IELTS preparations course
Test day
You will receive information about the test venue and the starting time, addresses and further instructions by e-mail a week before the test date.
Please check the pre-test info email for the arrival time. It may differ from the time in the test taker portal. If you arrive after the start of the test, you may not be allowed to take the test.
We need to watch you switch off your phone and other devices (power off), You will leave all your belongings in the cloakroom at the instructions of the staff. Do not wear clothing printed with English text or bulky or outdoor clothing.
The only things you can bring into the test room are the accepted ID, and a transparent bottle of plain non-carbonised water without label or any text. Nothing else.
If you need any medicine or food during the test, this will only be accepted after prior approval and medical evidence, in good time and before the test day.
You can not bring family or friends to the premises.
ID Check & Photo and other measures
After the cloakroom, your ID will be checked and your photo taken. Please note you must bring the same passport/ID that was accepted in your registration.
Test takers who bring a different ID, or no ID, will not be allowed to sit the test. This also applies EU citizens who register with their passport but bring their National ID card, or vice versa.
If you need to submit your passport to an embassy for renewal or visa, please plan this ahead of the test date. A pending visum application or passport renewal is not a valid reason for cancellation or refund.
Please note that all the measures taken by the IELTS staff with regard to photo, repeated ID checks etc. are according to global rules and are meant to maintain the standard format of the test, as well as to protect the integrity of the test, and also to prevent mistakes. This is also in your own best interest and in the interest of the receiver organisations.
Listening-Reading-Writing
This takes about 2 hrs 45 minutes. There are no breaks. You can use the bathroom in the first 50 min. of the Reading test and in the first 50 min. of the Writing test, but not during the Listening test and not in between the tests.
Speaking
The individual Speaking tests are held in the same venue and take up to 15 minutes. Please return to the venue no later than 15 minutes before the time of your Speaking test to check in. It is normally possible to wait at the venue during the afternoon, but we may ask everyone to briefly leave the building for practical reasons.
