Tips and Advice for the IELTS Test day

You might be tense about your IELTS test day. For you, we have put together some tips and advice so that you can give your test smoothly and it will also help you understand what happens on your test day. Follow our test day guidance to make sure everything goes in an easy way so that you can achieve the IELTS score you need.

Arriving at the test centre

Before one day of your IELTS test, check the timings allotted to you and make sure you are prepared to get on time to the test centre on time the very next day. Check the test location before 2-3 days so that on test day you can arrive there easily. You should arrive at the test centre before the time in order to allow time for you to register and be seated for the test. Please refer to your booking confirmation for details. If you will come late, you may not be allowed to sit for the test.

Before the IELTS test

• You should ensure that you have read all the  IELTS test terms and conditions and understood them properly as they are the important information about your test day. These can read them in the Test Takers Information part of your application form.
• Switch off your mobile and any other electronic devices. These things will be kept outside of the test room along with your other personal things.
• You are not allowed to bring food or drink into the test room except for the transparent water bottle. So eat well before the test begins.
• The Listening, Reading and Writing section of IELTS will take 2 hours 40 minutes to complete. Please note that there will be no breaks during these section tests.

Your documents for identification

• When you arrive at the test centre, IELTS staff will check your identity with the help of the documents you received when you registered for the test and also with the Identification document you. If you don’t provide your valid ID you will not be allowed to take the exam.
• Additionally, IELTS staff will click your photo before you sit for the test due to some security measure. This picture will be inserted on your Test Report Form.
• At some places, you may also be asked to provide a finger scan. 

During your test

Follow these rules while taking your IELTS test:

• You should only have a pencil, pen, your ID, and an eraser on your desk. Except for these things, nothing will be permitted. 
• During the test, if you want to go to the toilet then raise your hand to catch the attention of the invigilator but do not disturb the other candidates.
• Put up your hand so that the invigilator can know that you need to ask a question during the test.
• When it’s time to take the Listening test, check that you can hear the recording clearly. If you are not able to hear immediately raise your hand and inform the invigilator.
• After completion of the Listening module, you will be given 10 minutes to write the answers onto your answer sheet. But, you will not be given 10 minutes after the Reading module, so make sure to write your answers on your answer sheet when completing each module.

At the end of the test

• Only when the invigilator gives you permission to leave the test room, leave the room till then be seated.
• If you believe that your performance may have been affected by any issues, inform the invigilator straight away.
• If you want to make a complaint about your test day, you must do this within one week of the test date by filling in the Complaint Form.

Special arrangements

If you requested special arrangements because of any disability or any other condition, adjustments will be made for you on the day of your test accordingly.

Test day tips

Follow all instructions carefully and remember that in the Writing parts of the test, you will be required to write a specific number of words. Some questions have guideline time limits for you to follow, make sure you stay aware of the time to ensure you have enough time to answer each question. Stay calm and take deep breaths if you feel stressful or worried.