What to expect on test day?

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is designed to evaluate the language skills of people who want to study or work where English is the language of communication.

IELTS is available in two different modules: Academic and General Training. Every organisation that accepts IELTS will generally specify which module of IELTS you will need for your application. Either of the two - IELTS Academic or IELTS General Training would be accepted. If you are in doubt as to which one to take, contacting the organisation directly you are applying to in order to check their requirements is the best way to move forward. In both the modules, you are tested on all four language skills – Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking- unless you have an exemption due to a disability.

Here are a few pointers to keep in mind on the day of the test:

• Arrive early so that you have enough time to check in and move through all necessary security and registration procedures.
• Bring along your ID (valid passport/national identity card). You must have the same identification as you provided on your IELTS application form. If you do not have the right identification document, you will not be able to take the test.
• Try to stay calm and composed so you can do your best during the test.
• Listen carefully to the test supervisor’s instructions. In case of any doubt or issue, raise your hand and the supervisor will assist you.
• Raise your hand and tell a supervisor if you have a problem. For example, if you feel that your work may be affected by illness or any other reason, you must raise your hand and let your supervisor know.

Following are the rules that must be followed to maintain the test decorum and to make sure the process flows smoothly-

• Cheating, copying the work of another candidate or disrupting the test is off limits.
• Use of a dictionary, pager, spell-checker, electronic recorder or mobile phone is not allowed.
• Once you have entered the test room you may not lend anything to or borrow anything from another person.
• The supervisors aren’t allowed to help you with any of the test questions.
• Once the test has started you must not talk to, or disturb, other candidates.
• No eating or smoking allowed inside the examination hall.
• You must not reproduce any part of the test, otherwise you will have your test results withheld and be liable to prosecution if you do this.
• You’re not allowed to take test papers, answer papers, working papers or any other test materials out of the examination room.
• You’re not allowed to leave the examination room without permission from a supervisor.

In case any candidate fails to adhere to the rules mentioned above, their test result will be withheld and the institution or professional body the candidate may have nominated to receive their results will be notified.