IELTS Special requirements

International English language testing system (IELTS) test centres try their best to help people who need special assistance. They want to make sure that everyone's language skills are tested fairly and without bias. So, if you have specific needs, like learning difficulties, hearing or visual problems, medical conditions, or are infant feeding, IELTS offers a comprehensive service to support you.

If you need special arrangements during the test, such as extra time or a different version of the test, you must inform the test centre at least six weeks before the test date.

Here are some examples of special arrangements they can provide:

• Extra time for those with medical conditions or breastfeeding needs
• Braille papers for visually impaired test takers
• A special Listening CD with pauses for those who need them
• A lip-reading version of the Listening test for the hearing impaired
• Larger print or Braille cards for the Speaking task

If you think you need a modified version of the IELTS test because of your special needs, please contact your local test centre as soon as possible. They will be happy to help you.

Visual difficulties

If you have difficulty seeing, whether you are completely blind or partially sighted, we might be able to assist you in taking your IELTS test.

Hearing or speaking difficulties

The IELTS test consists of a Listening and a Speaking test. If you face challenges with hearing or speaking, we may be able to offer assistance for you to take your IELTS test.

Learning difficulties

If you have particular learning challenges, such as dyslexia, we might be able to provide support for you to take your IELTS test.