FAQ

About the test

What is IELTS?

IELTS is the International English Language Testing System which tests English proficiency across the globe. Conducting 1.5 million tests in 2010 globally, IELTS is the world’s most popular high stakes English language proficiency test.

Which organizations accept IELTS?

IELTS is accepted by more than 6000 organisations worldwide. These include universities, immigration departments, government agencies, professional bodies and multinational companies.

Who owns IELTS and who writes the test?

IELTS is jointly owned by British Council, IDP: IELTS Australia and the University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations (Cambridge ESOL) and offered through over 800 test centres and locations in over 130 countries. International teams of writers contribute to IELTS test materials. Ongoing research ensures that IELTS remains fair and unbiased. Test writers from different English-speaking countries develop IELTS content so it reflects real-life situations.

Why are there two versions of the test?

IELTS has two versions – Academic and General Training. The Academic test is for those who want to study at a tertiary level in an English-speaking country. The General Training test is for those who want to do work experience or training programs, secondary school or migrate to an English-speaking country. All candidates take the same Listening and Speaking tests but different Reading and Writing tests.

How do I practice and prepare for my test?

Read the explanation of the Academic and General Training tests, then contact the organisation or institution to which you are applying to find out what it requires. Note that you must know which version to take when you complete the IELTS Application Form. What is the test format and how long will it take?

IELTS has four parts – Listening (30 minutes), Reading (60 minutes), Writing (60 minutes) and Speaking (11–14 minutes). The total test time is 2 hours and 45 minutes. The Listening, Reading and Writing tests are done in one sitting. The Speaking test may be on the same day or up to seven days before or after the other tests.

What help is available for disabled candidates?

Test centre make every effort to cater for the special needs of disabled candidates. It is our aim for all candidates to be assessed fairly and objectively. If you have a special need, inform us when registering. We may need up to three months to organise arrangements. 

 

Registering for the Test

How do I register for the test?

1.Check the timetable to find the option that suits you. Note the deadline for registering for each test date.

2.Check with your organisation whether you need to sit an Academic or General Training test.

3.Print out the IELTS Application Form or ask the centre for a copy. Read the information for candidates, terms and conditions, complete the form and sign it. Please make sure you have a valid postal address and use the same name as on your passport.

4.Organise two identical passport-sized colour photographs, less than six months old, and sign the back of each. You must not wear glasses in your application photographs. Take a photocopy of your current passport – this must be valid and not expired (we also accept a national identity card).

5.If you want your results to be sent automatically to a university or educational institution, include the correct details in the section on the IELTS Application Form.

6.Take your application into your IELTS test centre on your exam day.

7.The Speaking test can be up to 7 days before or after the test date.

8.On the test day, you must bring the same passport or national identity card that you entered in the website and on the Application Form.

What photographs do I need to provide in my IELTS application?

To apply for an IELTS test you will need to provide two identical passport-sized colour photographs that are no more than six months old. You will need to sign the back of each photo. You must not wear glasses in your application photographs. What if I need to postpone or cancel my application?

If you postpone or cancel your application more than 5 weeks before the test date, you will receive a refund minus an administration charge.

If you postpone or cancel within 5 weeks of the test date, you will be charged the full fee unless you have a medical reason. If you provide a medical certificate within 5 days of the test date, you will receive a refund minus 500,000 Rials. What if I am absent or sick on the test day?

If you are away on the test day with no prior notice, you will lose your full fee. However, if you provide a medical certificate within 5 days of the test date, you will receive a refund minus 500,000 Rials. 

 

Sitting the Test

Is the IELTS test completed in one day?

The Listening, Reading and Writing components of the test are always completed immediately after each other and with no break. The Speaking test may be taken up to 7 days either before or after the test date. What if I am delayed by circumstances beyond my control (eg a transport strike)?

The test centre may offer you a test on the next available test date. What can I bring into the examination room?

Only pens, pencils and erasers. You must bring the passport/national identity card you used on the IELTS Application Form to the test.

You must leave everything else outside the examination room. Mobile phones and pagers must be switched off and placed with personal belongings in the area designated by the supervisor. If you do not switch off your phone/pager or keep it on you, you will be disqualified. Which part do I take first?

You do the Listening test first following by the Reading and Writing components of the test. The Speaking test may be taken up to 7 days either before or after the test date. What kinds of accents can be heard in the Listening and Speaking tests?

As IELTS is an international test, a variety of English accents are used in both of these tests. Does the Listening tape provide instructions and pauses?

Yes. At the beginning, you hear instructions and a sample question. Then you read section 1 questions, listen to section 1 and answer the questions.

The same procedure follows for sections 2, 3 and 4.

In the final 10 minutes, you transfer your answers onto the answer sheet. Is there a similar period of 10 minutes in the Reading test to transfer answer?

No. The Reading test is one hour, and you must write all your answers on the answer sheet in this time. Can I use a pen for the Listening and Reading tests?

No. You must do it in pencil. The answer sheet is scanned by a computer which cannot read pen. Can I make notes on the Listening and Reading question papers?

Yes. The IELTS Examiner will not see your question paper. What is the Speaking test?

The Speaking test is a conversation with a certified IELTS Examiner. The Speaking test is made up of three sections. It is recorded on an audiocassette or a digital recorder. What do I need for the Speaking test?

You must bring the same identification documents you entered in the website and supplied on your IELTS Application Form and used for the rest of the test. Your ID will be checked before you enter the interview room. 

 

Test Results

How are the tests marked?

IELTS uses a 9-band scoring system to measure and report test scores in a consistent manner. You receive individual band scores for Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking and an Overall Band Score on a band scale from one to nine. Who sets the ‘pass’ mark for the IELTS test?

There is no pass or fail in IELTS. Scores are graded on the 9-band system. Each educational institution or organisation sets its own level of IELTS scores to meet its individual requirements. How and when will I recieve my test results?

In order to check the preview of your IELTS Test Report Form (TRF) please visit http://results.ielts.org and note the preview of your test result is provisional and may not be used as official confirmation of your test result. This test centre or the IELTS partners will not accept any responsibility in the event that your result fails to display there, whether due to technical fault or administrative procedures. Your official Test Report Form will be issued 13 days after the test and it would be ready to be collected at the Islamic Azad University Examination Centre (Markaz -e- Azmoon) on every working days and hours except Mondays..

You may be asked to show your national ID card or passport (depending on your IELTS Application Form) when receiving the TRF. All the candidates How many Test Report Forms (TRFs) am I entitled to?

You will be given one (1) copy of your test report form. Up to five (5) copies of your TRF will be posted to the relevant institution(s) you have listed on your IELTS application form. Charges for courier services and/or overseas postage will be passed onto candidates. Additional TRFs beyond these five can be requested. Please note, an administration fee may be charged for additional TRFs.

Test Report Forms can only be sent to Receiving Organisations and additional copies will not be sent to the candidate, their families or friends. how can I request for additional TRFs in order to send them to recognizing organizations?

To send a new TRF to your university or recognizing organization, you must print the "Issue of Additional TRF" form from the download section of the website and fill it in details. Please concern that you should write the full address of your University.

Meanwhile you should deposit the postal (DHL Mailing) services fee which differs for each zone.

Call 021-22563031 for bank account information for the DHL mailing service and issuing fee.

You should head to the central office accompanying required documents on even days. How soon can I re-sit the test?

There is no limit on sitting the test. However, IELTS recommends you do additional study before taking the test again. What if I feel my test result is wrong?

You can apply for an Enquiry on Results procedure at the test centre within six weeks of the test date. You must pay an enquiry fee, which is fully refunded if your band score changes. Note that IELTS Examiners and markers follow strict assessment guidelines and are regularly monitored. The IELTS testing process has the highest quality control procedures.