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It’s IELTS exam day
Nervous about your IELTS exam day?
Not sure what actually happens at the test centre?
You wake up feeling a little nervous… but ready.
Let us walk you through exactly what’s going to happen.
1 – Arriving at the test centre
You arrive at the centre about 40 minutes early. If your exam starts at 10:00, you’re there at 9:20.
You’re not late. You’re not rushed. You’re prepared.
2 – Registration and security check
The first thing you do is register.
You show your passport or ID.
You sign next to your name.
And suddenly… it feels real.
You leave your phone, your bag — everything — in a locker. Just you and your ID.
You can bring water, but only in a transparent bottle.
No watches. Empty pockets. Clear mind.
3 – The Photo & Finger Scan
They take your photo — the one that will appear on your certificate.
So yes… no glasses. Full face visible. Passport style.
Then they scan your index finger.
It might feel a bit high-tech, but it makes everything smoother during the day — bathroom breaks, returning for the Speaking test… quick and simple.
4 – The waiting room moment
This is usually the moment when the nerves kick in.
So here’s a tip: use the bathroom now.
At Certify, we watch a short presentation together. It reminds you that you already know how everything works.
And if you’re unsure about anything, this is the moment to ask.
You’re not alone in that room. Everyone feels the same.
They start reading the official instructions.
5 – Entering the exam room
Then you’re taken to the computer room.
You see your assigned seat.
This is it.
You sit down. More instructions. Headphones ready.
And then… the exam begins.
And if you’re taking IELTS soon… you’re going to be just fine.
6 – The written part of the test
Listening.
Reading.
Writing.
Almost three hours.
It sounds long — but once you’re focused, time moves faster than you expect.
7 – Between Exams
When you finish, you collect your belongings.
If your Speaking test is later, you might have time to eat something or take a short walk.
Breathe. Reset. You’re almost there.
Sometimes, your speaking test comes before your written part of the test. This depends on when the written part of the test is scheduled.
8 – Your Speaking test
You come back about 20 minutes before your Speaking test.
Locker again. ID ready.
You go into the room.
Your speaking test will take place in person, but the examiner may be present at the test centre or join you via Zoom.
And in less than 15 minutes… it’s done.
9 – Walking out
You walk out of the centre.
It’s over.
You did it.
And now you wait for your results — usually within 24 to 48 hours, and always within a maximum of 5 days.
If you’re preparing for IELTS, knowing what to expect makes a huge difference.
Save this guide for later — and share it with someone taking the exam soon.
You can also watch a video with this guide on our Instagram profile here.
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Photo by Pavel Danilyuk on Pexels
