Useful tips

IELTS Test Day

Some quick tips to ensure that things go smoothly for you on the day of your test.

Be prepared:
Check the address, time and date of your test and allow plenty of time to travel to the test centre. If you are late, you will not be allowed to take the test.
Make sure you have the right identification documents with you (the one you used on for your registration). If you arrive with the wrong ID, you will not be allowed to take the test.
Read the IELTS rules and regulations before the test so you understand them.
Make sure you have something to eat and drink beforehand. You will not be allowed to take food into the test room. You will only be allowed to take a drink in a transparent bottle.
Stay calm:
Try to remain calm at the test centre.
Work calmly, focus on the questions and you will do your best.
Remember, our staff will be there to help.
Follow the instructions:
You will be asked to place all of your personal belongings outside the test room.
We will help you to check in: We will ask you for your ID and we will take a photo of you. You will be required to temporarily remove anything covering your face.
Listen to the supervisor carefully and follow the test day instructions.
When you get your test papers, read the instructions on the cover page first.
You will not be permitted to leave the test room until the end of the test, except to go to the bathroom. However, you will not be allowed to go to the bathroom during the listening test, during the last 10 minutes of each section of the test, or in between sections.
If you have a problem during the test, please raise your hand to attract the attention of the supervisor.
Watch the time:
Every test room will have a clock on the wall. Stay aware of the time so you can attempt all questions.
Be aware that some questions have suggested time limits for you to follow.

What should you bring to your IELTS test?

The most important thing to bring on the IELTS test day is your identification, either your National Identity Card of an EU country or Passport, depending on which one you used for your IELTS test registration. Please be aware that driving licences, residence permits or other foreign identity cards such as the NIE or TIE are not valid forms of identification. You will need the same identification for your IELTS Speaking test as well.

The test staff will check this before you enter the room and your IELTS Speaking test examiner will check this once again. You don’t have to bring any passport photos on the test day, as the IELTS test centre will take your photo when you register.

It is okay to bring a mobile phone, but you have to switch it off and place it with your other personal belongings (all electronic devices, keys, wallet, food, bags, watch/smartwatch/fit-bit...) in a special area arranged by the test supervisor. You are strongly advised not to bring any valuable items with you to the test centre.

Children or family members of test takers are not allowed to enter the IELTS test venue. If someone needs to wait for you, please ask them to wait outside the venue.

What can you bring into the IELTS test room?

Your ID document
Water in a small transparent bottle with no label
You are NOT allowed to take any of the following items into the test room: mobile phones or other electronic devices, watches, bulky clothing, or any other personal belongings.

Any other items such as medication or tissues must be authorised and checked by venue staff before the test taker enters the test room.