Where and when can I sit the IELTS examination?
The British Council is in charge of all the test bookings and the administration of the IELTS all around the world. Therefore, it is advisable to visit the British Council website in your home country and/or contact the British Council directly. The test dates will also be found on the website. Generally the test is held every two weeks, and your results are available after 13 days.
Here is a link to the British Council IELTS online registration.
The British Council is in charge of all the test bookings and the administration of the IELTS all around the world. Therefore, it is advisable to visit the British Council website in your home country and/or contact the British Council directly. The test dates will also be found on the website. Generally the test is held every two weeks, and your results are available after 13 days.
Here is a link to the British Council IELTS online registration.
Can I re-sit the IELTS if I do not attain my desired score?
Yes you can. You can sit the examination as many times as you wish though it is advisable to prepare and practice assiduously to avoid re-sits. If you have done the correct and proper preparation then there should not be any unpleasant surprises. There is also the cost of re-sitting: at the time of writing the examination fee for the IELTS is 190 euros.
Yes you can. You can sit the examination as many times as you wish though it is advisable to prepare and practice assiduously to avoid re-sits. If you have done the correct and proper preparation then there should not be any unpleasant surprises. There is also the cost of re-sitting: at the time of writing the examination fee for the IELTS is 190 euros.
I am dyslexic and/or I have another disability that slows me down. Is it possible to apply for extra time?
Yes it is indeed possible. The British Council is very accommodating in special needs cases and will do everything possible to provide the necessary conditions. However, you must apply much earlier and you must have all the medical documentation ready when you make your application. Once the British Council has reviewed all the documentation it will decide how much extra time – 50% to 100% – you will be granted. Therefore, you should contact the British Council directly.
Yes it is indeed possible. The British Council is very accommodating in special needs cases and will do everything possible to provide the necessary conditions. However, you must apply much earlier and you must have all the medical documentation ready when you make your application. Once the British Council has reviewed all the documentation it will decide how much extra time – 50% to 100% – you will be granted. Therefore, you should contact the British Council directly.
Is the IELTS examination recognized globally?
10 years ago it was not – there were many universities in the US that insisted on only the TOEFL. However, in the interim period the IELTS examination has gained almost global recognition as a valid test for English Language for academic purposes. Today the IELTS is accepted by almost all universities and colleges, and is also recognised in the professional workplace. To be absolutely sure, you can check to see whether the university you are applying to is included in the IELTS recognition list which can be found here.
10 years ago it was not – there were many universities in the US that insisted on only the TOEFL. However, in the interim period the IELTS examination has gained almost global recognition as a valid test for English Language for academic purposes. Today the IELTS is accepted by almost all universities and colleges, and is also recognised in the professional workplace. To be absolutely sure, you can check to see whether the university you are applying to is included in the IELTS recognition list which can be found here.
Which practice materials should I use?
There are literally hundreds of IELTS publications on the market. We would recommend that you prepare thoroughly via AGF Tutoring and use the official test books published by Cambridge University Press (CUP), and which can be found here.
There are literally hundreds of IELTS publications on the market. We would recommend that you prepare thoroughly via AGF Tutoring and use the official test books published by Cambridge University Press (CUP), and which can be found here.
Is the IELTS easier than the TOEFL?
No, it is not. It is a similar test: the IELTS is a paper and pencil test, and the interview is with a human being; the TOEFL iBT is an Internet based test, which is conducted on a computer and there is no interview as such with a human being, but instead you are asked questions to which you reply via a microphone – what you say is recorded and then reviewed. Our opinion is that the IELTS is a fairer and more valid test as it replicates real life contexts more faithfully that the TOEFL iBT. Generally, however, those who have sat both the IELTS and TOEFL iBT have done equally well.
No, it is not. It is a similar test: the IELTS is a paper and pencil test, and the interview is with a human being; the TOEFL iBT is an Internet based test, which is conducted on a computer and there is no interview as such with a human being, but instead you are asked questions to which you reply via a microphone – what you say is recorded and then reviewed. Our opinion is that the IELTS is a fairer and more valid test as it replicates real life contexts more faithfully that the TOEFL iBT. Generally, however, those who have sat both the IELTS and TOEFL iBT have done equally well.
What is the difference between the Academic and the General IELTS?
Universities and colleges will always require the Academic IELTS for undergraduate, postgraduate degrees, MBAs and PhDs. The General IELTS may be sufficient for an employer or public agency for proof of English proficiency. You will have to verify this with your employer.
Universities and colleges will always require the Academic IELTS for undergraduate, postgraduate degrees, MBAs and PhDs. The General IELTS may be sufficient for an employer or public agency for proof of English proficiency. You will have to verify this with your employer.
How long is the IELTS valid for?
The IELTS, as all certificates of tests in the English language, is valid for 2 years.
The IELTS, as all certificates of tests in the English language, is valid for 2 years.
How long will it take me to prepare for the IELTS?
Well, that is a rather difficult question to answer with an exact time period. It all depends on what your current level of English is. If you are pretty proficient then you may only require a few weeks of preparation; if your English level is relatively low, let’s say intermediate level, then you may require a few months, assuming that you also work hard. The easiest way to find out is to book your free introductory session with one of our well qualified tutors.
Well, that is a rather difficult question to answer with an exact time period. It all depends on what your current level of English is. If you are pretty proficient then you may only require a few weeks of preparation; if your English level is relatively low, let’s say intermediate level, then you may require a few months, assuming that you also work hard. The easiest way to find out is to book your free introductory session with one of our well qualified tutors.