IELTS how-to guides
The admin side of the exam, answered plainly — booking, test day, results, re-marks and more. Evergreen, with official sources on every page.
20 guides
Booking
- How to book the IELTS examHow to book IELTS step by step: choose Academic or General Training, computer or paper, pick a date and centre, register with your ID, pay and confirm.Read the guide
- How to book IELTS for UKVIHow to book IELTS for UKVI for a UK visa: why you must sit the SELT version at an approved centre, how it differs from standard IELTS, and where to check.Read the guide
- Which IELTS do I need? Academic vs General Training vs UKVIAcademic, General Training, IELTS for UKVI or Life Skills — which IELTS you need depends on your purpose. See the test-by-purpose table and where to confirm.Read the guide
- How to reschedule or transfer your IELTS testHow to reschedule or transfer your IELTS test date: the steps to request a transfer, the notice windows that decide the fee, and how medical transfers work.Read the guide
- How to cancel IELTS and get a refundHow to cancel your IELTS booking and claim a refund: the steps, the notice window before your test, the administration fee that is kept, and the medical exception.Read the guide
Test day
- What happens on IELTS test dayWhat happens on IELTS test day, in order: arriving early, check-in, ID and finger-scan checks, lockers, then Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking.Read the guide
- What to bring to the IELTS testWhat to bring to your IELTS test: the same passport or ID you registered with, what the centre provides, and the phones, watches and notes that are banned.Read the guide
- IELTS ID requirements: which ID to bring on test dayWhich ID is accepted for IELTS: a passport for most, a national ID card only where allowed. It must match your booking, and you're photographed on test day.Read the guide
- How the IELTS Speaking test is scheduledOn computer-delivered IELTS, the Speaking test is usually the same day as the other modules — a face-to-face interview with a trained examiner. How slots work.Read the guide
Results
- How long do IELTS results take?Computer-delivered IELTS results usually arrive in a few business days; paper results in around 13 days. See the full timeline by test format and where to check yours.Read the guide
- How to check your IELTS results onlineCheck your IELTS results online: sign in to the account you booked with, view the score preview, and see how it differs from your official Test Report Form.Read the guide
- IELTS results on hold — what it meansIELTS result on hold or under review? Why results are held for routine checks, what it means for you, why you can't rush it, and where to watch for the update.Read the guide
- How to read your IELTS Test Report Form (TRF)Understand every field on your IELTS Test Report Form: the four module bands, how the overall band is rounded to the nearest half, the CEFR level and validity.Read the guide
After results
- How to apply for an IELTS re-mark (Enquiry on Results)How to apply for an IELTS re-mark: request an Enquiry on Results through your centre within six weeks, choose the sections, and reclaim the fee if a band rises.Read the guide
- IELTS One Skill Retake, explainedIELTS One Skill Retake lets you resit one module on computer-delivered IELTS at participating centres. How it works, how to book, and how your new TRF combines.Read the guide
- How to send IELTS scores to universitiesSending IELTS scores to universities: how your test centre sends the Test Report Form, how many recipients you can nominate, extra TRFs, and online verification.Read the guide
- How to get extra or replacement IELTS TRFsIELTS issues a limited number of Test Report Forms. Learn how to request extra TRFs for institutions, what to do if yours is lost, and typical processing time.Read the guide
- How long IELTS results stay validIELTS results are usually valid for two years from your test date — but the accepting body sets the rule, and it must still be valid on the day you apply.Read the guide
Access
Overview
Know the process? Now practise the test.
Full timed mock tests in the real computer-delivered interface, with band estimates per module.