IELTS Test Centers | Rules and Regulations

IELTS test and its significance

IELTS is an internationally recognized test that helps assess English writing, reading, speaking, and listening skills in non-native English speakers. The testing system is designed to help you study, work, or migrate to countries where English is the native language. The IELTS test gets graded on a band scale of 1-9.

The British Council, Cambridge English, and IDP Education Australia jointly own IELTS and conduct examinations every year. Multiple IELTS test centers are present internationally where you can appear for the exam.

IELTS test centers: What you need to know

IELTS has around 800 test centers and locations in over 130 countries. You can search your nearest test center by city or location online. Specific test centers get allotted for IELTS paper-based tests and computer-based tests across the world.

If you are a candidate who wants to register for the exam, you are asked to select the state and the city to find the IELTS test center that suits your location preference. You are advised to select a test center that is closest to your location. You just need to search for any IELTS test center near me and approve it as your preferred location.

IELTS test centers: Accommodations for the differently-abled candidates

The IELTS testing authorities ensure specific measures to support differently-abled exam candidates. So, test takers with hearing and vision disabilities or similar medical conditions can get the following facilities.

• Extra time for medical conditions
• Braille test papers (for the blind)
• Special listening CDs with necessary stop and pause options
• Lip-reading version of the listening texts
• Speaking task cards in braille or enlarged print

If you are a candidate willing to avail of any of the special accommodation services, you can request the same with the specific IELTS test center.

However, differently-abled candidates need to give at least six weeks’ notice to the test center so that the authorities can take the following steps.

• Check the application deadline to make appropriate arrangements.
• Ask for full details from the candidate regarding the difficulties faced by them.
• Make appropriate arrangements according to the available details.

Arrangements are made for a different test center if the selected test center is incapable of accommodating a differently-abled candidate. However, the English language abilities of the candidate will get analyzed objectively regardless of any special arrangements or disabilities.

Can I change the IELTS test center?

You can request a change of your IELTS test center by sending an email to the official handle of the examiner’s office. If the request gets accepted, the authorities will send you an acknowledgment mail in a day or two to confirm the IELTS exam date, changed venue, and time. However, you must make the request at least five weeks before taking the test.

IELTS test centers: Rules and regulations

The IELTS test centers across the world have a uniform set of rules and regulations that you should keep in mind before you appear for the test.

• You must bring the ID that you used to register for the IELTS test. The staff present there will check the identification document before letting you appear for the test.
• You are allowed to bring pencils, pens, and erasers for the paper-based test. However, the IELTS test center that you choose provides pencils and paper if you choose a computer-based test. So, you do not need to carry stationery to the test center.
• If you bring a mobile phone, you must switch it off and place it along with other personal belongings in the special storage area of the test center.
• You are not advised to bring any valuable items to the center on the test day.
• You do not have to carry your passport-sized photo on the test day because the IELTS test center staff will take your photo individually as a part of the registration process.
• You should inform the supervisor about any issue you face with the computer or any other discrepancy.
• You are not allowed to carry any eatables or drinks inside the test center.

IELTS Test Center: Do’s and don’ts

There are strict rules in every IELTS test center, and you must comply with all rules to avoid getting disqualified.

Do’s

• Provide valid identification proof of your nationality.
• Ensure that your name, date of birth, and photograph are in sync with your passport and other identification documents.
• Carry your passport and national identity proof to the test center.

Don’ts

• Do not impersonate someone else’s identity.
• Do not attempt to replicate others’ work or cheat during the exam.
• Do not use a spellchecker, mobile phone, Bluetooth device, or dictionary during the exam.
• Do not speak to other candidates during exam hours.

IELTS Test Centers: COVID-19 guidelines and updates

The IELTS authorities have made multiple changes to the rules and regulations followed in the test centers to ensure the safety of the staff and the students.

Currently, if you are a test taker, you, along with the test center staff members, must follow a few protocols on the day of your IELTS exam.

• Follow a mandatory temperature check and wear masks.
• Follow basic hygiene procedures like using sanitizers.
• Sign a health declaration stating you are fit and healthy.
• Refrain from appearing in the exam if you have COVID-19 symptoms.

Key takeaways

• The British Council, IDP Education Australia, and Cambridge English conduct the IELTS exam.
• The exam happens every year in multiple test centers internationally.
• Differently-abled candidates get special accommodation facilities at the IELTS test centers.
• All IELTS test centers follow appropriate COVID precautionary guidelines

To sum it up, IELTS offers its candidates the option of taking a pen an dpaper test or a computer based one. However, regardless of where you take the test, all IELTS centres follow some standard rules and regulations which include the gadgets and tools  you can carry and pre exam protocol. 

To learn more about the IELTS exam, visit the iSchoolConnect website today!

FAQs

Question 1: Can I cancel my IELTS exam?

Answer 1: Yes, you can cancel your IELTS exam and also receive a refund. However, you must make the cancellation ahead of the scheduled date.

Question 2: Can I reschedule my IELTS test?

Answer 2: You can change the date of your IELTS exam and request a transfer up to five weeks before the originally booked date.

Question 3: Is there any difference between the test centers of the IELTS organizers?

Answer 3: There is no difference in the exam pattern or test centers because the IELTS organizers jointly conduct the exam.