IELTS Tips: What to Expect on Test Day
Everyone experiences at least a little bit of anxiety before taking a test even if they are well-prepared. Here are some useful and important tips to keep in mind for the day of the test.
Just like travelling on an international flight, the single most important thing to bring with you to the testing centre is your identification.
For IELTS, the only IDs that they accept is your passport or permanent residence card.
Make sure that you bring the physical ID (not a photocopy) and that it is valid and hasn’t expired.
It also must be the same ID that you used to register for the test.
Note the difference between the test time and the reporting time. The reporting time is usually 30 minutes before the test starts. For example, if your test is scheduled for 1:00 PM, your reporting time will likely be 12:30 PM, so make sure you arrive no later than 12:30 PM.
It is also important to familiarize yourself with the test location in order to plan your route and figure out how long it will take you to get there. This information can be found in the confirmation email that is sent to candidates after booking the test. It is also important to confirm whether you registered for the paper-based (IOP) or computer-based test (IOC) so that you are prepared for the format.
When candidates arrive to the test centre, the IELTS team may be in a different part of the centre. It is helpful to prepare how to notify the staff at the front desk. You can say, “Hi, I’m here for the IELTS test. My reporting time is 12:30 PM.” Then you can wait for instructions.
We use this same phrase for other appointments as well. For example, if you are going to the doctor’s office, you can say: “Hi, I have an appointment with Dr. Chan for 2:15 PM.” Then you can wait for the receptionist to give instructions or to ask for more information, such as you name.
Just before registration, the IELTS team will ask you to place all of your personal belongings into a secure bin. The only items you can bring into the exam room with you are pencils and eraser in a transparent case, however, the MOSAIC IELTS Test Centre provides pencils, erasers, and paper to the test-takers, so you don’t need to bring your own pencils. Water bottles without any labels are also provided to test-takers.
During registration, candidates will have their photo taken (you may be asked to tie your hair back so that your whole face is visible). Candidates will also have their ID scanned and their fingerprints will be scanned as well for identification reasons. After registration, candidates are not permitted to talk to each other.
You can use the restroom before registering and bathroom breaks are also allowed during the test. If you need to use the restroom, you can raise your hand and someone from the IELTS Invigilation Team will instruct you to scan your fingerprint which must be done every time a candidate enters or exits the test room.
There is also a chance that your Speaking Test will be scheduled for a different day. The Speaking Test is usually on the same day as the test, but you will likely have a break in between. The schedule is allotted by the British Council and the IELTS Team cannot adjust the schedule.