IELTS FAQs
I want to apply for an IELTS test, what should I do?
You can register to sit an IELTS test by post or in person. The IH London IELTS office is open Monday to Friday from 10-11.30am to register in person, or you can download and complete the IELTS test application form and post it to us.
To prevent your application being delayed it's vital you read the important IELTS test information BEFORE you start the registration process.
I have sent my application form but have not received any confirmation of my test date.
Confirmation letters are sent by email only. Please ensure you have checked your email inbox and your junk inbox for your letter.
IH London processes a very high volume of applications so it can take up to two weeks for us to process your application and send you your confirmation.
If you still have not heard anything after two weeks and are concerned, you can call our office.
I have not received my test results.
Test results are posted from our offices by first class post on the 13th day after you take the test. Please allow at least a few days for the results to reach your address.
Can I collect my results?
You can collect your results from our office on the 13th day after you take the test. We are open from 10-11.30am Monday - Friday for results collection. Please note, you must bring your passport with you if you wish to collect results in person.
Can I send someone to collect my results for me?
You can send someone to collect results for you but they must bring their own passport as well as your passport with them. You must also provide a signed letter, authorising the other person to collect your results for you.
Should I take the Academic or General Training Module?
You should speak to the institution that has requested an IELTS score from you and ask which one they require, but as a guideline:
- The Academic module is for people who want to study an undergraduate or postgraduate degree course, or who wish to register with a professional body.
- The General Training module focuses on basic survival skills in a broader social and educational setting. General Training is suitable if you are joining a training programme or doing work experience in English speaking countries, but is not designed for degree level. This module is also suitable for those wishing to emigrate to Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the UK.
I have lost my Test Report Form - what should I do?
We can only issue one test report form to each candidate. If you need to provide your test report form for an institution, (for example a university or immigration office), you can request an extra institution copy at a cost of £5.00 per copy and we will send this directly to the institution. Download the Additional Copies of Results Form from our Useful Documents page.
I need to send my passport to the Home Office, but I have my IELTS test coming up - what should I do?
Before you send your passport to the Home Office, you can come to our office during our visiting hours and pay for us to make a certified copy of your passport. This costs £30.00 and we will need to see your original passport to do this.
If you have already sent your passport away, you should contact the Home Office and request to have it released for the exam day. The Home Office is aware that this may be necessary for some people and do allow it if you give sufficient notice.
If either of these two options is not possible and you don’t have your passport, you will not be allowed to sit the test.
What identification can I use?
On the day of the IELTS test you must present an original and current passport. We cannot accept photocopies (even if they are certified copies from a Solicitor) or letters from the Home Office. You will not be able to sit your exam without a valid passport.
If you are an EU citizen, you may use your National ID card for registration instead of a passport. Please note that only EU citizens can present their National ID card instead of a passport.
On the day of the test, you must present the same identification document you used when you completed your application form.
How do IELTS band scores relate to the Common European Framework (CEF) levels?
For information on this read What IELTS scores correspond to the European Common Framework? on the IELTS Test Practice website.
