IELTS Frequently Asked Questions
IELTS FAQ
What is IELTS?
IELTS is the International English Language Testing System which tests English proficiency across the globe. Conducting one million tests globally, IELTS is the world’s most popular English testing system. For more information, visit the official IELTS website.
What are the two types (modules) of the IELTS test?
IELTS has two types – Academic and General Training. The Academic test is for those who want to study at a tertiary level in an English-speaking country. The General Training test is for those who want to do work experience or training programs, secondary school or migrate to an English-speaking country. All test takers take the same Listening and Speaking tests but different Reading and Writing tests.
Which type should I do?
Read the explanation of the Academic and General Training tests, then contact the organization or institution to which you are applying to find out what it requires. Note that you must know which test type to take when you complete the online application form. It is not the Test Centers’ responsibility to advise test takers about the test types.
Computer-Delivered and Paper-Based
Should I take the IELTS test on Paper or Computer?
This comes down to personal preference and choice. Some test takers will be used to paper-based tests as this might feel similar to other exam situations from school, whereas other people might feel more comfortable typing. With IELTS, you have a choice.
Is IELTS on a computer harder than IELTS paper-based?
No. The test will be the same as paper-based IELTS in terms of content, scoring, level of difficulty and question types. The Speaking test is not changing and will still be carried out face-to-face with a trained IELTS Examiner. It is still the same test, the only difference is the Listening, Reading and Writing tests are on computer.
Isn’t the test easier if I can type faster on a computer?
No, as the test will be the same as paper-based IELTS in terms of content, scoring, level of difficulty and question types. It comes down to personal choice. This is your IELTS test and you can choose the option that empowers you to perform your best on test day.
Can I take the IELTS test for my Immigration or Citizenship application?
Please refer to Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada for more information.
What are the sections of the test and how long are they?
IELTS has four sections – Listening (30 minutes), Reading (60 minutes), Writing (60 minutes) and Speaking (11–14 minutes). The total test time is 2 hours and 45 minutes. The Listening, Reading and Writing tests are done in one sitting. Check out the Information for Candidates Booklet for more information.
Does Computer-delivered IELTS have the same content as paper-based?
Yes. The test will be the same as paper-based IELTS in terms of content, scoring, level of difficulty and question types.
Is computer-delivered IELTS available on demand?
Computer-delivered IELTS is not available on demand at present. Registration for computer-delivered IELTS is the same as for paper-based IELTS.
Is computer-delivered IELTS more widely available than other computer tests?
Please view the test date and location details on Book Your IELTS page for more information on test availability.
How does computer-delivered IELTS compare to other computer tests?
With IELTS, test takers can feel confident they are sitting the world’s most popular high-stakes English language test for study, work and migration. IELTS is trusted by 10,000 organisations worldwide for its fairness, reliability and high-quality standards. This remains true for both computer-delivered and paper-based tests.
Why isn’t IELTS fully computerised, like other computer tests?
With IELTS, you deal with real people. Face-to-face testing helps test takers develop English skills in the context which they’ll be used. The IELTS Speaking test is delivered through a trained Examiner, enabling real-life, two-way interaction, as in the real world.
Preparation
How can I prepare for the tests?
IELTS courses, classes, books, and free resource materials are available at Global Village IELTS Test Centre: Calgary based IELTS Test Preparation, Victoria Based IELTS Test Preparation
IELTS Test Locations
What are the testing locations that Global Village Canada offers?
IELTS Calgary and IELTS Victoria are well-established and have been serving candidates for over 10 years. We conduct tests at Global Village Test Centre in Calgary, Global Village Victoria IELTS Centre, NIC Courtenay-Comox Campus, and VIU Nanaimo Campus.
When can I take an IELTS test in Victoria, Calgary or Nanaimo?
Visit our Dates & Locations page to see when the next Academic and General Training modules are available.
IELTS Registration
How much does it cost to take the test?
The IELTS test fee for Global Village Victoria is $329 and Global Village Test Centre in Calgary is $339 CAD including taxes. The IELTS test fee for Nanaimo and Courtenay-Comox locations is $355.00 CAD including taxes.
How can I register for an IELTS test?
You can register online by clicking here.
What kind of ID can I use to register?
You can use a valid Passport or a Canadian Permanent Resident (PR) card only. Your ID should show a photo, a number, a signature, full name in English and date of birth.
What if I’ve sent my passport to the embassy/consulate to renew my visa?
You need your original valid passport on the day of the test. You WILL NOT be allowed to write the exam if you do not have your passport on the day of the test. There are no exceptions. Please do not register for the test if you do not have your passport. If you have sent it to the embassy/consulate, you will need to contact them and get it back prior to the test day.
When do I know my speaking test time?
Test takers will receive confirmation details and speaking times by email about 2-3 days before the assigned test date. Please ensure that ‘ieltscalgary@gvenglish.com’, ‘ieltsvictoria@gvenglish.com’, ‘no-reply@idp.com’ is on your safe list so the confirmation will not go to your spam/junk mailbox.
Is it possible to take all of the components on the same day?
Yes. Same-day Speaking Interviews at our testing locations are available. The listening, reading and writing modules take place in the morning, and the speaking module takes place in the afternoon same day. All portions of the test are done on the same day at the Nanaimo test venue.
How can I pay for my IELTS test?
Payment for the IELTS test can be made online by Credit card, Debit-VISA card, or Debit cards from BMO, Scotia, TD, and RBC bank and offline by e-transfer.
Where can I get my receipt?
Electronic receipt is available by logging to your application. Click on details of the specific test date you’ve taken with us. Receipt is in Step 6 “Payment Summary”.
I think I need special arrangements for me to take IELTS. Can I still sit the computer-delivered test?
Test takers with special requirements are encouraged to contact their test center to assess their needs. There are a number of options available to support special requirements through the paper-based format, so speak to the test center to find the option that best suits you. Applications for special requirements must be made at least six weeks prior to your intended test date.
IELTS Test Results
When will I receive my test results?
Your Test Report Form (TRF) will be mailed to you 13 days after your test date for paper-based IELTS. Computer-delivered IELTS results will be ready in 5-7 days. Keep your TRF in a secure place as you only receive one copy.
How many Tests Report Forms (TRFs) am I entitled to?
You will only receive one copy of your TRF, unless you are applying to IRCC, in this case, you can receive two. Up to five (5) copies of your TRF will be posted to the relevant institution(s) you have listed on your IELTS application form. Regular postage is free of charge. Charges for courier services and/or overseas postage will be passed onto you. Additional TRFs beyond these five can be requested at Global Village Victoria IELTS Centre.
What if I lose my Test Report Form (TRF)?
If you have lost or damaged your original Test Report Form, you can request to have it replaced for a $25 fee and submitting the Additional Test Report Form. Request additional copies here.
What can I do if I am not satisfied with my test results?
You can apply for an ‘Enquiry on Results’ procedure within six weeks of the test date. Note that IELTS Examiners and markers follow strict assessment guidelines and are regularly monitored. The IELTS testing process has the highest quality control procedures.
Can I review my answers?
Test takers are not permitted to view their answer sheets or writing test answer booklet after the test has been completed.
How soon can I re-sit the test?
There is no limit on sitting the test. However, IELTS recommends you do additional study before taking the test again. We offer IELTS Preparation Courses and Language Classes to help you improving your IELTS score.
Other
What if I am sick on the day of my test?
You must complete a “Request for Refund or Test Day Transfer Form” and attach appropriate documentation and/or evidence – medical certificate from a qualified medical practitioner, a death notice or certificate or a police report. Please submit all documentation to our email address stating that you were unable to sit the test on your test date. Computer-delivered test takers must submit all documentation no later than two (2) working days after the test date. Paper-based test takers must submit all documentation no later than five (5) working days after the test date. Please click here for more information.
Can I cancel or transfer my test date?
Please read our Cancellation, Transfer and Refund Policy.
Can I bring my own laptop/keyboard?
No. There is no need to bring your own keyboard or laptop as all equipment is provided by the test center and no other equipment is permitted.
Am I allowed to leave the test room if I finish early?
No, you will have the full 30-34 minutes for the Listening section. You will have the full 60 minutes the Reading section. You will have the full 60 minutes for the Writing section. You will not be allowed to leave early if you finish early.
Do IELTS examiners ever interrupt during the Speaking test?
Do IELTS examiners know the score I need when I re-sit my IELTS test?
Is there a difference between IDP and British Council IELTS?
Can you help me understand how tests are assessed?
For more Computer-delivered IELTS Frequently Asked Questions please watch the video here.
