IELTS test day: practical checklist

You need the same government-issued photo ID you registered with — usually a passport. Arrive early enough for security check-in, biometric photo, and pocket-emptying. Personal items are stored outside the test room; you are not allowed watches, phones, or bags at your seat.

The test centre provides pencils, erasers, and (for Speaking Part 2) note paper. On the computer test, you also get a small notepad and pencil for Listening and Writing plans. You bring only your ID; everything else stays in a locker.

On the computer test, you type all Reading and Writing answers directly and there is no 10-minute Listening transfer. Word count appears live for Writing. You can highlight and copy-paste text in Reading. The paper test has more physical mechanics — turning pages, transferring answers, watching an analogue clock.

There is one short comfort break between Listening and Reading, and typically no break between Reading and Writing on the paper test. Some computer centres allow you to raise your hand for a bathroom break; this pauses your clock only in some centres, so do not rely on it.

Eat before the test, hydrate lightly, and avoid heavy caffeine spikes that crash mid-Writing.

Results are typically available in 3 to 5 days for computer-delivered and 13 days for paper-delivered tests. Test Report Forms are usually issued in electronic form; some centres also issue a paper copy. If you disagree with your result, an Enquiry on Results (re-mark) is available, usually within six weeks.