What do I have to bring on the day of the test?

You must bring your passport or National ID card. You must bring the same document that you have indicated on the application form.

The only items that you can take into the exam room are: your ID, a couple of pens and pencils, an eraser, pencil sharpener and water in a transparent bottle. You will be asked to leave your bags etc. in a separate room. Please leave your mobile phones there – and make sure that they are switched off!

At what time do I need to arrive at LSI?

You need to arrive at LSI between 8:30 and 9:00 am.

How long does the test take?

The three modules in the morning take about two hours and 40 minutes: Listening (approx. 40 min), Reading (60 min) and Writing (60 min). The Speaking module in the afternoon takes 11-14 min. However, the Speaking test is scheduled between 13:45 and 19:00. You must therefore leave the whole day free for your test!

Are there any breaks during the tests?

There will be no breaks during the morning modules.

What can I do if my passport is at the Home Office?

You are strongly advised to wait until your passport is returned to you before you apply for an IELTS test, as there is often a delay at the Home Office in processing Visa applications. You will NOT be able to take the test without a valid passport or EU National ID.

What can I do if I need to send off my passport to the Home Office or other institutions before the test date?

You MUST ring us to make an appointment to bring your passport to LSI in person first. Our IELTS Administrator will verify it for you so you can take the test with a photocopy.

What happens if I want to postpone or cancel my test?

If you wish to transfer or cancel your test, you must give us at least 34 days’ notice and there will be an administration charge of £25. If you want to transfer or cancel within 34 days, you will be charged the full fee unless you provide appropriate medical evidence to support your request. This medical evidence must be provided no later than five days after the test. An administrative fee of £25 will be deducted from any refund. If your application for a test date transfer has been approved, you must select a test date within the next three-month period depending on availability in our centre. If you wish to transfer to a test date more than three months away, you should apply for a refund and then re-apply for the test.

What happens if I am absent on the day of the test without giving prior notice?

You will lose your full test fee (£100), unless you are able to provide appropriate medical evidence to us to explain your absence. Medical evidence must be provided no later than five days after the test date. Refunds will only be provided for serious illness and an administrative fee of £25 will be deducted from any refund. If your application for a test date transfer has been approved, you must select a test date within the next three-month period depending on availability in our centre. If you wish to transfer to a test date more than three months away, you should apply for a refund and then re-apply for the test.