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We've collected the most frequently asked questions from our IELTS test takers, covering every stage of your IELTS journey. Our IELTS experts have provided answers and shared their unique insights.

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Last answered by Vincent

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Vincent Blokker
IELTS Expert
A maximum of one skill of the IELTS test can be retaken for each full IELTS test. That means you cannot request a second IELTS One Skill Retake on the same test. If you wish to improve your IELTS score in more than one skill, you will need to book a complete IELTS test (all four skills).
Jun 16, 2025
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Last answered by Vincent

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Vincent Blokker
IELTS Expert
No, you don’t have to take IELTS One Skill Retake at the same centre where you did your original test. You can choose any IELTS test centre that also offers One Skill Retake. As long as you've taken IELTS on computer, you can see the option of IELTS One Skill Retake in your IELTS account up to 60 days after your test date. 1. If you've taken an eligible IELTS on computer test, log in to your IELTS profile to view your recent IELTS results 2. Click on the "Retake" button for the section of the test you wish to retake 3. Select your preferred IELTS One Skill Retake test centre 4. Select your IELTS One Skill Retake test date within 60 days of your original full test date

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Jun 16, 2025
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Last answered by Vincent

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Vincent Blokker
IELTS Expert
No, you don’t have to provide a reason to take IELTS One Skill Retake. Some people retake a single skill because they just missed out on the score they were aiming for. Others retake a skill because they just want to get a higher score. As long as you've taken IELTS on computer, you can see the option of IELTS One Skill Retake in your IELTS account up to 60 days after your test date. Just remember, you can only take IELTS One Skill Retake up to 60 days after your full test date.

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Jun 16, 2025
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Last answered by Vincent

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Vincent Blokker
IELTS Expert
With IELTS, you get approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes to show your English skills. We know your results are important, which is why we allow you plenty of time to take your test. You don’t need to rush. Other tests, such as PTE and TOEFL require you to complete the full test (listening, reading, writing and speaking) in just two hours. For example, IELTS gives you 1 hour to show your writing skills. With PTE you need to complete both your writing and speaking tests combined in abour 1 hour. TOEFL only allows you about 29 minutes for the writing test. If you have to rush, you could make more mistakes. So, taking a longer test might be a good choice.

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Jun 16, 2025
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Last answered by Vincent

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Vincent Blokker
IELTS Expert
IELTS for UKVI is the same as the ‘regular’ IELTS test. You get a band score for your Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking English proficiency level. The question types, timing, and marking criteria for are also the same. However, IELTS for UKVI (sometimes also called SELT) has some additional security features required by the UK Government. You’ll also see a unique UKVI reference number on your test report form, along with the CEFR equivalent for each band score component. IELTS also offers another special test for the UK, called IELTS Life Skills. IELTS Life Skills only tests your Speaking and Listening proficiency (not Reading and Writing) against a common European standard, the CEFR Levels A1, A2 and B1. IELTS Life Skills is designed to meet the requirements of UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) for certain visa categories.

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Jun 16, 2025
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Last answered by Jess

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Jess Christie
IELTS Expert
If you don't have access to a valid passport, please contact your closest test centre as soon as possible. They will apply for approval for you to sit the test with another form of identification. In most cases this will need to be government issued photo ID, such as a Driver's License. This process can take 1-2 weeks so make sure you plan for this if you don’t have a valid passport.

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Jun 2, 2025
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Last answered by Jess

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Jess Christie
IELTS Expert
When you appear for the first time at your IELTS test, the test day staff will ask you to scan your right index finger 4 times. This is to ensure all parts of the finger are captured. The purpose of the finger scan is so when you come back for the rest of the test and scan your finger the test day team can be sure that you are the same person! This ensures that the same person sits all 4 components of the test.

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Jun 2, 2025
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Last answered by Jess

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Jess Christie
IELTS Expert
Yes, you can! You will be given a piece of paper and a pen for making notes. These notes will not be looked at or marked, so enter all your answers into the computer before the test ends.
Jun 2, 2025
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Last answered by Jess

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Jess Christie
IELTS Expert
No, the IELTS on Computer test does not have 10 extra minutes at the end of the test to transfer answers to the computer. You must make sure that you are entering your answers into the computer as you go through the test.
Jun 2, 2025
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Last answered by Jess

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Jess Christie
IELTS Expert
The Listening test will only play through once, so you will only hear the recordings once. Make sure you are paying attention as it plays!
Jun 2, 2025
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Last answered by Jess

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Jess Christie
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Most IDP centres will provide you with all the stationery you require for your IELTS test. If they don’t, they will let you know beforehand what you need to bring.
Jun 2, 2025
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Last answered by Jess

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Jess Christie
IELTS Expert
Yes, you can! You can go to IELTS.org and you can practise the Listening, Reading and Writing components of the test. Take some time before your test to click around and get familiar with the interface so you will know what to expect on the day.
Jun 2, 2025
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Fahad Rafique

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Canada

16 years

Experience

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IELTS Expert

Hello! I'm Fahad, and I've been a part of IELTS since April 2010. Having been born and raised in the UAE and then migrating to Canada, I can truly say that IELTS takes you places. I firmly believe that success belongs to those who actively seek it. I'm here to help answer any questions you may have about IELTS and guide you on how to take that crucial first step toward achieving your international dreams – whether it's study, migration or work. I look forward to supporting you!!

Last online Aug 2, 2025

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Jess Christie

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Australia

8 years

Experience

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IELTS Expert

Hi, I'm Jess and I’m an IELTS Expert who has worked in the world of IELTS for 7 years. I help test takers do the best they can in the IELTS test by providing them with helpful tips to ensure they have a smooth test day. I am originally from regional Victoria in Australia, but I was an international student when I went to Ireland for University. I came back and decided to work in the world of international education, which led me to IELTS.

Last online Jun 25, 2025

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Lewis Crannitch

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New Zealand

2 years

Experience

role

IELTS Expert

Hi, I’m Lewis. I’ve worked with IELTS in New Zealand since 2017 and taught English in Japan, China, and NZ. Having also learned a language myself in China, I understand the challenges test takers face. I track English proficiency requirements in NZ and deliver IELTS Masterclasses and familiarisation sessions to support preparation, share resources, and make test day easier. I look forward to connecting with you on your IELTS journey.

Last online Sep 15, 2025

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Linda Alley

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Australia

11 years

Experience

role

IELTS Expert

Hi! I’m Linda. I’m here to help you reach your IELTS goals by answering any questions you might have about the test and how to prepare. You may have seen me on our video podcast, IELTS Prepare by IDP. I also create learning materials and blog posts for IELTS test takers. Over the past 10 years, I’ve taught English as a Second Language to students from all over the world, so please get in touch if you have any questions on how to improve your language skills.

Last online Sep 16, 2025

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Reza Tasviri

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Australia

18 years

Experience

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IELTS Expert

Hi, I’m Reza. I’m here to help you with advice on how to effectively use your knowledge of English to get the best outcome in your IELTS test. I can answer questions on what the test asks you to do, how it assesses your performance, and how you can show you have what it takes. I’ve been involved with IELTS for 17 years now. I’ve been an English Language teacher for 27 years and a lifelong learner (English is not my first language. I started when I was 17 and haven’t stopped since).

Last online Jul 9, 2025

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Rocco Nigro

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Australia

26 years

Experience

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IELTS Expert

Hello, my name is Rocco and I am one of the IELTS Experts here at IDP. Since 1995, I've been involved in English language teaching, teacher training, assessment and academic management, which has helped me develop a wealth of knowledge about the IELTS test. I enjoy meeting students and test takers from all over the world. If you have any questions about how to do your best in the IELTS Listening, Reading, Writing or Speaking tests, I can give you some good approaches to help you on test day.

Last online Jun 18, 2025

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Vincent Blokker

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Australia

11 years

Experience

role

IELTS Expert

Hi! I’m Vincent, and I'm here to help you succeed in your IELTS journey. I live in the beautiful city of Melbourne, Australia, but I work with students from all over the world. I can help with advice and resources and answer your questions about IELTS. I also write blogs with tips for the test and have created study materials for IELTS. I’m an expert on any questions about the organisations, universities, and governments that accept IELTS for work, study, or your visa. Feel free to contact me!

Last online Jul 1, 2025

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