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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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iconLast updated on Jun 16, 2025

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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iconLast updated on Jun 2, 2025

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
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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iconLast updated on Jun 2, 2025

Last answered by Jess

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Jess Christie
IELTS Expert
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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iconLast updated on Jun 2, 2025

Last answered by Jess

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Jess Christie
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On test day you need to bring a valid identification - the same one you registered for the test with. If you do not bring this, you will not be able to sit the test. Additionally, you can bring with you a clear bottle of water with no labels. Nothing else will be allowed into the test room, but there will be a secure location for you to store your belongings during 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
If you do your IELTS test on computer, there are a few different customisable options for the display that you may find more comfortable. You can change the contrast between Black on White, White on Black, or Yellow on Black. You can also change the text size between Regular, Large, and Extra Large. These correlate to font size 20 (regular), 23 (Large), and 27 (Extra Large). You can test all of these out by doing a practice test at IELTS.org. If you need further support there are more options available for the IELTS on paper test, such as braille papers, or screen readers for those with severely affected vision.

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Jun 2, 2025
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iconLast updated on May 29, 2025

Last answered by Linda

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Linda Alley
IELTS Expert
You’ll need a laptop or a desktop computer with a keyboard with language set to Australian, US or UK English. You can’t take an IELTS Online test on a tablet or mobile device. Your computer will need to have a web camera, speakers, a microphone and a stable internet connection. If you’re using Windows, the operating system requirements are 10 or 11 on 64-bit platforms and 10.15 or higher on Mac. You can read a full list of system requirements on our website where you can also download the Inspera Integrity Browser (IIB) to check if your computer is suitable for IELTS Online.

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May 29, 2025
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iconLast updated on May 29, 2025

Last answered by Linda

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Linda Alley
IELTS Expert
Yes! When you book your IELTS test with IDP Education, you will get free access to an online IELTS preparation course developed by Macquarie University experts. You can choose to focus your study on one IELTS skill (Reading, Writing, Listening or Speaking) and get access to all related study materials for 30 days. Or you can choose to enjoy free unlimited access to all four IELTS skills for 4 days.

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May 29, 2025
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iconLast updated on May 29, 2025

Last answered by Linda

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Linda Alley
IELTS Expert
You may be asked to describe how data changes over time, so it can be useful to practise words and phrases for describing increases, decreases, fluctuations and periods of stability. You might also need to describe how much something has changed, e.g. “a sharp rise”, “a gradual increase.”You should also be able to use words in different forms so you can show the examiner that you can use a range of sentence structures. E.g. “There was a gradual increase in exports.” “Exports increased gradually.” Some Task 1 questions will ask you to compare maps, so you’ll need to know vocabulary for describing positions or locations e.g. “at the bottom of”, “above” etc.

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May 29, 2025
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Last answered by Linda

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Linda Alley
IELTS Expert
Absolutely. Because writing an essay plan is optional, you might be tempted to skip it, so you have more time to write your essay. However, creating a quick plan before you begin could actually save you time later. Imagine you’re in middle of your essay and you realise you don’t have enough ideas. Or you discover you don’t have enough examples to support your ideas. Take the pressure off yourself by spending a few minutes brainstorming and planning at the beginning of your test. Decide your position on the topic. Use bullet points to note ideas and examples you’d like to include. That way you can check if you have enough information before you start. If you’re taking IELTS on computer, you’ll receive some scrap paper for this.

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May 29, 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

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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

role

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

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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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