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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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iconJun 17, 2025

Last answered by Linda

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Linda Alley
IELTS Expert
If you book your IELTS test with IDP, you’ll receive free access to an online course developed by Macquarie University experts. You can choose one IELTS skill to study (Reading, Writing, Listening, or Speaking) and get all the study materials for 30 days. Or, if you want to study all four skills, you can get free access to everything for 4 days.  You can also get access to a guided IELTS short course developed by E2 Test Prep when you download the IELTS by IDP app. Our app offers a free 14-day trial with the offer to upgrade for expert feedback.

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Jun 17, 2025
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iconJun 2, 2025

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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iconMay 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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iconJul 22, 2025

Last answered by Fahad

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Fahad Rafique
IELTS Expert
You are only allowed to bring a valid passport or national ID (if acceptable) on the day of the test. If there are exceptional circumstances and you don't have any of the acceptable IDs available, you may reach out to the test centre in your country to review the options available to you.
Jul 22, 2025
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iconMay 28, 2025

Last answered by Vincent

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Vincent Blokker
IELTS Expert
No, usually you don’t have to take a separate IELTS test for different countries. IELTS results are trusted around the world and are accepted by more than 12,500 organisations. So, your IELTS test can be used to apply in almost all countries where IELTS is accepted. There is one important exception: when you are migrating to the United Kingdom, you might need to take a special UKVI IELTS test.

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May 28, 2025
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iconJun 17, 2025

Last answered by Rocco

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Rocco Nigro
IELTS Expert
Yes. If you don't sit for a particular skill at all, you will obtain a band score of zero. The only ezxeption is if you do the One Skill Retake (OSR).
Jun 17, 2025
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iconJun 2, 2025

Last answered by Jess

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Jess Christie
IELTS Expert
If you are doing your IELTS test on paper, you will need to write with a black pen. This is required for the system to pick up your answers when marking is being completed. If you are doing your IELTS test on the computer, you will be provided with a pen to make notes.
Jun 2, 2025
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Jess Christie
IELTS Expert
If you are doing your IELTS test on paper, you will need to write with a black pen. This is required for the system to pick up your answers when marking is being completed. If you are doing your IELTS test on the computer, you will be provided with a pen to make notes.
Jun 2, 2025
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iconJun 16, 2025

Last answered by Rocco

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Rocco Nigro
IELTS Expert
It is important to mention all the categories and divisions but you don't need to include every figure. Concentrate more on the key features and group all the non-essential categories together briefly.
Jun 16, 2025
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iconJul 29, 2025

Last answered by Fahad

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Fahad Rafique
IELTS Expert
IELTS test comprises of 4 modules i.e. Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking which are scored individually. Band scores can be similar or different across the 4 modules. You will also receive an overall band score which is the average of the 4 band scores that you receive for these modules. You will need to review with your Recognizing organization on the band scores required in each specific module or the overall band score required. You may check this here: IELTS Recognising organisations

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Jul 29, 2025
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iconJun 17, 2025

Last answered by Rocco

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Rocco Nigro
IELTS Expert
If you provide extended answers, they can help you obtain a better rating for your Fluency & Coherence or even for your Grammatical Range & Accuracy band scores. However, make sure that what you say is relevant and on topic.
Jun 17, 2025
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iconJun 16, 2025

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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iconJun 16, 2025

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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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

role

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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Vishal Ramesh

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India

1 year

Experience

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IELTS Expert

Your friendly neighbourhood community manager

Last online Mar 4, 2025

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