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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 Reza

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Reza Tasviri
IELTS Expert
There is some casual practice that you can do every day which I highly recommend, and that is reading news items, articles or reports that have graphs, charts, tables and the like. I see many of those in the business/economy section of news websites and in science magazines and websites. This is the enjoyable bit. There is also some focused practice. Go through official test samples, look at the graphs and tables and read sample responses and that gives you a very good idea of how to analyse and report data.

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Feb 7, 2025
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Last answered by Linda

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Linda Alley
IELTS Expert
Unfortunately, not. IELTS Online is currently only available for IELTS Academic and is not accepted for migration purposes. If you want to take IELTS General Training, you’ll need to sit your test in a test centre.
Feb 7, 2025
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Last answered by Linda

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Linda Alley
IELTS Expert
Good question! Our masterclasses and webinars run at different times in different countries. To register for an online masterclass in your time zone, go to the events calendar on our website or app. You can download the IELTS by IDP app in Google Play or the App store. Alternatively, you can contact your local IELTS test centre for more information.

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Feb 7, 2025
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Last answered by Linda

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Linda Alley
IELTS Expert
You’ll hear a range of different accents in the IELTS Listening test such as British, Australian, New Zealand and North American. If you’ve spent time in any of these countries, you’ll know that accents can change within a country too. For example, someone from the north of England will usually sound different to someone from the south. Before you take your IELTS test, try to exposure yourself to a variety of accents through podcasts, videos and radio stations so you get used to hearing the different ways people speak in English.

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Feb 7, 2025
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Last answered by Linda

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Linda Alley
IELTS Expert
Absolutely. Both tests are done on a computer, but you take IELTS Online from your home. On the other hand, you take IELTS on Computer in an IELTS test centre. The test format and scoring are the same for both tests. You’ll take the Speaking test one-on-one with an accredited IELTS examiner. If you take IELTS Online, you’ll do this by video call instead of in a private room at the test centre. If you want to book an IELTS Online test, make sure your academic institution will accept it. If you need to take IELTS for visa or migration purposes, you should choose IELTS on computer or IELTS on paper at a test centre instead. Hope this helps!

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Feb 7, 2025
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Last answered by Vincent

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Vincent Blokker
IELTS Expert
If you are looking to work or study in Britain, you may need to apply for a UK Visa and demonstrate that you have met the required level of English by taking a UK Home Office approved Secure English Language Test (SELT). IELTS is an approved and trusted test. IELTS tests taken for the UK are called IELTS for UKVI. So, what’s the difference between IELTS and IELTS for UKVI? IELTS and IELTS for UKVI are the same in terms of format, content, scoring and level of difficulty. However, the Test Report Form which contains your results is slightly different to show that you have taken the test at an official IELTS for UKVI location, which is approved by the UK Home Office.

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Feb 7, 2025
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Last answered by Vincent

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Vincent Blokker
IELTS Expert
Yes! IELTS One Skill Retake is available in Indonesia, and also in 50+ other countries around the world.You're eligible for IELTS One Skill Retake when you have completed a full IELTS on computer test at an eligible IDP test centre, and you've received your IELTS test score. You must take IELTS One Skill Retake within 60 days of your original test date.

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Feb 7, 2025
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Last answered by Vincent

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Vincent Blokker
IELTS Expert
Your IELTS Speaking test always takes place with a real human. Speaking with a person is more natural than talking to a computer, like some other English tests. After all, we speak with people every single day! When you do IELTS Online, your Speaking test takes place on a secure platform via a video call. It’s similar to a Zoom call where you can speak directly with the examiner. Just like a face-to-face Speaking test, the examiner will ask you questions and you can respond. My tip: Don’t forget you can ask the examiner questions if something is unclear, or you didn’t understand them. It won’t affect your score if you say “I’m sorry, I didn’t get that. Can you please repeat the question?”.

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Feb 7, 2025
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Last answered by Vincent

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Vincent Blokker
IELTS Expert
There is no limit on how many times you can take an IELTS test. But before you take an IELTS test again, I recommend you practice English and prepare for your test. The free IELTS by IDP app is a good place to start. After all, doing the test over and over again, does not guarantee a higher score. My tip: Book your IELTS test early (at least two weeks before you intend to sit for the test). That way you can take full advantage of the free preparation materials you get access to after you book!

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Feb 7, 2025
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Last answered by Vincent

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Vincent Blokker
IELTS Expert
When you sit a IELTS test, you get an official Test Report Form (TRF) that shows your band scores. When you do IELTS on paper, your scores will be available 13 days after your test. You test centre will then issue you a hard copy of your IELTS results. My tip: If you do IELTS on computer, you get your results very fast. And you have access to your eTRF (electronic Test Report Form), a digital version of your official IELTS certificate. You can download this, and there's no need to wait for your results to be delivered by post!

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Feb 7, 2025
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Last answered by Vincent

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Vincent Blokker
IELTS Expert
When you request a remark (Enquiry on Result or EOR), we will start reviewing your test the moment you submit your request. We know how important this is to you, and we aim to get the remark to you as quickly as we can. Remarks may be completed within less than an hour or sometimes up to 21 days. If your result is changed to a higher band score you will receive a full refund of your remark fee and get a new Test Report Form with the changed scores.

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Feb 7, 2025
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Last answered by Vincent

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Vincent Blokker
IELTS Expert
IDP is a co-owner of IELTS. The British Council and Cambridge English are the other co-owners of the test. Taking your IELTS test at IDP is the same as taking one at British Council. In addition, the marking scheme and standards are exactly the same. IDP is a leader in global education services. We help people achieve their international education goals. We operate in more than 50 countries around the world. IDP has helped more than 650,000 change their lives through global education. It is something we are incredibly proud of, and we’re confident that we can support you too!

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Feb 7, 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

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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

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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

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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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