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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 2, 2025

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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iconMay 21, 2025

Last answered by Vincent

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Vincent Blokker
IELTS Expert
Yes, if you did the UKVI IELTS test, you also have the option to retake one skill if you didn’t get the score you were aiming for in one of the components. You're eligible for IELTS One Skill Retake when you have completed a full UKVI 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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May 21, 2025
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iconFeb 7, 2025

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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iconFeb 7, 2025

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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iconJun 26, 2025

Last answered by Jess

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Jess Christie
IELTS Expert
Many test centres will be open for testing on the weekends, and some may test during the evenings. However, this won't be the same for all test centres. Please go to the website to check test availability near you.
Jun 26, 2025
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iconJun 26, 2025

Last answered by Jess

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Jess Christie
IELTS Expert
No, you cannot bring a calculator in with you during the IELTS test.
Jun 26, 2025
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iconJun 26, 2025

Last answered by Jess

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Jess Christie
IELTS Expert
No, you cannot bring a dictionary into the test, and no form of spell check is allowed in the testing platform-so make sure you brush up on your spelling before your test!
Jun 26, 2025
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iconJun 17, 2025

Last answered by Rocco

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Rocco Nigro
IELTS Expert
You can with measurements (e.g. you can write '1km' instead of '1 kilometre), but regular words should be written in their full form. Note that spelling is important in your IELTS Listening test.
Jun 17, 2025
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iconJun 17, 2025

Last answered by Rocco

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Rocco Nigro
IELTS Expert
Yes, they can be useful as they can help give you a moment to gather your thoughts. However, try not to use them too much as you would have too much hesitation, which can affect your Fluency & Coherence and Pronunciation band scores.
Jun 17, 2025
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iconJun 17, 2025

Last answered by Rocco

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Rocco Nigro
IELTS Expert
If it is an English word, then use it. The origin of the word doesn't matter. Just make sure you use the right spelling and pronunciation, plus you use it in the right context.
Jun 17, 2025
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iconMay 28, 2025

Last answered by Vincent

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Vincent Blokker
IELTS Expert
Legislation about immigration changes frequently. When you’re looking to move to Canada, it’s important to check the Immigration, Refugees & Citizenship Canada website for changes that may apply to you. If you are interested in a Canadian study permit, work visas, or looking to migrate permanently, you may need to lodge an application with the Canadian Government. You may want to consider getting support from a lawyer or a qualified migration expert.

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May 28, 2025
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iconJun 16, 2025

Last answered by Vincent

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Vincent Blokker
IELTS Expert
Yes, your IELTS results are a testament of your English language proficiency. You can submit your IELTS Test Report Form to multiple institutions or organisations, including universities, immigration authorities, and professional bodies. You don't need to take a new IELTS test for each application. When you take IELTS on computer, you can download your own Test Report Form in PDF-file format and share this with as many organisations are you require.

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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

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

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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