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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 4, 2026

Last answered by Jess

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Jess Christie
IELTS Expert
No breaks are not permitted between the sections. You will move on immediately to the next section. You may use the bathroom during the reading and writing sections but not in the last 5 minutes.
Jun 4, 2026
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Last answered by Jess

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Jess Christie
IELTS Expert
If you encounter any technical issues on test day please raise your hand and the support staff will come over to help you. They may be able to resolve the issue immediately, or may move you to a different computer to finish your test. Don't worry your test is paused while this happens so you won't lose any time. If the issue cannot be resolved the staff will help transfer your test to a new session.

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Jun 4, 2026
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Last answered by Jess

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Jess Christie
IELTS Expert
In Australia, IELTS offers you one change of date, test format, or module completely free of charge up until the day of your test. For more information, please contact your test centre.
Jun 4, 2026
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Last answered by Linda

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Linda Alley
IELTS Expert
First of all, let me reassure you that you don’t need to change your natural accent when you take the IELTS test. You don’t need to sound like a native English speaker. Your accent is part of who you are. But you need to speak clearly so the examiner can understand what you say. Sometimes people’s accents can affect how clearly they pronounce their words and sentences. If this is the case for you, I’d recommend watching our IELTS Pronunciation Video Series , which you can find on our website, app and YouTube channel. The series explains the different areas of pronunciation like word stress, intonation and rhythm in six short videos and shares tips on how you can improve in each area.

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Jun 4, 2026
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Last answered by Linda

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Linda Alley
IELTS Expert
I’d recommending starting with the academic vocabulary quizzes and flashcards on the IELTS by IDP app. Next, build your vocabulary around common IELTS topics like the environment, leisure and health. Try creating mind maps with common words, synonyms, collocations and idiomatic expressions for each theme. This will help you develop a wider range of language, which is important if you want to achieve a high band score. You can also expand your vocabulary by reading articles from books, newspapers and academic journals. Note down new words and how they’re used in context. Finally, make you sure you practise using new vocabulary in your speaking and writing before test day so you become more confident with applying it in different situations.

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Jun 4, 2026
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iconLast updated on Oct 30, 2025

Last answered by Linda

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Linda Alley
IELTS Expert
You can’t ask your examiner for a different Speaking test question. However, what you can do is build up your confidence by practising with a wide range of different questions before your test.
Oct 30, 2025
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iconLast updated on Sep 15, 2025

Last answered by Lewis

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Lewis Crannitch
IELTS Expert
IELTS is available across the North and South Islands, with Academic and General Training offered at a wide range of centres. In the North Island, you can take IELTS in Auckland (IDP Auckland, IDP South Auckland (Manukau), University of Auckland, Unitec, and Massey University - Albany), Hamilton (Wintec), Tauranga (IDP Tauranga), Wellington (Massey University), and Palmerston North (Massey University). In the South Island, test centres include Nelson (Massey University), Dunedin (University of Otago Language Centre), Christchurch (Ara Institute of Canterbury and University of Canterbury), and Queenstown (IDP Queenstown). You can find your nearest test centre here: Find IELTS test dates and locations

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Sep 15, 2025
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Last answered by Lewis

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Lewis Crannitch
IELTS Expert
You can usually find an IELTS test somewhere in New Zealand every day of the week. Some test centres even offer multiple tests per day. IELTS on Computer tests are run frequently, with some centres offering sessions almost every day of the week, including weekends. Paper-based IELTS tests, on the other hand, are usually scheduled once or twice a month. In larger cities such as Auckland, where there are multiple centres, you’ll find a wide choice of test dates across the week. To see the latest availability and book your preferred test, visit our booking page here: Book IELTS test dates

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Sep 15, 2025
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Last answered by Lewis

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Lewis Crannitch
IELTS Expert
Yes, IELTS tests are held on public holidays in New Zealand, though this depends on the test centre. At IDP Auckland, for example, tests typically run on all public holidays except Christmas Day and Boxing Day. For the most up-to-date information on test dates and availability, please check our booking page here: Book IELTS test dates

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Sep 15, 2025
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Last answered by Lewis

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Lewis Crannitch
IELTS Expert
If you have a disability or medical condition and need special test arrangements, you can apply through your test centre before you book. Arrangements may include extra time, enlarged print papers, braille papers, a scribe, or other forms of support, depending on your needs. To apply, you’ll need to provide medical or specialist evidence and give the test centre at least six weeks’ notice so materials and support can be arranged. For more details and to discuss your specific requirements, please contact your chosen IELTS test centre directly.

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Sep 15, 2025
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Last answered by Lewis

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Lewis Crannitch
IELTS Expert
Yes. For visa categories that accept IELTS, Immigration New Zealand recognises either IELTS Academic or General Training (they also accept IELTS One Skill Retake). If both Academic and General Training are accepted for your visa, many test takers find General Training to be the slightly easier option. As score requirements for different visas can change, always check the Immigration New Zealand website for the most up-to-date information.

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Sep 15, 2025
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Last answered by Lewis

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Lewis Crannitch
IELTS Expert
Yes, if you took your test on computer at a test centre that issues an eTRF (electronic Test Report Form), you can send your IELTS results to institutions (including universities or visa authorities) electronically via the IELTS portal using the “Notify Institution” feature. If you took the paper-based version, you’ll receive a physical Test Report Form which can be sent by mail or provided in person. Because Immigration NZ has its own documentation requirements, it’s best to check with them (or check the visa instructions) to see which format they will accept (paper TRF or eTRF) for your application.

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Sep 15, 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

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

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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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