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Welcome to IELTS! Achieve your work, study, and migration goals with IELTS by IDP

How to take an IELTS test

Please read the following information before you register for the IELTS test:

1. Select the Test Module and Test Format

Select the test module (Academic or General Training) that best suits your purpose for taking the IELTS exam. If you want to move to an English-speaking country to study at university, then you should take the IELTS Academic test. For work, immigration or below-degree education (school or college), the IELTS General Training test is recommended.  Please check with your test provider for the required band score.

You can also choose the test format (computer or paper). Check out the features of each test and choose the one that suits you best. Computer-based tests are available in Tokyo and Osaka on weekdays and weekends (dates vary by location).

With IDP, you know the venue when you make your reservation for both paper and computer-based tests!

2. Booking IELTS

Please select the date, time, and venue to register.

You will need to upload an image of your passport when you book.

Test fee: Click here▶

Payment method: payment by credit card, payment at a convenience store, and other payment options are available, depending on the test centre.

If you wish to receive special consideration for your test, please refer to Special requirements.

3. Check your test confirmation

The test centre will send the confirmation information to you by e-mail at least one week before the test.

If you will take IELTS on paper, your Speaking test schedule will be emailed to you at least 3 days prior to the test. You can choose your Speaking test date and time when you book an IELTS on Computer test.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding your test confirmation, please contact the test centre directly.

4. IELTS exam preparation and study

Check out our page for test preparation and study for the IELTS exam.

Whether you are new to IELTS or looking to improve your score, the first step is to check out our free IELTS support tool (IELTS Exam Guide), which contains detailed explanations of the IELTS exam and useful tips to help you prepare for the exam.

You can also choose from sample questions, practice questions that will give you feedback, and official practice tests that will allow you to test all four skills at home. Read more▶

Special Offer for students who book IELTS at IDP Official Test Centre! Read more▶

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5. Day of the IELTS test

All four tests can be completed in one day at the official IDP test centre.

  • IELTS on Paper: Writing (60 minutes), Reading (60 minutes), and Listening (*about 40 minutes.) *This includes 10 minutes for transcribing the answers on the answer sheet.

  • IELTS on Computer: Listening (about 30 minutes), Reading (60 minutes), Writing (60 minutes).

  • Speaking test (11-14 minutes.) One-on-one face-to-face with the examiner. Each student will take the test in a private room at the designated time.

Please be sure to bring your passport with you on the day of the test.

For more information, click here

6. Receive your IELTS test results

Your IELTS score is based on four skills (Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking) and is indicated by a scale called a band score. For more information about scoring and test results, please click here.

IELTS test results can be viewed online.

At the same time, your score report will be mailed to you, usually within 5 days. You can also pick it up in person at some test centres, but please check with the test centre.

  • IELTS on Paper: 13 days after the test

  • IELTS on Computer: 24 to 48 hours after the test

Enquiry on Results

If you wish to have your test re-marked, you may apply to the test centre where you took the test within 6 weeks of the test date. Please check with the test centre for application procedures and fees.

Additional Test Report Form

If you wish to have your test results sent to an educational institution, immigration office, etc.: The test centre will take care of this. Please check with the test centre for application procedures and fees.

For inquiries, please contact

  • If you have already made a booking: Please check your booking confirmation email (contact details for the test centre) and contact the centre directly.

  • If you would like to make a booking in the future: Please contact IDP-IELTS Customer Support by email. Please let us know your preferred venue.

  • Frequently Asked Questions section is here