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Test dates

There are currently places available on the following test dates and can be booked through the Online Registration System. Early application is recommended as demand for places is very high. 

Further dates will be released shortly. Please keep checking this page or email the centre for up to date information.

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Ways to take IELTS

IELTS on Paper

This test requires test takers to sit at a desk with the question papers and answer sheets for the Reading, Listening and Writing tests in an official IELTS test centre. Test takers will write their answers in either pen or HB-pencils. The Speaking test is carried out face-to-face with a trained IELTS examiner.

IELTS on Computer

This test requires test takers to sit the Reading, Listening and Writing tests in front of a computer with the questions presented on the screen in an official IELTS test centre. The test takers then submit their answers through the use of a keyboard and a mouse. The Speaking test is not on computer and is carried out face-to-face with a trained IELTS examiner.

Academic or General Training?

Further information about each type of test can be found here.

Remember to check with your organisation

If you are unsure which test you need to take, you should contact the institution / organisation you are applying to in order to check their requirements.

It is your responsibility to ensure that you apply for the right test.

Application instructions

IELTS test confirmation

• Your application will be processed within two working days from receiving your payment. An automated email from our system will confirm this has been done.

• The FULL address of your test venue and test day schedule will be sent via email at least a week before your test day so please do not worry if you have not heard from us before then. 

• The final confirmation email will include all the information you need on the test day so please make sure you read it carefully ahead of the test day.

• We do not send any confirmation letters through the post so you need to ensure you provide the correct email address and check it regularly.

Test takers under 18 years of age

If you are under the age of 18 at the time of your test, your parent or legal guardian must submit an online application on your behalf.

IELTS captures the image and finger scan of test takers either at test registration or on the test day to further enhance security and to verify the correct identity of the test taker throughout the IELTS testing process. This will be conducted by the IELTS test day staff. The photo captured on the test day will appear on the IELTS Test Report Form. The captured finger scan is only for test day verification and stored in an encrypted format which cannot be recalled, rendered or transformed into an actual image resembling a finger print.

Please note all minor test takers will be chaperoned to the Speaking test room by a member of staff. If you require further information, please contact ielts@nottingham.ac.uk 

Special requirements

IELTS provides a comprehensive service for test takers who have special requirements, including specific learning difficulties, hearing difficulties and visual difficulties, medical conditions or infant feeding.

If you require a modified version of IELTS, you must give us at least three months’ notice. If your circumstances require administrative arrangements such as extra time, you must provide at least six weeks' notice although in certain cases this may take longer. It may therefore not be possible to offer special arrangements on the next available date.

If you are already aware you will require special arrangements on the test day, we strongly advise that you provide as much notice as possible to ensure we are in a position to accommodate your requirements on your preferred date.

Special arrangements include the following:

• Extra time for medical conditions or infant feeding

• Braille papers

• Special Listening CD with necessary stops and pauses

• Lip-reading version of the Listening test

• Enlarged print or Speaking task cards in Braille.

Applications for special arrangements in the IELTS test must be supported by medical evidence which meets the following criteria:

• Accessible to the IELTS Administrator in terms of language and legibility.

• An original document on headed paper, and bearing the name, relevant qualification(s) and signature of a recognised practitioner.

• Provide a clear statement of the test taker’s disability.

• Outline how the disability justifies special arrangements.

Additional criteria applies in the case of applications for special arrangements for test takers with specific learning difficulties (e.g. dyslexia):

• The medical evidence must be in the form of a report written when you were aged 12 or older.

• The report must include full details of your learning difficulty and tests carried out to diagnose this.

• The report must be written by a fully qualified psychologist (educational, clinical or chartered)

Further information for test takers with special requirements can be located here and here.

Refunds and test date transfers

If you hold a confirmed place to take an IELTS Test but now require a refund or transfer, you must provide adequate notice.

If you submitted your payment less than 14 days ago, you are entitled to:

• a full refund or free transfer, if you let us know at least 14 days before your test

• a partial refund or paid transfer, if your test is taking place within the next 14 days

Please note refund or transfer requests cannot be accepted after 5pm on the Thursday before the test.

If you submitted your payment more than 14 days ago, you are only entitled to a partial refund or paid transfer if you let us know at least 5 weeks before your test.

For further information please contact ielts@nottingham.ac.uk, using the email address you provided when you applied for the test online.