How to book the right IELTS test in 2026

Which test to choose, how to book it safely, what to check after you pay, and the rules for results, retakes and changes.

Page 5 of the IELTS registration guide PDF

Page 3 of the IELTS registration guide PDF

The first page of the IELTS registration guide PDF

What's in the guide

6 pages in 8 parts. Find the part you need, then turn to its page.

Choose the right test
Academic, General Training, UKVI, Life Skills and IELTS Online, and who decides which one you need.
Page 3
Delivery and test centres
Paper, computer and Writing on Paper in 2026, and how to find an official centre.
Page 3
Your date and Speaking time
Leave time before your deadline, and check when your Speaking test is.
Page 4
Your application and ID
Enter your name as it is on your ID, and check the document will still be valid.
Page 4
Fees and confirmation
Pay on the official site, then wait for the confirmation email.
Page 5
After you book
What to check before test day, and how to ask for access arrangements.
Page 5
Results, retakes and changes
When results arrive, One Skill Retake, and how to cancel or move your test.
Page 5
Final booking checklist
Six things to check before you finish.
Page 6

Tips from the guide

Not sure if you need Academic, General Training or UKVI? Ask the organisation that will receive your result.
Your Speaking test may be on a different day from the other three parts. Read your booking details.
A form you've sent isn't always a booking. Wait for the confirmation email, and save your booking reference.

Check these before you book

A few minutes of checking can save you the cost and stress of booking the wrong test.

From page 1 of the guide.

Which test is accepted
Ask your university, employer, professional body or immigration authority which IELTS test it accepts. Check the band it needs overall and in each skill.
Where you can take it
Check that an official centre offers the test, and which ways of taking it there are in your country.
When you need your results
Leave time to prepare, for your results to arrive, and for a retake if you need one.

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Preguntas frecuentes

Should I book IELTS Academic or General Training?

The organisation that receives your score decides. Academic is often used for university and some professional registration. General Training is often used for migration and work. Check the exact test name before you pay.

How much does IELTS cost in Australia?

The guide gives IDP's 2026 prices as a guide: about AUD $490 for IELTS Academic or General Training, and AUD $505 for IELTS for UKVI. Prices change, so the amount at checkout is the real one.

Can I retake only one part of IELTS?

Yes, with One Skill Retake, if you took a full IELTS on computer test at a centre that offers it. You can retake one skill once within 60 days. Check first that the organisation you're applying to accepts the result.

Is the PDF free?

Yes. Enter your email and we send it to you at once. Your email also opens a free Leap English Pathways account, where you can practise IELTS and get a band for every reading and listening test. Every PDF on this site is open to that account. Pro adds feedback on every speaking and writing answer.