IELTS test day checklist

What to check a week before, the day before and on the day, a tip for each part of the test, and what comes after.

Page 2 of the IELTS test day checklist PDF

The first page of the IELTS test day checklist PDF

What's in the guide

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

One week before
Check your booking, test type, speaking time and ID, and try the test on screen.
Page 2
One day before
Get your ID ready, plan your trip and keep your study light.
Page 2
On test day
What to check before you leave, and what happens when you arrive.
Page 3
During the test
A tip for each part: listening, reading, writing and speaking.
Page 4
After your test
When results come out, and what to do if you miss your target.
Page 5
One Skill Retake
When taking one part again makes sense, and the rules to check first.
Page 5

Tips from the guide

Don't assume your speaking test comes straight after the other three parts. Follow the times in your own booking, not what a friend had.
If something isn't clear, ask the staff before the test starts. A question about the room has nothing to do with your English.
Don't spend the day before doing mock tests. A short listening task or a look at your writing feedback is enough. Rest.

A tip for each part of the test

On the day, follow the instructions for your test format and centre. Then:

From page 4 of the guide.

Listening
Stay on the current question and keep track of the next one. If you miss an answer, move on. Listen for paraphrases, corrections and changes of mind.
Reading
Share your time across the three sections. If one question takes too long, move on and come back if you have time. Answers often use different words from the passage.
Writing
Read the task carefully. Many people spend about 20 minutes on Task 1 and 40 on Task 2. Plan, watch the clock and leave a little time to check.
Speaking
Listen to each question and answer naturally, not with a learned answer. If you make a mistake, correct it and keep going. If you don't understand a question, ask, where the test allows it.

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Common questions

What should I bring to the IELTS test?

The exact ID your booking confirmation asks for. It may be your passport or another approved ID, depending on where you take the test. Check the rules for what you can bring into the room, and keep your booking details with you.

How long do IELTS results take?

Results for IELTS on computer often come in 1 to 5 days, but it varies. Your test provider tells you when to expect yours.

What is IELTS One Skill Retake?

It lets you take one part of the test again, at centres that offer it, within 60 days of your full test. You can use it once for each full test. Not every university, employer or visa accepts it, so check with them before you pay.

Is the PDF free?

Yes. Enter your email and it downloads 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.