Registering for the IELTS exam can be a quick and easy process if you have the correct information ready when you apply. Here are ten frequently asked questions to help point you in the right direction.
1. Where can I apply for the IELTS exam?
All applications for the test can be done online at www.ieltsessentials.com. Once you are here, you can click ‘Book a Test’ or ‘BOOK’ and start the process of registering for the test.
2. What do I need to apply?
You will need a few pieces of information to apply, but most importantly, you will need a digital copy of your valid passport. Without this, you cannot apply for the test. Please make sure your copy is clear so the IELTS administrator is able to read and see all pertinent information such as the expiry date and photo.
You should also know when and where you want to take the exam. If you are unsure of the specific date you want to take the test, at least have a preferred month in which you want to write the exam and the website will populate specific dates for you.
Also knowing what module you are taking is important. The academic module is usually for purposes such as applying for university or registering with a professional body. The general module is mainly for immigration purposes.
3. Am I a new candidate or an existing user?
If you have taken the test before and have applied online, you are an existing user. If so, you can simply enter your username and password and begin the process of applying for another test date. The process will be a lot faster and easier because your information is already complete and you do not need to upload a copy of your ID document again. Remember to have the information from your previous test such as the date and location because the website will ask you to provide it.
If this is your first time applying for the IELTS exam, you are a new candidate. You will create a new user account with a username and password. The username cannot be changed and it will be sent to you by email for future access. Also, please create a password that you are able to remember but is also secure.
4. What personal information will I need when applying?
Firstly, you will need your name. This must match what is on your passport or permanent residency card. Secondly, you will need to enter your nationality. This is the country your passport was issued, not where you are currently living. Thirdly, you will need your email address. Please use an active account that you check frequently as all correspondence will be through email. Finally, you will need your complete mailing address. Make sure to include your unit or apartment number as your test results will be sent to you.
Please ensure you keep a detailed record of the information used to register, you will need the identical information to view your test results.
5. What if I have special requirements when taking the test?
When applying for the test, you need to provide documentation from a professional such as a doctor for any special requirements needed for the test such as enlarged print test papers, special amplification equipment, extra time, etc. You must provide this documentation at least 90 days before your test date.
6. How much is the test and what are my payment options?
Although the modules, both academic and general, are the same cost, the fee is N68,000.
Payment options includes cash, online transfers, bank drafts, in person or over the phone.
Please note that your registration for the test is not complete until you have paid in full.
7. What happens once I have applied?
Once you have finished your application for the IELTS exam, you will receive a number of emails. One email will contain your username information. Another email will verify that your ID document is correct and accurate. You will also receive a payment confirmation email. Finally, you will receive an email with your test day information included. If you do not receive this final email, please contact your test centre as soon as possible.
8. What if I need to cancel my test date or I’m sick on the day of the test?
If you cancel your test more than five weeks before the test date, you will receive a refund. If you cancel your test within five weeks of your test date, you may be charged the full amount. Only serious medical reasons will be taken into consideration for refunds within the five-week period.
If a medical certificate is received by the test centre within five days of the test date, you may receive a refund. You will have to complete and submit the proper documentation to your test centre. Also, in situations such as major weather events where you are not able to attend, your test centre may be able to reschedule your test date.
However, if no notice is given to your test centre that you will be absent, despite the reason, you will not receive any refund.
9. When will I receive my test results?
Your IELTS results will be released 13 days after the test date. They will be released online at https://results.ieltsessentials.com/ and your test report forms will be sent out by mail on the same day.
Please note that on very rare conditions your result may not be issued 13 days after the test if the IELTS Test Partners decide that it is necessary to review any matter associated with your test or the administration of your test. To assist any investigation, you may be required to provide writing and speaking samples. In exceptional circumstances, you may be required to re-take one or more IELTS components.
Your result may be cancelled after it has been issued if any irregularity is identified. You may be required to re-take one or more IELTS components
10. Am I able to receive additional test report forms?
Over the next 30 days, starting from your test date, you are able to receive five additional test report forms. If you know the organizations you want these forms to be sent to, you need to fill in the complete mailing address for those organizations on the additional test report form that you can get from your test centre. Adding your student ID number if you have one on the test report form is also important, to aid the organizations receiving your test results.
It is very important to note that your test results will be sent out automatically to these organizations if you have filled out their information before the test. You may prefer to wait to see your score and then fill out a test report form. In addition, as long as your test report form is valid, you can get as many additional test reports sent to other organizations as you want, however, there will most likely be a fee associated with such a request.
Following these guidelines should make IELTS registration an easier process. The main point to remember is make sure your information, such as your personal information, test location and date, and your module, are all correct and accurate as this will make the process of registration a lot smoother.
The original version of this article first appeared on http://ietlscanadatest.com.
