IELTS Frequently Asked Questions

• Where can I take IELTS?

  Depending on your location, you can take the IELTS test in any of our test venues in Lagos, Abuja, Oyo, Akure, Ogun, Enugu, Rivers, Kano and Anambra.

• When can I take IELTS?

  IELTS is available on 48 fixed dates a year – up to four times a month on Thursdays and Saturdays for the paper-based test while the computer-delivered test (CD-IELTS) is available from Monday – Sunday every month.

• How much does it cost?

  The Academic and General Training IELTS tests cost ₦299,000.

  The UKVI test fee is ₦315,500, and the IELTS life skills fee is ₦299,000.

• How do I book/register for my test?

  Tests can be registered for directly at the test centre, or online. Details are available here.

• What means of identification is required?

  You require a valid international passport issued by the Nigeria Immigration Service,

  For upload with your application, the following applies:
  The International passport documentation must be:
  CLEAR – showing all details clearly
  COLORED – color scan
  SCANNED – not photographed or photocopied
  DOUBLE – PAGED – full data page along with page adjoining the passport data page.

  Please note that on test day, only ORIGINAL and UNEXPIRED International Passport will be accepted to allow entry for the test.

• What if I am absent or sick on the day of my test?

  If you are away on the test day with no prior notice, you will lose your full fee. However, if you are unable to attend due to a serious medical condition and provide a medical certificate within 5 days of the test date, you will receive a refund minus the local administrative cost.

• What if I need to postpone or cancel my application?

  Please contact us. In general:

  • If you postpone or cancel your application more than 5 weeks before the test date, you will receive a refund minus an administration charge.
  • If you postpone or cancel within 5 weeks of the test date, you will be charged the full fee unless you have a medical reason.
  • If you provide a medical certificate within 5 days of the test date, you will receive a refund minus the local administrative cost

• What are the test rules?

  Test rules and guidelines can be found on the Notice to Candidates provided in the IELTS Application Form. You are also advised to read the Information for Candidates booklet carefully so that you understand the test format and know what to expect on test day. Both these publications are available from your test centre.

• Do I take all parts of the test on the same day?

  The Listening, Reading and Writing components of the test are always completed immediately after each other and with no break.

  You will take the Speaking test within 7 days either before or after the test date, depending on the test date.

  Usually the Speaking tests are given on the same day or one or two days before/after the test date.

  For the computer delivered test, all the components are done in a day.

• What can I take into the examination room?

  Only pens, pencils and erasers. You must bring the passport/national identity card you used on the IELTS Application Form to the test. You must leave everything else outside the examination room. Mobile phones and pagers must be switched off and placed with personal belongings in the area designated by the supervisor. If you do not switch off your phone/pager or if you keep it with you, you will be disqualified. Find out more about test day.

• Which part do I take first?

  You do the Listening component first followed by the Reading and Writing components of the test. Depending on the test date, the Speaking test may be taken up to 7 days either before or after the test date.

• What is the Speaking test?

  The Speaking test is a discussion with a certified and highly qualified IELTS Examiner. The Speaking test is made up of three sections. It is recorded on a digital recorder.

• What do I need for the Speaking test?

  You must bring the same identification documents (ID) you supplied on your IELTS Application Form and continue to use the same ID for each part of the test. Your ID will be checked before you enter the interview room.

• What kinds of accents can be heard in the Listening and Speaking tests?

  As IELTS is an international test, a variety of English accents are used in both of these tests.

• Can I use a pen for the Listening and Reading tests?

  No. You must do it in pencil. The answer sheet is scanned by a computer which cannot read pen.

• Can I make notes on the Listening and Reading question papers?

  Yes. The IELTS Examiner will not see your question paper.

• How are the tests marked?

  IELTS uses a 9-band scoring system to measure and report test scores in a consistent manner. You receive individual band scores for Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking and an Overall Band Score on a band scale from one to nine. Find out more about how IELTS is marked.

• Who sets the ‘pass’ mark for the IELTS test?

  There is no pass or fail in IELTS. Scores are graded on the 9-band system. Each educational institution or organisation sets its own level of IELTS scores to meet its individual requirements. To find out more, search the list of organisations which accept IELTS scores.

• When will I receive my test results?

  Your Test Report Form will be available to you 13 calendar days after your test date for paper based test and within 2 – 5 calender days after the computer delivered test.

  You will only receive one copy of your Test Report Form, unless you are applying to Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) – in this case, you can receive two.

  Proof of application to CIC must be provided.

• How many Test Report Forms (TRFs) am I entitled to?

  You will only receive one copy of your Test Report Form, unless you are applying to Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC), or United Kingdom Border Agency (UKBA) – in this case, you can receive two. Proof of application to CIC and UKBA must be provided. Up to five (5) copies of your TRF will be posted to the relevant institution(s) you have listed on your IELTS application form. Charges for courier services and/or overseas postage will be passed onto you.  Additional TRFs beyond these five can be requested from the test centre which issued the TRF. Please note, an administration fee will be charged for additional TRFs.

• How soon can I re-sit the test?

  There is no limit on sitting the test. However, IELTS recommends you do additional study before taking the test again.

• What if I am not happy with my result?

  You can apply for an Enquiry on Results procedure at your test centre within six weeks of the test date. You must pay an enquiry fee, which is fully refunded if your band score changes. Note that IELTS Examiners and markers follow strict assessment guidelines and are regularly monitored. The IELTS testing process has the highest quality control procedures