Booking and Preparation
Find out how to register, pay, and prepare for your IELTS test.
There are two (2) IELTS tests available.
IELTS General Training: For immigration. Most immigration programs require this test type. Choose this test type for Permanent Residency and Citizenship applications in Canada.
IELTS Academic: For higher education and professional registration. Most academic organizations require this test type, unless you are studying below degree level.
If you are not sure which test you need, always check with the organization to which you are applying. Learn more about these different test modules.
Depending on your location, you may have a choice between a computer or paper test.
Computer-delivered tests: Visit an official IELTS test venue with a computer lab. Listening, Reading and Writing will take place on the computer. Speaking will be face-to-face with an examiner. Results are available in 3-5 business days. Try a sample computer-delivered test question.
Paper-based tests: Visit an official IELTS test venue and take the test with paper and pencil. Listening, Reading and Writing are answered with pencil and paper. Speaking will be face-to-face with an examiner. Results are available in 13 days. See samples of the paper test.
The content is the same and both formats are accepted equally by organizations. Some locations currently only support paper testing.
IELTS tests 4 skills: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. You will receive an individual score for each skill and an overall score.
| Listening | 25% of overall score; 30 mins |
| Reading | 25% of overall score; 60 mins |
| Writing | 25% of overall score; 60 mins |
| Speaking | 25% of overall score, 20 minute time slot |
| Overall | An average of all scores, rounded to the nearest 0.5 |
Learn more about the IELTS test format.
There is no pass or fail mark for IELTS. However, you might still need to achieve a minimum score.
If you are applying to a university, college, or a regulatory body: The university or organization will set the requirements. Ask them which IELTS test you need (Academic or General Training) and what minimum score(s) you need. Contact the admissions department or check their website for more information.
If you are applying to IRCC: Check the Government of Canada website for the latest requirements or check a quick link below.
Some organizations, including IRCC may list the Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) score you need. Find the equivalent using the IELTS-CLB converter below.
Book your IELTS test online. Before you start, please have ready:
- A digital image of your passport or PR card. You must bring the original document with you on test day (NO photocopies or certified copies). Check what documents are accepted.
- A payment method. Pay online with a Visa or Mastercard. Credit or debit cards are both accepted under the “Credit” option.
- An email address. Sign in to your IELTS Essentials account or sign up for a new one. Please use an email address that you access often. We will send you test information and updates by email.
IMPORTANT: You are only registered for a test when we successfully receive payment. The registration deadline for all tests is 80 hours before the start time. See examples of registration deadlines.
The cost of the test varies by location. If our Vancouver-based team needs to fly to your community, we add a surcharge to cover the travel costs. Go to our Test Locations page to view all venues and test prices.
In most situations, IELTS tests are non-refundable and non-transferable. However, you can usually receive a refund if you tell us in advance, or a transfer if you have a serious emergency.
Paper tests: Cancel or change your test date with at least 5 weeks’ notice. (Fee = $80) Find out how to apply.
Computer tests: Cancel or change your test date with at least 2 weeks’ notice. (Fee = $80) Find out how to apply.
Candidates who do not meet the requirements will not be given a refund or transfer.
If you arrive late or don’t attend, you won’t receive a refund. Please re-book and pay for a new test.
If you have an emergency: On rare occasions, there may be instances where you are unable to attend your test or are disadvantaged on test day owing to illness, injury, or another exceptional event outside your control. In these cases, you may make an application to your test centre for special consideration due to exceptional circumstances. If approved, your test booking will be transferred to the next suitable date. There is an $80.00 administrative fee for all approved requests. Find out more.
Please see our FAQs for more.
Preparing for your IELTS test is recommended. The amount of preparation you need depends on factors like your current English skills and minimum required scores.
ILAC offers virtual test preparation classes with ILAC KISS. Students receive structured guidance from an experienced IELTS tutor.
You can also prepare for IELTS by yourself, using books or trusted online resources. Check out our Instagram, Facebook or YouTube for study and exam tips.
In addition, our IELTS blog section has regular posts from ILAC teachers and test experts, providing free-to-access tips and information.
In most cases, our team can arrange special accommodations for test takers who have appropriate medical documentation. We use this documentation to arrange the best equal conditions for you. Check below for details.
- Show your specialist physician this letter. It includes instructions for what information to include in their medical evaluation.
- Email us the report from your physician at least 12 weeks before the test you want.
- Our friendly team will work with you to confirm fair accommodations. We may advise you to book at a specific centre that can best accommodate you.
- Book and pay for your IELTS test at a recommended venue.
