Booking and Preparation

Start your test booking here. We run computer-delivered tests every week in downtown Vancouver.

You will need:

• a valid, physical Passport or Canadian Permanent Resident Card,
• and a jpg or png image of this document to upload during the booking process.

You will need to bring your ID document to your test day. Photocopies and certified scans will not be accepted. Find out more about accepted ID documents. 

For help and guidance booking your test, visit our Help Centre. Please note that your booking is not complete until you pay for your test. Pay before the registration deadline.

IELTS offers the following tests:

1. IELTS General Training: For immigration. Most immigration programs require this test type. Choose this test type for Permanent Residency and Citizenship applications in Canada. 
2. IELTS Academic: For higher education and professional registration. Most academic organizations require this test type, unless you are studying below degree level.  
3. One Skill Retake: If you have taken a full (all 4 skills) General Training or Academic test in the past 60 days, you can book the new One Skill Retake to improve your score in one section. You can only take the One Skill Retake once for each full test. Read more.

Always check your application requirements to see which test you need. Learn more about these different test modules.

Differences between paper and computer tests:

• Faster results: Results for computer tests are available within 3 to 5 days, which is faster than paper tests (13 days).
• Listening, Reading and Writing: Will take place on a computer. Enter all answers directly on the screen. This has some benefits, like an on-screen word count during the Writing section, so you can keep track of your answer length.
• e-TRF: Computer tests now offer official digital results (e-TRF) that you can download from your IELTS account.
• One Skill Retake: Computer tests now offer the option to retake one section of your IELTS test, without retaking the whole test. Choose between Listening, Reading, Writing or Speaking and, if your score improves, your e-TRF will be updated.

What is the same?

• The content, format and questions are the same for both paper and computer tests.
• Both ways to take the test are accepted equally by organizations.
• You will still need to visit a test centre in person to take a computer test.
• The IELTS Speaking test is always face-to-face with an IELTS examiner, no matter if you take a computer or paper test.

Conclusion: It is your choice whether to take your IELTS test on paper or computer. Choose whichever delivery method you feel most comfortable with.

Try a sample computer-delivered test question.

IELTS tests 4 skills: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. You will receive an individual score for each skill and an overall score. 

Learn more about the IELTS test format.

No, there is no pass or fail mark for IELTS.

However, if you are using your test results to apply for a program, such as a university, college or immigration program, you will usually need to achieve a minimum score.

If you are applying to a university, college, or employer: The organization will tell you what minimum score(s) you need to achieve, and which test type you need (Academic or General Training). 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 click on one of the quick links below.

• Language requirements Express Entry (Permanent Residence)
• Find out if you need to take a language test for citizenship

Some organizations, including IRCC, may list the Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) score you need. Use this tool to convert CLB scores into IELTS band scores.