Booking and Preparation
Find out how to register, pay, and prepare for your IELTS test.
IELTS Academic is used for higher education (for example, university applications) and professional registration. Most academic organizations require this test type unless you are studying below degree level.
IELTS General Training is used for immigration and some work purposes. Most people take this test for Permanent Residency and Citizenship applications in Canada.
Ensure you check with the organization to which you are applying if you’re not certain. Learn more about these different test modules.
ILAC locations offer either paper-based or computer-delivered IELTS tests.
Paper-based tests: The 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.
Computer-delivered tests: The Listening, Reading and Writing will take place on the computer in an official test centre. Speaking will be face-to-face with an examiner. Results are available in 3-5 business days. Try a sample computer-delivered test question.
The content, marking standard, and security are 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. Your report will show an individual rating for each skill, and an overall rating.
| 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 the IELTS test format.
There is no pass/fail for IELTS testing. It is an assessment.
However, you might need to achieve a certain score depending on why you are taking the test. Your organization will tell you what minimum scores they require. Contact the admissions department of the university/college or check the Government of Canada website for more information.
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 copy of your valid PR card or passport. Scan your ID document, or take a clear quality colour photo. You will need to bring the original document with you on test day (photocopies or temporary documents are not accepted).
- A payment method. Visa, Mastercard or debit cards are accepted.
- 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 frequently as we will send you details about your test using this address.
Complete payment immediately after booking your test, or up to 24 hours after. Your booking is only secured after you pay your test fee in full. If you do not complete payment within 24 hours, your seat will be released and you will need to start again.
The cost of the test varies by location. If our Toronto-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-transferrable. However, depending on your reason, and how much notice you give us, you may be entitled to a refund or transfer.
Paper tests: You can cancel or change your paper test date if you give us at least 5 weeks’ notice. (Fee = $80) Complete this form.
Computer tests: You can cancel or change your computer test date if you give us at least 2 weeks’ notice. (Fee = $80) Complete this form.
We will not refund or transfer a test if you don’t give proper notice. Please consider carefully when registering for a test date.
If you are late or absent without reason: Check your email to find out when you should arrive. For most tests, the doors close at least 15 – 30 minutes before the test start time. If you arrive late, you will not be allowed to enter and you must re-book and pay for a new test.
If you have an emergency: If you have an emergency and therefore cannot provide sufficient notice, you can request a refund/transfer up to 5 calendar days after the scheduled test date. You will be asked to submit evidence, such as a medical or police report, depending on the situation. All requests are subject to approval and an administrative fee ($80).
Please see our FAQs for more.
Preparing for your IELTS test is not mandatory, but is highly recommended. The amount of preparation you need depends on factors like your current English skills and minimum required scores. Any preparation you can do is better than nothing.
ILAC offers test preparation classes if you would like to receive structured guidance from an experienced IELTS tutor. Classes are available in-person or online, depending on current class schedules.
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.
ILAC IELTS centres make every effort to make arrangements for test takers with accessibility requirements. We can arrange special accommodations for test takers who have appropriate medical documentation.
Check below for details.
- Show your specialist physician this letter. It contains 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 help you to arrange the required accommodations.
- Book and pay for your IELTS test at a recommended venue.
