FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Find quick answers to your IELTS questions – explore our FAQs for everything you need to know about test formats, preparation, and more.

Booking your IELTS test is easy. Locate your closest IELTS Test Centre with CERT. Once you find an IELTS Test Centre and a test date that suits you, you can book it from here. Book Now

If you need to postpone or cancel your IELTS test at CERT, you can reach out to us, or you can submit your request here. Transfer your Test Date | Cancel Test Booking.

Please keep in mind a couple of things:

  • More than 5 weeks before the test date: You will receive a refund, minus an administrative fee.
  • Within 5 weeks of the test date: The full fee will be charged unless you have a valid and accepted reason for cancellation or postponement.
  • Medical cancellations: If you provide a medical certificate within 5 days of your test date, you will receive a refund, minus the administrative cost.

For any changes, reach out to our CERT IELTS test center directly to discuss your options.

On your IELTS test day at CERT, you must bring the same passport or national identity card that you used to register for your test.

All personal belongings must be stored outside the examination room in a secure area or locker. Mobile phones, pagers, and smartwatches must be switched off and left with your personal items.

Personalized, smart support that works with you and your learning needs to help you reach your required IELTS score. Including mock tests and practice resources for all our skills. Powered by GEL IELTS Prep, IELTS Ready Premium will help you succeed.

To access IELTS Ready Premium for free you need to have an upcoming test booked. You can easily book your test here.

The British Council in the United Arab Emirates offers various IELTS tests locations across the country. CERT HCT is an official test center. Find out which test is best for you and choose between IELTS tests on paper or computer, which are both delivered in one of our official test centers. Here is the easiest way to book your test. CERT has the best facilities and customer service for candidates which helps them to and guides them in each step.

IELTS – the International English Language Testing System—is the world’s leading English language exam, designed to assess the language proficiency of individuals who wish to study, work, or live in English-speaking countries. Jointly administered by IDP Education Australia, the British Council, and Cambridge English Language Assessment, IELTS is trusted by millions globally.

Many candidates choose to enhance their preparation by attending classes at an IELTS coaching center before taking the exam, ensuring they are ready to succeed in their journey abroad. However, at CERT as a registered candidate, you can access Road to IELTS – Last Minute Practice and make the most of your final preparation days. Benefit from 9 expert-led videos with over 30 hours of advice and tutorials, engage with 100 interactive activities, and test yourself with 2 practice tests for each of the four skills – Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking.

You are required to bring the same passport or national identity card used to book your IELTS test. Your ID will be verified both before you enter the interview room and again during the interview.

If you choose to take IELTS on computer, you will complete LRW on PC as compared to completing on answers booklet in case you choose to take your test on paper.

However, in case of Speaking test for both paper and computer are face to face with an examiner.

With IOC you can avail the following benefits:

  • Faster Results
  • You can apply for One Skill Retake
  • Test dates options are offered more frequently

For security reasons, you are not permitted to bring your own paper to either the IELTS on paper or IELTS on computer test. For IELTS on computer, we will provide a pencil and paper for any notes you may need, as well as additional paper for the Speaking test to help you organize your thoughts while speaking with the examiner.

Yes, absolutely! You are encouraged to make notes in your question booklet for IELTS on paper. Please note that IELTS examiners will not have access to your question booklet.

IELTS on Computer: The sections are completed in this order—Listening, Reading, and Writing (L-R-W)—on the same day. Speaking however, is usually scheduled on the same day, either before or after. IELTS on Computer might be scheduled a day before or a day after Listening, Reading and Writing. In all circumstances, the candidate is contacted via registered e-mail and SMS to mobile number regarding the date and time of their Listening, Reading, writing and speaking test.

IELTS on Paper: The sections are completed in this order—L-R-W. Sometimes, Speaking for IOP is scheduled up to 7 days before or a day after L-R-W. In all circumstances, the candidate is contacted via registered e-mail and SMS to mobile number regarding the date and time of their Listening, Reading, writing and speaking test.

No, the difficulty level is the same for both formats, as the test format, question types, content, and time allocation are identical. The only difference may be your personal comfort level. If you’re confident using a computer, you may prefer the computer-based test.

Yes, IELTS on computer allows you to take notes and highlight text directly within the test. You can try these features in the Practice tests available. You’ll also receive a login details sheet at the start of the test, which you may use for notetaking.

The Listening, Reading, and Writing sections are completed consecutively on the same day. Speaking is usually scheduled on the same LRW day, either before or after. In all circumstances, the candidate is contacted via registered e-mail and SMS to mobile number regarding the date and time of their LRWS.

  • Faster Results
  • You can apply for One Skill Retake
  • Test dates options are offered more frequently

You’re eligible for IELTS One Skill Retake if:

  • Your original test was an IELTS on computer (IOC) taken at one of our venues
  • You schedule your One Skill Retake within 60 days of your initial IELTS test date.

IELTS One Skill Retake is accepted by over 1,200 organizations worldwide, including top educational institutions, key professional associations. Be sure to review the specific requirements on the website of any organization you’re applying to.

If you want to request an Enquiry on Results for your original IELTS test, you must do so within two weeks of the test date. Wait to receive the Enquiry result before registering for a One Skill Retake on the same test.

In IELTS One Skill Retake, you can choose to retake one section—Listening, Reading, Writing, or Speaking. The format and timing remain the same as a regular IELTS test for that section, but you’ll save time by only retaking the specific skill.

No, you can only complete a One Skill Retake once per full IELTS test.

Didn’t find an answer to your query?

Get in touch with our customer service team. You can either e-mail us or contact us directly.

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