IELTS frequently asked questions

What is IELTS?

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is the world’s most popular English language proficiency test for higher education and global migration, with over 2.9 million tests taken in the last year.

What is the test format and how long will it take?

IELTS has four parts – Listening (30 minutes), Reading (60 minutes), Writing (60 minutes) and Speaking (11–14 minutes). The total test time is 2 hours and 45 minutes. The Listening, Reading and Writing tests are done in one sitting. The Speaking test is held on the date you choose during your registration.

How much does it cost?

Information on the price of the test can be found in online registration system. For payment, we can only accept Turkish Liras. Transfers made in any other currency will not be accepted.

How many test locations are there in Turkey?

The British Council offers IELTS test in twelve locations across Turkey. We have a range of convenient test dates in Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir, Adana, Antalya, Karabük, Erzurum, Bursa, Gaziantep, Karaman, Mersin, Samsun in Turkey.

You can visit our website for IELTS test dates.  

When can I take the test?

You can monitor the availabilities of exams for each date and location on our website. You can only apply for the available dates designated on our website.

How often can I take the test?

You may take the IELTS test as many times as you like. You can use the result of the test you prefer. 

However, as the IELTS centre, we strongly recommend you do additional study before taking the test again. You can also improve your skills by using the IELTS Official Free Practice Materials and Preparation Book. Please contact us to buy the Preparation Book for IELTS. 

What is the main difference between Academic and General Modules?

IELTS test has two versions – Academic and General Training. The Academic test is typically for those who want to study at the tertiary level in programs which require an English proficiency score. The General Training test is typically for those who want to do work experience, training programs, secondary school or migrate to an English-speaking country.

Every organisation sets its own entry requirements. In some cases, both versions of IELTS may be accepted. Check with the organisation you wish to apply to before you book your test to learn which module is accepted.

Who accepts an IELTS score?

IELTS is accepted by more than 11,000 organisations worldwide. These include universities, government agencies, professional bodies and multinational companies. IELTS is also accepted by the countries who require the English language abilities for immigration. 

You can visit our website to view the organizations that accept the IELTS test. In addition, you should also contact the institution you will apply directly about the application criteria.

What help is available for disabled candidates?

Test centres make every effort to cater to the special needs of disabled candidates. If you have a special need, you can choose the special arrangements that suit you during registration. We will then contact you and request your medical report to support your registration.  To take the exam with special arrangements, you can see all the requirements on our page here.

Is the IELTS test completed in one day?

The Listening, Reading and Writing components of the test are always completed immediately after each other, with no break in between. You can choose the date of your Speaking test. The Speaking test may be taken on the same day or up to 3 days either before or after the test date. 

What can I bring into the examination room?

Only pencils, pencil sharpeners, mechanical pencils and erasers. You must also bring the passport/national identity card (TC Kimlik) you used on the IELTS Application Form to the test. 

You must leave everything else outside the examination room. Mobile phones and other electronics must be switched off and placed with personal belongings in the area designated by the supervisor. 

If you do not switch off your electronic devices or keep them on you, you will be disqualified from the exam. All watches are also banned from the test rooms for all test components.

Which part do I take first?

You will complete the Listening test first, followed by the Reading and Writing components of the test. 

Depending on the test centre, the Speaking test may be taken on the same day or up to 3 days before or after the test date.

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 tests. 

Is there an additional period of time given in the Reading test to transfer answers?

No. The Reading test is one hour, and you must write all your answers on the answer sheet in this time. 

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

No. You must complete these sections using a pencil.

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

Yes. The IELTS Examiner will not see your question paper since the evaluation is based on your result papers.

What is the Speaking Test?

The Speaking test is a conversation with a certified IELTS Examiner. The Speaking test is made up of three sections and it takes between 11 - 14 minutes. It is recorded digitally. To learn more about the test format, please visit this website. 

If you wish to practice for the Speaking test, you can use this page. 

What is Test Day Photography?

Security at IELTS tests is important to us. Certain test locations have introduced a new procedure for enhancing IELTS test security that involves taking and authenticating photographs of test takers on the test day. Under this new procedure, IELTS administration staff will take an individual, passport style photograph of all candidates present on the test day. 

IELTS Test day photography is an important global initiative which requires all candidates’ cooperation and participation. If you have any questions, or this causes inconvenience on the test day, please notify our staff immediately. Refusal to follow our security procedures may result in candidates not being allowed to sit the test, and not being eligible for transfer of test date, and/or cancellation refund of any kind. 

Do I still need to submit another photo given that my photo is already taken on the test day?

No, you are not required to submit photograph(s) on your test application or on the test day. 

What do I need for the Speaking Test?

You must bring the same identification documents you supplied on your IELTS Application Form and used for the rest of the test. Your ID will be checked before you enter the interview room.

Where can I find more information about IELTS test registration? 

IELTS Test registration can be found on our website. You can register for a convenient date by visiting our online registration page.

You will receive an email with all the details within five to seven days before the day of your test. If you have not received any notification regarding your test 3 days prior to your test, please contact us. If you have not received any notification regarding your test 3 days prior to your test, please contact us at 0212 355 5657.

Which documents are required for application?

Your National Turkish ID or passport. Please note that only valid ID (with a recent photo) or passport (must not be expired) are accepted. For your IELTS test application, you must accurately record this information in our system during the other registration, with sufficient TC identity document (very old poster of the photo) or passport (provided that it has not passed the validity period). If you are going to take the IELTS UKVI or IELTS Life Skills test, you must upload your Turkish national identity document or passport during the application.

Our candidates who do not hold Turkish citizenship must attend the test with their passport (must not be expired). Resident and work permits are not a valid form of identification.

How can I register a minor?

First, after selecting the appropriate test date from our registration page, you must register to the registration portal as the parent or guardian of the minor and save your personal information in our system. At this stage, you are asked to save your basic information such as email, a password you need to log into your IELTS account, name, surname, date of birth, contact information, address, and also you are asked to specify who you reserved this test for, you should choose “my child” option. 

Then, on the next page, you will be asked to save the personal information of the minor candidate. After this step, you need to save the underage candidate's information, check “Yes; I give my permission” option and complete the registration.

How long does it take to get the test confirmation e-mail?

After registering you will receive an automatic IELTS application summary e-mail including your test reference number. In the following few days or a few days prior to your test date, a confirmation e-mail will be sent.

If you register for the IELTS Life Skills test, you can access the venue and time details of both your written and oral exams through this link by entering the ID number that you have used in your application.

For more information please contact Customer Services. 

How can I make the payment for my test?

You can make the payment with a credit or debit card when you complete your online registration OR you can pay via bank transfer after you complete the registration. If you will complete the payment via a bank transfer, please include the information below in the explanatory part of the payment. 

 

• Name and surname of the candidate
• Exam date
• Reference number that is shared with you on the registration portal

You can make the payment for your test to the account below.

İş Bankası

Galatasaray-Beyoğlu Branch

Branch Code: 1011

Account No: 1830108

Receiver: BRITISH COUNCIL EĞTHİZ.LTD.ŞTİ 

Swift Code: ISBKTRISXXX

IBAN Code: TR29 0006 4000 0011 0111 8301 08

After completing the test registration, you will receive a registration summary e-mail stating your test start time and test venue. 

Can I pay from abroad?

You can make your test payment from abroad. May we remind you that there may be extra charges when transferring money to Turkey. Please ask your bank before making the transfer.

Can someone else pay for my test?

Yes. However, the person who makes the payment must include the following information in the explanatory part of the payment.

• Name and surname of the candidate
• Exam date
• Reference number that is shared with you on the registration portal

I have paid for my test but did not receive any confirmation. What can I do? 

It may take 1 business day for your payment to reach us. If you still have not received a payment confirmation 3 days after making your payment, please contact us.

Why was I charged differently from my credit card payment? 

As IELTS is an international test, it is also subject to international payment conditions. Some banks may reflect small exchange differences that may occur in spending at times, especially when the currency fluctuation is high, to their customers' spending. If you encounter such a situation, we suggest you contact your bank about this. 

I have paid the test fee. How can I see the date, time and location of my test? 

All the details regarding your test date, time and location will be sent to your e-mail address after you complete the registration. You may also find your test details on your test taker portal. 

What should I do if I want to cancel my test or change the date?

If you postpone or cancel your application more than 5 weeks before the test date, you will receive a full refund. 

If you postpone or cancel your exam within 5 weeks of the test date due to a medical reason, you will receive a refund minus 25% of the test fee. In this case, you must provide a valid proof.

What if I am sick on the test date or cannot come?

If you are absent on the test day with no prior notice, you will lose your full fee. 

However, if you provide a medical certificate within 3 days after the test date, you will receive a refund minus 25% of the test fee. Alternatively, you can pay the stated amount and postpone your test date.

For more information, please contact Customer Services.

Can I change my speaking test date?

Candidates can choose their Speaking test date for IELTS test; however, test centres have the right to change the dates for the Speaking test. You can contact us to change your speaking test date. We are able to help you upon availability. 

The IELTS Life Skills speaking test time is assigned by the test centre. If you have any serious health problem with a medical certificate, or you coming from a different country to take this test, you can let us know before the speaking test dates are assigned.

What if I am running late or could not take one part of my test due to circumstances beyond my control?

You should contact the British Council as soon as possible. The test centre may offer you options.

Can I attend the test with documents such as Driver’s Licence, Residence Permit, Work Permit or Student Card? 

No. The above forms of identification cannot be used to attend the test.

You can only attend your IELTS test with the document that you stated on your test registration (Turkish National ID or passport). 

If I do not have a Turkish National Identity Card, which document is accepted for the test? 

If you do not have a Turkish National ID Card, you can only register IELTS with your valid passport. Please note that expired passports cannot be accepted. 

How long does any IELTS score last? 

Test Report Forms are valid for 2 years. You can attend IELTS as many times as you like. You can use any result that you wish.

Who sets the pass mark for the IELTS test? 

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. Therefore, we strongly suggest you contact the institution you want to apply for.

How can I send my test results to institutions?

You can request an additional Test Report Form anytime during the 2 years of validity. Additional Test Report Forms cannot be sent to candidates. They can only be sent to your institution or embassy. 

Up to ten electronic copies can be sent free of charge only if the institution is registered on the IELTS electronic system. Sending a hard copy of the Test Report Form will include a courier charge; fees vary according to the location that you want to send scores to. Please contact us to request an additional Test Report Form via ielts@britishcouncil.org.tr.

The additional Test Report Forms of the candidates who have not provided their exam details fully cannot be sent. Exam details to be included are; date of exams and city where exam was taken, your ID number used to take the test. 

When will I receive my test results?

If you have taken IELTS on paper, you will be able to preview your results on your test taker portal after 13 calendar days from the test date.

If you have taken IELTS on computer, you will be able to preview your results on your Test Taker Portal after five to seven calendar days from the test date.

Your Test Report Form will be posted to the address that you provide in your registration after your results are released. We recommend you keep your Test Report Form in a secure place.

What if I lose my Test Report Form?

IELTS Test Report Forms are valid for two years. You can contact us to get a new copy if you have lost it. 

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. You can reach detailed information regarding the IELTS test format and scoring from our website.

What if I feel my test result is wrong?

Note that IELTS Examiners and markers follow strict assessment guidelines and are regularly monitored. The IELTS testing process has the highest quality control procedures. 

You can apply for an ‘Enquiry on Results’ (EOR) 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. Please send us an email to find out more about enquiries on results. 

How can I pay for the Enquiry on Results (EOR)?

You can only make the payment for Enquiry on Results (EOR) via bank transfer. Please include the information below in the explanatory part of your payment: 

• Name and surname of the candidate
• Exam date
• Reference number that is shared with you on the registration portal