IELTS

International English Language Testing System

FAQ's

SECTION LINKS

Where can I take IELTS?

You can sit the  IELTS exam at the English Language Centre, UTAS, in either Launceston (North) or Hobart (South).  A full list of other IELTS test centres is available on www.ielts.org.

Should I take the General Training or Academic Module?

It is your responsibility to ensure you have selected the correct test module. If you are unsure, you should check with the organisation who has asked you to take the test to determine what their requirements are.

Please look at the IELTS website for an explanation of the differences between Academic and General Training modules.

When will I receive my results?

You will receive your results 13 working days after the test.  The results will be available for collection prior to 2pm otherwise they will be posted to the address given on your application form.  Test results are valid for two years. You will receive only one Test Report Form.

Can I request extra copies of my results?

Please complete Question 24 on the IELTS application form if you want us to send your results to another institution.  You can also contact the test centre up to one month after the exam to request results be sent to a University, other institution or Immigration without incurring a fee.  After one month, the cost is $10 per TRF.  

What happens if I am absent on the day of the test without giving prior notice?

If you provide a valid medical certificate within 5 days of the test, you may be eligible for a refund.  Please read the refund policy.

How often can I repeat the test?

There is no limit to the number of times you can take the test, however you are reminded that scores are unlikely to improve in a short period of time.

How long does the test take?

The Listening, Reading and Writing components of the test take approximately 3.5 hours.  The speaking will be held directly afterwards, unless advised otherwise.  The time of your speaking test will be advised on the day.  If you need a particular interview time, please contact the test centre at least three weeks prior to the test date.

What help is available for disabled candidates?

We will make every effort to cater for the special needs of disabled candidates. Candidates with special needs should inform the test centre six weeks before the exam so that appropriate arrangements can be made.  Documentary evidence must be supplied.

However, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to meet all your requirements. 

What can I bring into the exam room?

Only pens, pencils and erasers and a water bottle.  Mobile phones and pagers must be switched off and placed with personal belongings in a locked room. 

You also need to bring your passport you supplied when you registered for IELTS. If your passport is with the Department of Immigration, you must retrieve it in order to sit for the test, and send it back to them after the test is finished. We can accept a certified photocopy of the passport for mailed applications, but we must see the original document on test day.

Mobile phones, pencil cases and long coats will not be permitted into the exam or interview rooms.

What happens if I want to cancel or postpone my application?

Please read the refund policy to find out if you are eligible for a refund.

If you think you are eligible for a refund, please download a Request for Refund form and send this form to:

Launceston: Christine Brown, English Language Centre, UTAS, Locked Bag 1358, Launceston, 7250 or

Hobart: English Language Centre, UTAS, Hytten Hall, French Street, Sandy Bay, 7005.

You will be advised by e-mail if you are eligible for a refund.

How can I prepare for IELTS?

An IELTS specimen materials book can be purchased from the English Language Centre for $40  This is a full set of test papers that show you exactly what the test is like and includes both Academic and General Training test materials. The English Language Centre may also be able to provide other assistance with your preparation. Please ask at the Centre.

Many publishers also produce preparation materials for IELTS.  Please contact the University library or your local bookstore.    

Other useful sites to access:

What can I do if I am unhappy with my results?

You can apply for an Enquiry on Results.  Your results will be sent to a senior examiner at IELTS Australia for a remark. 

You must do this within six weeks of the test date.  There is a fee of $176 which is fully refunded if your score changes.  It may take up to 6 weeks for an Enquiry on Results to be returned. Please contact Christine Brown (Launceston) or Sonya Nourse (Hobart) for further information.

Test Day Complaints

If you wish to make a complaint, please download the Test Day Complaint Form for Candidates. Candidates should use this form to describe the nature of their complaint. If you are making a complaint about an incident on test day, this form must be submitted to the IELTS Administrator on the same day. No complaint will be processed after your results have been released by your test centre.

Information for Interstate Candidates

Candidates travelling from interstate, please visit our Getting Here website for information on flights to Tasmania. Taxi fares from Hobart & Launceston airports to the University campus cost approximately $40. On-campus accommodation may be available by contacting UTAS Accommodation Services or by visiting the Discover Tasmania website.

Where can I find out more?

Please contact us for further advice on IELTS exams at UTAS or visit www.ielts.org for other test venues.