IELTS FAQs

1.What does the test consist of ?

The test consists of four modules: Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking. All candidates take the same Listening and Speaking Modules. There is a choice of Reading and Writing Modules (ACADEMIC & GENERAL TRAINING). The test is currently available in PEN AND PAPER FORMAT..

2. How many parts does IELTS have ?

IELTS has four parts: LISTENING, READING, WRITING and SPEAKING . .

3. Which Reading & Writing modules should I do? What is the GT module for?

You must select either the ACADEMIC or GENERAL TRAINING depending on the stated requirements of the institution(s) you have applied to. The ACADEMIC Reading & Writing modules assess whether your English is of a suitable level to enable you to study or train in the medium of English at an undergraduate or postgraduate university level or for professional registration. If you want to take a work – related training course, complete your secondary education or work in an English speaking country or apply for immigration, you should choose the GENERAL TRAINING modules. If you are unsure, please check with the prospective receiving institutions/sponsors.

4.How much time does it take to sit the IELTS ?

The IELTS test is usually delivered over one whole day. You start at 09:00 am with the Listening test (approximately 40 minutes), then you continue with the Reading Test (60 minutes) and then with the Writing Test (60 minutes). On the same day between 12:30 and 18:00 you do the Speaking (approximately 20 minutes). However, it is at the discretion of the test centre to organise the Speaking Module examination in the period seven days before or after the other three modules.

5.Is Speaking exam conducted on the same day?

The Speaking test takes place usually at the same day after the written examinations. However, it is at the discretion of the test centre to organise the Speaking Module examination in the period seven days before or after the other three modules.

6. Duration of the test

Listening: 30 mins & 10 mins to transfer answers / Reading: 1 hour (no additional transfer time) / Writing: 1 hour / Speaking: approximately 20 mins

7. Can you explain what the IELTS Band Scores mean?

All candidates who complete the test receive a report on their English language ability, which places them on a 9 – band scale. (Band: 9 – Expert User, 8 – Very Good User, 7 – Good User, 6 – Competent User, 5 – Modest User, 4 – Limited User, 3 – Extremely Limited User, 2 – Intermittent User, 1 – Non User, 0 – Did not attempt the Test).

8. How soon can I repeat the test?

There is no restriction as to when to repeat the test.

9. How often do you run IELTS exams?

British Council Cyprus holds IELTS exams two to four times a month. Check the IELTS test dates for more information. Flexible application deadline depending on availability.

10.When can I take the IELTS test?

Information about test dates can be found both on this site and www.britishcouncil.org/cyprus.

11.Where can I take the IELTS test?

At the moment there are two centres in Nicosia only however according to demand sessions are organised in other towns also.In addition IELTS sessions can be organised at supplier schools upon request given that they meet standards in terms of venue and minimum number of candidates.

12. How can I register?

1) Complete the application form, selecting one of the test dates available. Remember to attach 2 recent passport photographs and a copy of your passport/ID. 2) Pay the fee by bank transfer, bank/personal cheque, cash at our office 3) Finally submit the application form and payment/payment evidence through courier or in person. Note: It is important you complete and sign the form yourself. Please note that soon we will be launching IELTS Online Registration.

13. How much does it cost?

The IELTS test costs €165. If you are registering for a session in April 2010, please check in advance what the new fee is.

14.Is there an age limit for IELTS?

IELTS is not recommended for candidates under the age of 16. Otherwise there are no restrictions.

15. I have not received my timetable - When are you going to send it?

Your timetable will be sent by email approximately a week before the test date.

16. Payment procedure for Cyprus

Payment for the IELTS examination can be made at any branch of the Bank of Cyprus, utility code 3836. You need to attach the bank slip to your application form and send it to our office. We also accept cheques or cash at our office.

17. I sent in my application but forgot to include my bank transfer slip / photo - what can I do?

These need to be submitted ASAP in order for the application to be valid.

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

You are entitled to an 75% Refund only if you lodge a Request for Refund form and attach the appropirate evidence (medical certificate from a qualified practitioner, death notice or certificate, police report or a verification from the army) whithin 5 days of the test day.

19. Can I change my examination date for personal reasons?

Depending on the nature of the personal reasons, please note that a charge might apply.

20. Is there a charge for Transfers?

Please contact us for more information.

21.Can one ask for refund?

Yes on medical grounds.

22.Statement of entry (wrong name)

Please make a copy with the appropriate corrections and fax it to 22585129

23. How quickly do I receive my results?

IELTS results are issued 13 days after the day of the examination

24. Can I request my results to be issued earlier?

IIn accordance with regulations results cannot be issued earlier.

25.For how long is the test score valid?

The IELTS test partners recommend that Receiving Organisations do not accept a Test Report Form that is more than 2 years old. A Receiving Organisation may choose to accept an older Test Report Form if a candidate can provide evidence that they have actively maintained or tried to improve their English language proficiency since doing the test. However, this is the decision made at the discretion of the Receiving Organisation, not the IELTS test partners. The IELTS partners cannot provide any letters or references endorsing a candidate’s level of English.

26. What happens if I lose my Test Report Form or I need further copies?

Up to 5 copies are sent free of charge to receiving organisations. Additional original copies can only be sent to receiving organisations and only by ordinary mail. A small administrative fee may be apply. Please contact our office for more information.

27. Can I have my results reassessed?

If you are unhappy with your results, you may apply for a re-mark (Enquiry on Results). This must be done within 6 weeks of the test date. You can choose which modules you would like to have remarked. There is a fee for this service which will be refunded should the score on any module be increased. Enquiry on Results can take up to 7 weeks to be completed.

28. Can you give me results on the phone because I do not have access to the internet?

Information about examination timetables can be obtained directly from the websites of the respective examination boards. Local details about venues and start times are provided together with the statements of entry.

29. Are the results available on Internet?

Yes, on the 13th day after the exam date,after 12:00 midday. Please visit http://ielts-results.britishcouncil.org.

30. Are there any preparation material available at the British Council?

You may purchase the following from British Council Cyprus: the "Official IELTS Practice Materials" book which costs €26.00 and "How To Prepare for IELTS" for €35.00.

31. How should I prepare for the test?

Please ask for the list of teachers who can help you with your preparation.

32. Are there any Seminars /Courses available?

Every month there is an IELTS candidates' workshop organised by the Customer Services team. Please contact them for more information.

33.Are there any teachers resources or support for IELTS preparation?

Please visit www.ielts.org for teachers resources and support.

34. What about candidates with special requirements?

We make every effort to cater for special arrangements. Requests should be addressed to our centre at least 2 months in advance of the test session and should be supported by an appropriate original medical certificate issued by a public hospital within the last two years. A verified translation of the medical certificate is also needed. For more information please contact the IELTS Administrator.

35. Overseas candidates

We accept registrations from overseas candidates. Please send an e-mail to -

exams.enquiries@cy.britishcouncil.org in order to receive the relevant guidelines for registering.

36. I lost my TRF. What can be done?

Replacement TRFs can be issed up to 2 years from the test date.