The International English Language Testing System, or IELTS, is an international standardised test of English language proficiency for study, work, training, and migration purposes. IELTS has been developed by some of the world’s leading experts in language assessment, and is supported by an extensive programme of research, validation and test development.
There are two modules to choose from – Academic and General Training:
IELTS Academic is for test takers wishing to study at undergraduate or postgraduate levels, and for those seeking professional registration.
IELTS General Training is for test takers wishing to migrate to an English-speaking country (Australia, Canada, New Zealand, UK), and for those wishing to train or study at below degree level.
The IELTS test is trusted worldwide because your test is delivered according to the highest standards in security and quality. Security protocols that include identification verification of all test takers, and data encryption ensure the integrity of your test results. Similarly, you can trust in the quality and consistency of the test because all examiners are qualified highly trained and qualified. Examiners’ work is routinely monitored, and they undergo continuous training.
IELTS test uses a nine-band scale with increments of 0.5, to assess your English language proficiency in four key skills: listening, reading, writing, and speaking. Scores range from Band Score 1 (non-user) to Band Score 9 (expert).
The total test time is 2 hours and 45 minutes: Listening 30 minutes, Reading 60 minutes, Writing 60 minutes, and Speaking 11-14 minutes.
For more details on the test format, including the types of task and marking scheme, see here.
The IELTS test can be taken from the age of 16.
If you are younger than 18 years old on the day of the test, you will require permission from a parent or legal guardian in order to take the test. We must receive permission in order to capture your photograph and finger-scan on the day of the test. You will not be able to take the test unless we receive this permission. When you have made a booking, we will provide you with a consent form which you will have completed by your parent or legal guardian.
In order to ensure that the language ability of all test takers is assessed fairly and objectively, IELTS provides a comprehensive service for test takers who have special requirements, including specific learning difficulties, hearing difficulties and visual difficulties, medical conditions.
If you have a disability or special requirements we may be able to help you take your test.
If you require a modified version of IELTS, you must give the test centre three months’ notice. If your circumstances require special arrangements to be made, e.g. extra time, you must give the test centre six weeks’ notice.
Please do not hesitate to contact us to discuss your requirements. Please note that we may ask for medical evidence. CONTACT US
We offer the IELTS on computer between five and six days per week. See our dates here
You can register online. You will need to complete an online application form, upload a copy of your ID document and pay the €220 IELTS test fee. Click Here
From June 2026, globally, IELTS is no longer delivered on paper. IELTS on computer offers faster results, faster booking, more dates and enhancements like One Skill Retake. The IELTS on computer test requires test takers to sit the Listening, Reading and Writing sections in front of a computer with the questions presented on the screen in our IELTS test centre. The Speaking section is carried out face-to-face with a trained IELTS examiner.
You can choose from two types of IELTS tests: Academic or General Training, depending on whether you want to work, study or migrate. General Training is not offered on all IELTS test dates. The Academic test is for those who wish to study for an undergraduate or post-graduate degree course through English. The General Training test is for those who are planning to join a training or work experience programme in an English-speaking environment. It is also suitable for those wishing to emigrate to Australia, Canada and New Zealand. If you are not sure which test you should take or what score you require, you can search here for institution requirements. You should also check with the institution you are applying to.
You can take the examination as many times as you wish. However, to minimise the amount of times required to take the examination, we recommend either taking a preparation course or using official IELTS practice materials. Prepare
The IELTS 9-band scoring system is used to measure and report scores in a consistent manner. Examiners are trained in line with globally agreed standards to ensure consistency in the quality of their assessment.
To understand how your test is assessed, please see the British Council website – results
IELTS on computer test results are available to view online 2 to 5 calendar days after the test date. Please note that we are not permitted to give out test results over the phone, fax, text or by email.
You will receive an email notifying you that your results are available via the IELTS test taker portal. You can then log in, click on the test and download a copy of your results. This PDF certificate can then be shared as you wish as it is the official document showing your result.
IELTS tests are held in our purpose-built test centre in CES, 15/16 Dame Court, Dublin 2. A map is here. Prior to your test, you will receive an email with detailed instructions and maps on how to find our test venue.
Our Galway IELTS test venue is Atlantic Centre of Education, Fairgreen House, Fairgreen Road, Galway. A map is here.
You can only cancel a test up to two weeks before the date of the written exam. There is an administrative fee of €50 for cancellations. If you wish to cancel a test within two weeks of the exam date, you will lose the full test fee. For our full policy or to request a cancellation, please complete this form: Cancellation Form
You can transfer to a different test date up to two weeks before the test date you are registered for without charge. If your test is less than two weeks away, you cannot transfer the test date. For more information on our transfer policy or to request a transfer, please complete this form: Transfer Form
You must bring your ID document. This is most important as you will not be allowed to sit the test without it and will lose the full test fee. The ID must be the same document you provided to the centre during the registration.
No other documents or photocopies will be accepted. We accept only valid passports or valid EU National Identity cards. We do not accept any other form of ID. You can also bring pencils, erasers, pencil sharpeners, water in a transparent bottle and tissues. Mobile phones, watches or electronic equipment are not allowed in the test room.
Candidates who arrive late for test registration will not be allowed to take their test and will lose the full test fee.
If you cannot attend a test because of a medical emergency, you must provide an authorised medical certificate within five days of the missed test. The certificate must be in English and must clearly state the reason for the absence. You can email a scanned copy to [email protected]
When making the application, you can request to have copies of your test results sent to up to five institutions (universities, government agencies or employers).
It is possible to appeal against IELTS results you have been given. This is called an Enquiry on Results (EOR). You can request an EOR via your test taker portal. Log in to your account, find your test date and follow the steps to request an EOR. The fee for an EOR is €130 whether you choose to have one part or all parts rechecked. Once we receive the EOR application, we will issue a payment link for the EOR fee. After this, your test materials will be sent to the British Council for remarking. The results of your EOR will be available within 2- 21 days. If your score improves, you receive a refund of the EOR fee. If your score does not improve, you do not receive a refund and your original result stands. If you have any questions, please contact us at [email protected]
If you want to make a complaint regarding the conduct of your test, you must do so before you leave the test venue on the test day. Please speak to the Exams Manager about your complaint.
If you have a complaint that does not relate to the conduct of the test please contact the exams office .
For information about the British Council Global complaint procedure please see the British Council website.
If you are an asylum seeker / refugee without an identity card or passport and you want to take an IELTS test, please contact our office and we will assist with registration.
+353-1-6799506