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Sitting a test

Find everything you need to know about sitting your IELTS test. Learn how to prepare before your test, what to expect on the day, how to access your results and what to do if you need to take the test again.

Before your test

There are a few things you should do to prepare for your IELTS test.

Practice for your test

Use free IELTS preparation materials, including practice tests, videos, books and apps. You should practise even if you are a proficient user of English.

Check the test time

Note the start time of your test, which will be emailed to you at least 5 working days prior. Clear your diary for the day to ensure you have no other plans.

Plan your journey

The address for the University of Liverpool IELTS test centre is:

South Campus Teaching Hub
Chatham Street
Liverpool
L7 7BA.

Find out how to get to us using public transport. If you are driving to the test centre, explore car parking in the area.

On the test day

Find out what you will need on the test day and what to expect during your test.

What to bring

  • The original ID you applied with; copies are not accepted. If you fail to show the correct ID, you will not be able to take the test or get a refund. If the ID document you applied with is not in your possession, please email ielts@liverpool.ac.uk as soon as possible, and at least 24 hours before test day.
  • A bottle of water with the label removed.

What we will provide

Pencils for making rough notes during the test. Please remember that all your answers must be input on the computer.

Items we do not allow

  • Coats
  • Jackets
  • Bags
  • Mobile phones
  • Watches
  • Electronic devices.

If you bring any of these items, leave them in the cloakroom before your test. The cloakroom will be locked during the test.

However, we advise that you don't bring valuable items with you. We do not accept responsibility for valuable items lost or stolen while on the premises.

During your test

If you can't hear the audio during your listening test, or if you need to visit the bathroom at any time, raise your hand to inform an invigilator.

Making a complaint

  • If you wish to make a complaint regarding your test day, you must speak to a supervisor before you leave the test venue and ask for a complaint form
  • If your complaint is not resolved on the test day, email ielts@liverpool.ac.uk
  • IELTS will not accept complaints after the test day. See the British Council global complaints procedure.

After the test

Find out how to get your test results, understand your test scores and access your Test Report Form (TRF), and book another test if you need to.

Get your results

Results are typically available 1 to 2 days after the test date on the Test Taker portal under the results tab.

We do not share results by telephone or by email.

Understand your score

There is no pass or fail with IELTS. You will receive a score ranging from 1 to 9 for each element of the test:

  • Listening
  • Reading
  • Writing
  • Speaking.

Your overall band score is the average achieved from each element. Find out more about understanding your IELTS test score. There will also be a full breakdown of the scoring system on the reverse of your Test Report Form (TRF).

Download your Test Report Form (TRF)

A Test Report Form (TRF) is an official certificate detailing your IELTS results. An eTRF is a digital version of this certificate.

You can download an eTRF from your account on the Test Taker portal.

TRFs are valid for 2 years. After this period, a new test needs to be taken to show your current English language level.

Request additional eTRFs

Additional copies of your eTRF can be sent directly to you, academic institutions, government agencies, professional bodies and employers. You can nominate organisations to receive a copy of your eTRF on the Test Taker portal. There is no additional cost to send an eTRF.

Request a paper TRF

Complete and return an Application for the Issue of Additional TRFs (31.7KB, DOCX) form to ielts@liverpool.ac.uk.

The first 5 paper copies are issued free of charge. After this, each subsequent copy costs £35.

You must pay secure courier costs for a paper copy to be sent to the address included in your application:

  • UK courier: £18.00
  • EU courier: £20.00
  • Worldwide courier: £30.00.

What to do if you are unhappy with your results

If you are unhappy with your IELTS test score and wish to appeal, you can apply for one or more sections of the test to be re-marked. This is known as Enquiry on Results (EOR). You must typically apply for this service within 6 weeks of your test date.

Apply for an EOR

To apply for an EOR, you need to take the following steps:

  1. Log in to the Test Taker portal and select the 'Exam result' tab, then the 'Request Enquiry on results' tab
  2. Select the skills you wish to be remarked. If the deadline for applying for an EOR has passed, contact us at ielts@liverpool.ac.uk. We may ask you to upload supporting documentation
  3. Once you are happy with your selection, proceed to the payment option.

If requesting or paying outside of office hours, no action will be taken until the next day of opening. Our office hours are Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm. Once the payment is received, your chosen skills will be remarked by a senior examiner.

The outcome of your EOR

The outcome of your EOR could be available within 1 to 21 days of your application. Contact us at ielts@liverpool.ac.uk if you have not received a response after 21 days.

Refunds for your EOR

You will receive a full refund of the EOR fee if the score on any section increases. There is no refund if your scores do not change.

Book another test

You may repeat the IELTS test whenever you choose, if spaces are available, using the same account you used to register. You will need to pay a fee each time you take the test. Visit the Test Taker portal to register for a repeat test or to book a One Skill Retake.