IELTS is the world’s most popular English Language test for higher education and migration. Depending on your need, IELTS is to be taken in either General and Academic module. General module is used for migration purpose.
There are numerous articles available online on the test structure and how to prepare for the test and all. In this blog, I am focusing on how to register for the exam and what to expect on the exam day, from a Singapore perspective.
First of all, once you have decided to write IELTS, you have to visit the British council or IDP website to register for the exam. Decide on the module you are taking and follow the link to register for exam, based on availability of dates. I am focusing on British Council procedure in this blog.
Once you are inside the website to register, you will have to enter your details and then register for the exam. Since places are assigned on first-come, first-served basis, if you plan early, you can have all the tests on a single day itself. Otherwise, Listening, Reading and Writing exams will be conducted on the same day and Speaking exam will be on another day.
Current exam fee in Singapore is S$ 365 and you can pay by credit card.
After you register, you will get a login where you can view all the details of your exam and view test results also. You will also get an access to free online training, though it is a limited version.
On the day of exam, wake up early and reach the center early. Registration starts at 8.00 am. Exam time will be from 9.00 am to 12.30 pm. Those who reach the venue after 8.50 am, will not be admitted into the exam room and there will not be any refund or transfer. So reach well in advance. There will be queues, where you will have to wait for your turn to get the registration done. The registration counter staff will ask for your ID copy first. You should use the same ID Copy that you had used at the time of online registration.
Once verified, they will issue a student number for you as well as your room number.
After that, you will have to go to the storage area to hand over your belongings for safekeeping. It will be a common storage area and they will issue a token for the items you are leaving there. Keep your ID card with you safe, as it will be verified at several places. You are allowed to carry to the exam hall only water in a see-through bottle.
After that, proceed to your allotted room and wait for your turn to have your right index finger scanned and to take your photo. This can take some time. Before that, make sure you visit the rest room and make yourself comfortable.
Once photo is taken, you can proceed to the allotted room and you will be told which is your seat number. Go to your seat and wait for the exam to start.
Once the exam is over, wait in queue to collect your belongings from the storage area and proceed to the Speaking test venue or if the Speaking test is at a different date, go back home.
At the Speaking Test venue, which is normally the British Council Napier Road Centre, you need to reach some time before your allotted time slot. Hand over the identification documents for the staff to verify. Your finger scan will be done here also. You will have to leave your valuables outside for safekeeping. Wait for the staff to call you to proceed to the Speaking test. Once done, take your belongings and exit.
Wait for the results to come in 13 days after taking the test. All the best…
itsthrill 