The IELTS test
What does IELTS stand for?
IELTS stands for International English Language Testing System
Where can I take the IELTS test?
You can take IELTS in over 900 locations worldwide. To find your nearest IELTS test centre, visit the official IELTS website - http://www.ielts.org
When can I take the IELTS test?
You can take the IELTS test at any time throughout the year. Your nearest test centre can give you the exact dates of when the test will be held in the venue of your choice.
How can I prepare for IELTS online?
We recommend you prepare with iPassIELTS.com - we offer 3 types of IELTS preparation courses for Academic IELTS and General Training test preparation. We also offer specific courses for IELTS writing and IELTS speaking practice. All of our courses combine self-access lessons and exam practice material with professional 1-2-1 tuition. All iPass tutors are native English teachers with many years experience of preparing students for Cambridge exams.
Should I take the Academic IELTS test or the General Training IELTS test?
It depends on what you need IELTS for? Academic IELTS is usually required for higher education purposes (university applications) and General Training is usually required for immigration purposes (visa applications) but you should check with the relevant authorities to see which one you need. The iPassIELTS Pinterest page has some useful information websites to help you.
What level of English do I need to take the IELTS test?
In theory, anyone can take IELTS but we recommend that you have a minimum B1 level of English before you register for one of our preparation courses. If you’re not sure of your level you can take our free online level test to find out.
How do I pass IELTS?
There is no pass or fail in IELTS. Results are given as band scores on a scale from 1 (the lowest) to 9 (the highest). You receive a band score for each module of the test (reading; writing; speaking; listening) and an overall band score. Before you take the test, it is important to check with the relevant authorities which band score you need.
How do the IELTS band scores correspond with the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR)?
B1 = IELTS 4 - 4.5 - 5 / B2 = IELTS 5.5 - 6 - 6.5 / C1 = IELTS 7 - 7-5 - 8 / C2 = IELTS 9
When do I get my results?
You should receive your results 13 calendar days after taking the test. You will receive your IELTS certificate (Test Report Form) by registered post but you can also access your results online.
What can I do if I’m unhappy with my results?
You can apply for an “Enquiry on Results” procedure at the centre where you took the test. You must do this within 4 weeks of the results being issued. There is a standard fee for this which will be refunded in full if your score is upgraded to a higher band.
How soon can I repeat the test?
You can repeat the test as soon as you like. However, you won’t improve your band score simply by repeating the test several times and it will prove very costly. That’s why we recommend that you study with iPassIELTS to prepare for the test with proper guidance and support. We have helped hundreds of IELTS test-takers all over the world to improve their band score. You can read about their IELTS success here
iPassIELTS tutored courses
Do the courses include personal tuition with an experienced IELTS trainer?
Yes! You will receive personal feedback from your online tutor in the speaking and writing modules.
How does the personal tuition work online?
The speaking practice tests are conducted on Skype (30-45 minute sessions) and the writing task assessments are sent by email and include written and oral feedback.
Do I need to buy any books?
No. All of the materials are delivered online via the website - all you need is a good internet connection and a Skype account
What happens if I can’t use Skype in my country?
If Skype is unavailable to you, there are other programmes we can use such as Viber, Google Hangout and Facetime, but we do not conduct practice interviews by phone.
Can I work through the course at my own pace?
Yes. You have the flexibility to choose your own study schedule so that it fits in with your other commitments. Each course requires approximately 50 hours of study to complete all the exercises and practice tasks available.
What if I need extra help with my speaking and writing after completing the course?
You can opt for an IELTS top-up plan which gives you additional IELTS speaking or writing assessments. Or you can choose one of our separate IELTS writing or IELTS speaking courses.
Does the course have separate lessons and practice tests for Academic IELTS and General Training?
Yes. There are separate reading and writing lessons and practice tests for both types of IELTS test.
Do all the practice tests include detailed answer keys?
Yes. All of the reading and listening tests have complete answer keys with detailed explanations.
What are the IELTS toolbox exercises?
They are a series of supplementary exercises designed to improve your grammar, vocabulary and IELTS test skills.
Can I demand a full course refund if I don’t improve my IELTS band score in at least one of the four modules?
Yes. But only if you complete ALL the components of the course and provide evidence of both IELTS test results, which must be taken within 12 months of each other.
Paying for a course
How can I pay for my course?
Payment can be made using a Paypal account, credit card, bank transfer or money transfer (Western Union or Moneygram).
Which credit cards do you accept?
Using Paypal we accept Visa, Mastercard, American Express and Discover.
Do you use a secure payment system?
Yes. iPassielts.com uses PayPal, an international credit card payment system, used and proved to be secure world wide.
How do I make a direct bank transfer?
Please send an email to .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) and we will email you our bank details.
How do I send a money transfer?
. You can send a money transfer using either Western Union or Moneygram. Please send an email to .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) and we will send you the necessary details.
Web user questions
What happens if I can’t log-in?
Send us an .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) and explain your problem.
What internet connection speed do I need?
iPassielts.com is a substantially light application, so you can easily browse it even with a minimum 33.6Kbps Modem connection.
What screen resolution do I need?
iPassielts.com is optimized for 1024×768 or higher resolution.
Do I need any additional software?
In order to view the interactive exercises you will need Adobe Flash to be installed in your browser. Most modern browsers now come with Flash pre-installed but if the site detects this is not the case in your particular instance you will be presented with a link instead of the Flash content. Simply click the link and you will be taken to the Adobe Flash site where the latest version will be made available for immediate download.
