IELTS Test Day: What to Expect, What to Bring and How to Prepare

Taking your IELTS test at Australian Institute of Language (AIL)? Here's everything you need to know about your test day, from arriving at the centre and checking in to completing your test and receiving your results.

The Day Before Your Test

A little preparation can make your test day much smoother.

• Check your test details. Confirm your test venue, arrival time and scheduled Speaking test time.
• Prepare your identification. Bring the same valid identification document you used when booking your test, usually your passport.
• Plan your journey. Allow enough travel time and aim to arrive at least 30 minutes before your scheduled test time, or as instructed in your booking confirmation.
• Check your notifications. Keep an eye on your email and SMS messages for any important updates from the test centre.
• Get a good night's sleep. Being well-rested will help you stay focused throughout the test.

Arriving at the Test Centre

When you arrive at the test centre, you will need to store your personal belongings in the lockers provided before completing the check-in process.

Please make sure you:

• Switch off your mobile phone completely and place it in a locker.
• Remove and store all watches, including ordinary watches, digital watches and smartwatches.
• Store your bags, wallets, keys, electronic devices, study notes and personal stationery.
• Do not bring pens, pencils, erasers or other personal stationery into the test room.
• Do not wear smart glasses. If you normally wear glasses, make sure you bring ordinary glasses instead.

Important: Smart glasses are not permitted in the test room, even if they are switched off or have no battery. Candidates who require glasses should wear ordinary, non-smart glasses.

What Can You Bring into the Test Room?

You may bring:

• Your valid passport or pre-approved alternative ID.
• Water in a transparent bottle, with any label removed.

The test centre will provide any note-making materials required for your test, such as paper and pens or a tablet, depending on the test arrangements.

You do not need to bring your own stationery.

Use the Toilet Before Check-in

We strongly recommend using the toilet before completing your check-in.

Once you have checked in, you will generally need to wait until the Reading section before you can request a toilet break.

Please be aware that:

• Toilet breaks are not permitted during the Listening test.
• During the Reading and Writing sections, you may request a toilet break; however, you cannot go to the bathroom in the last 10 minutes of each test.
• You must raise your hand and wait for an invigilator's instructions before leaving your seat.
• Your test timer will continue running while you are away. No additional time will be provided.

Planning ahead will help you avoid unnecessary interruptions during your test.

Check-in and Identity Verification

Before entering the test room, our staff will verify your identification and complete the required check-in procedures.

These may include checking your identification details, taking your photograph and completing other required identity and security checks.

Please follow all instructions provided by test centre staff.

Once check-in is complete, you must remain in the designated waiting area and follow staff instructions until your test begins.

The Order of Your IELTS Test

IELTS on Computer consists of three sections completed in the following order:

1. Listening – approximately 30 minutes

You will listen to recordings and answer questions using the computer. Headphones will be provided, and you will have an opportunity to check the audio before the test begins.

Toilet breaks are not permitted during this section.

2. Reading – 60 minutes

You will read passages and answer questions on the computer.

If you need to use the toilet, raise your hand and wait for an invigilator to assist you. Your test time will not be paused.

3. Writing – 60 minutes

You will complete two writing tasks using the computer.

If you experience any technical difficulties, raise your hand immediately and notify an invigilator.

There are no scheduled breaks between the Listening, Reading and Writing sections.

Your Speaking Test

Your Speaking test and Listening, Reading and Writing tests are normally completed on the same day.

If your Listening, Reading and Writing test is scheduled in the morning, your Speaking test will usually take place in the afternoon, and vice versa.

When booking your IELTS test, you can select your preferred Speaking test time from the available time slots.

Important: Your Speaking Time May Change

Although the test centre aims to follow the scheduled Speaking test times, they may need to make adjustments due to operational or scheduling requirements.

Your Speaking test time may be changed before your test day or, in some circumstances, even on the day of your test.

Please check your email and SMS notifications regularly and allow some flexibility in your schedule.

The Speaking test takes approximately 11–14 minutes and consists of three parts. You will need to present your identification again before the test.

Practical Tips for Test Day

• Eat before your test. The Listening, Reading and Writing sections take approximately three hours, with no scheduled breaks.
• Use the toilet before check-in. This is especially important because toilet breaks are not permitted during Listening.
• Dress comfortably. Test rooms are air-conditioned, so you may wish to prepare the right layers.
• Keep your phone switched off. Do not simply put it on silent mode.
• Leave all watches in your locker. This includes ordinary watches as well as smartwatches.
• Report problems immediately. If your headphones, computer or other testing equipment are not working properly, raise your hand and inform an invigilator straight away.
• Follow invigilator instructions. This helps ensure a fair, secure and smooth testing experience for everyone.

Is IELTS Still Available on Paper?

IELTS on Computer is now the standard test delivery format around the world.

IELTS on Paper is no longer available for general bookings in Australia.

However, paper-based testing may still be available under approved special arrangements for candidates with specific accessibility needs, such as certain visual or hearing impairments.

If you require special arrangements, please contact the test centre before booking so they can advise you on the available options and application requirements.

After Your Test

IELTS on Computer results are usually available within 5 days after your test.

You will be notified when your results are available.

If you did not achieve your required score in one skill, you may be eligible for IELTS One Skill Retake, allowing you to retake one of the four skills without repeating the entire test.

Eligibility requirements and booking deadlines apply.

Sitting Your IELTS Test at AIL

Australian Institute of Language (AIL) is an official IELTS test centre with two convenient locations in Melbourne:

• Melbourne CBD
• Box Hill

We offer IELTS on Computer for both Academic and General Training candidates, with dedicated test facilities and trained staff to support you throughout your test day.

Please read your booking confirmation carefully and follow any additional instructions provided by our test centre.