IELTS, International English Language Testing System
Information for IELTS Candidates:
IELTS®, the International English Language Testing System, is designed to measure the language ability of candidates who want to study or work in areas where English is the language of communication. IELTS is jointly managed by University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations (Cambridge ESOL), British Council, and IDP:IELTS Australia. IELTS conforms to the highest international standards of language assessment.
IELTS uses a unique nine-point scoring system to measure and report test scores in a consistent manner. Candidates receive scores for each language skill (listening, reading, writing, and speaking) and an Overall Band Score on a Band Scale from 1 to 9.
IELTS is recognized by universities and employers in many countries, including Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the UK, and the USA. It is also recognized by professional organizations, immigration authorities and other government agencies.
Links to sections below :
TEST DATES
Test dates and locations are subject to change. Listening, Reading, and Writing tests are administered in the morning, followed by Speaking interviews in the afternoon. When you check-in on the morning of the test, you will receive your interview time. Interview times cannot be scheduled in advance.
| 2009-2010 Dates | Type Offered |
| February 6, 2010 | Adademic only |
| March 6, 2010 | Academic and General |
| April 10, 2010 | Academic and General |
| May 15, 2010 | Academic only |
| June 17, 2010 | Academic only |
Additional dates will be released periodically. Please check back frequently.
IELTS® Online Application Process
- Visit the IELTS online registration site by clicking HERE.
- Enter test details to check for available dates and locations.
- Submit an online application.
- Submit the following items to the University of Washington Testing Center:
- 2 identical passport sized PHOTOS taken within the last 6 months. You MUST NOT wear eyeglasses in your photos. Write your name clearly on the back of both photos.
- A photocopy of your PASSPORT, valid at registration AND on the test day. A photocopy is required of the page(s) showing your name, photo, date of birth, signature, and expiry date (including any extension stamps).
- PAYMENT. Submit a money order or cashier's check made payable to the University of Washington for $185. We do NOT accept personal checks or credit cards.
- A copy of your application acknowledgement email.
All documents must be received by the Testing Center within 5 business days of submitting your online application.
You will receive an email when you registration is confirmed. Please check your email regularly. If an email address is not provided, confirmation will be made by postal mail.
You can also print a paper application and submit your completed application packet to the University of Washington Testing Center.
All application materials should be submitted to the following address:
UW Testing Center
440 Schmitz Hall (Box 355837)
1400 NE Campus Pkwy.
Seattle, WA 98195
APPLICATION DEADLINES
The original IELTS Application Form, test fee, and required identification must be received by the Testing Center no later than one week BEFORE the test date. The Testing Center reserves the right to close a test date when all spaces are full. Registrations which cannot be accommodated on the first requested test date will be assigned to the candidate's "second choice" test date at that center. Applications cannot be transferred between centers.
REQUIRED IDENTIFICATION
A valid passport is REQUIRED and is the ONLY acceptable form of identification.
On the application for Testing, candidates must
- Supply a valid passport number and
- Attach a scanned copy or photocopy of the passport page containing the photo, number, and signature.
Passports are REQUIRED on test day. Be sure it is valid and it is the one you included in your application packet. You will need a second form of identification with your picture. Your passport is the only official proof of identity that is accepted in the United States. Driver's license, student ID, and other picture ID is used as secondary proof of identification only.
Candidates who do not bring their passport will not be permitted to take the test.
NOTE: Please be advised that if you have sent your passport to an institution for renewal or other reasons, it is your responsibility to ensure you have your passport with you on test day.
FEES
Payment of the US $185 application fee must be in the form of a "Money Order" or "Cashier's Check" made payable to the University of Washington. Personal checks, credit cards, and debit cards will NOT be accepted.
REGISTRATION CONFIRMATION
Your test registration will be confirmed by email using the email address you provide on the IELTS Application Form. Please check your email regularly. If an email address is not provided, confirmation will be made by fax or regular mail. The confirmation will include information about registration time, test location, and test type.
TEST DAY
Test day check-in begins at 8:15 am. Testing starts promptly at 9:00 am. Late arrivals will NOT be admitted.
The Written test takes place between 9:00 am and 12:30 pm. Speaking tests are held between 12:30 pm and 5:00 pm on the same day as the written test. The Speaking test will last 20 minutes. You will be given the time of your Speaking test during morning check-in. You need to be available until 5:30 pm on test day.
LATE ARRIVALS
Candidates who arrive after the testing session has begun will NOT be allowed to take the test that day. They may re-apply for another test date but must pay an additional test fee.
CANCELLATIONS, TRANSFER OF TEST DATE, REFUNDS
Requests for cancellations or change of test date must be made in writing and received at the Testing Center five (5) weeks BEFORE the scheduled test date. Cancellations made before the 5-week cut-off date will receive a refund of the test fee minus a 20 percent processing fee. Cancellations or requests for a different date made AFTER the 5-week cut-off date will NOT be eligible for refund.
IELTS TEST RESULTS
The Test Report Form (TRF) will be mailed to the candidate and the designated institutions two weeks after the test date. Test Report Forms are valid for two (2) years.
NOTE: Test Centers are not allowed to give test results by phone, fax, or email to either the candidate or the receiving institution(s).
Each candidate will automatically receive one Test Report Form. A candidate may request up to five (5) additional institutional Test Report Forms when applying for the test. More than five institutional TRFs are available for a charge of $15 per TRF. These are mailed directly by the IELTS Testing Center to the institution(s) of your choice.
To request additional TRFs after taking the test, please visit the Testing Center or send a written request via email to ielts@u.washington.edu. Your request must include your candidate number, passport number, and test date. The fee for these later additional TRFs is $15 each.