Identification Document

To apply for an IELTS Test, you need a valid ID document:

• Passport
• European ID
• Biometric Residence Permit Card (BRP Card)
• ARC card (Needs authorisation)

*For IELTS test in Israel only Passport is accepted.

If you don’t have your ID document on the day of your test, you won’t be allowed to sit the test and you will lose your test fee. If you need to change your ID before your test, please contact the test centre before your test day.

General Training or Academic?

You should speak to the institution that has requested an IELTS test from you and ask which one they require, but as a guideline:

• The Academic module is for people who want to study an undergraduate or postgraduate degree course, or who wish to register with a professional body.

• The General Training module focuses on basic survival skills in a broader social and educational setting. General Training is suitable if you are joining a training programme or doing work experience in English speaking countries but is not designed for degree level. This module is also suitable for those wishing to emigrate to Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the UK.

IELTS or IELTS for UKVI?

If you wish to use an IELTS test result as a part of your application to UKVI – apart from some types of student visa – you may need to take an IELTS for UKVI or IELTS Life Skills test.

To find out whether you need to take an approved SELT test, what level you need to achieve, and which test you can use, you should visit https://takeielts.britishcouncil.org/take-ielts/which-ielts-test/ukvi. There is also a wealth of information on UKVI’s website www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-on-applying-for-uk-visa-approved-english-language-tests.

Both the UKVI and Life Skills tests must be taken at an IELTS test location specifically authorised by UKVI and must be taken under specified conditions. You will receive an IELTS or IELTS Life Skills Test Report Form to show that your test met these requirements.