Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Find all answers below
If you plan to study in higher education or seek professional registration in an English-speaking country, you might need to take an IELTS Academic.
The General Training test looks at your English-language capabilities in a work or social environment. If you plan to study in secondary education, enroll in vocational training, move abroad for work or migrate to Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the UK or the USA, you might need to take an IELTS General Training.
Paper-based IELTS test
You can take IELTS Academic test and General Training test on paper. The contents, test part times, question types, scoring and results of the paper-based test are the exact same as the computer-delivered test, but your test day experience is a little different. Test day staff will hand you booklets and answer sheets before each test and will then collect these booklets and answer sheets, before moving on to the next test part.
If you take IELTS on paper, you will complete the Reading, Listening and Writing parts on paper. You can use a pen or HB-pencil to complete your Writing test, but you must use an HB-pencil to write your Listening and Reading answers on the answer sheet. In the paper-based IELTS test, the Writing, Reading, and Listening tests are all completed on the same day with no breaks between each test. The Speaking test is completed in a face-to-face interview with an IELTS examiner, and this can be done one week before or after your test date.
Computer-delivered IELTS test
You can choose to take IELTS on a computer for both the General Training and Academic tests. The test format, question types, time allocated to each test part and content is the same for both computer-delivered test and the paper-based test. The only difference is in your test day experience. If you choose to complete your IELTS test on a computer, you will do the Reading, Listening, and Writing parts of the test using a computer. All answers will be typed on the screen. You will also be able to write notes on a notes sheet during the Listening test.
The IELTS Speaking remains the same, with a face-to-face interview with an examiner. The Speaking test will be completed either just before, or just after the Reading, Listening, and Writing test parts.
Taking IELTS on a computer has many benefits. For example, your results arrive a lot faster. With computer-delivered IELTS your results will be available within 3 to 5 days.
IELTS may be a requirement for entering your desired course in an educational institution. It is also used in many countries as a part of their migration assessment. If you are not sure as to why you might need to sit the IELTS test or about the score you need, contact the organisation you are applying to.
They will be able to provide further information, including whether native speakers need to complete the IELTS test. Even if English is your primary language, you will still need to prepare for the test.
IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training are two separate tests designed for different purposes. In addition, IELTS for UKVI (UK Visas and Immigration) is available for those who need to meet English language requirements for UK visa applications.
Each test has specific requirements, and acceptance is determined by the relevant organisation, university or visa authority. While some organisations may accept IELTS Academic instead of IELTS General Training, this is entirely at their discretion.
As a test taker, it is your responsibility to register for the correct test. As a test centre, we strongly recommend that you check directly with your chosen organisation, university or visa authority before booking to ensure you select the right test for your needs.
Please note that the test centre is unable to advise on individual admission or visa requirements.
The Academic and General Training test fee is the same.
- Paper-based test: CHF 425.00
- Computer-delivered test: CHF 425.00
For further information, please contact us anytime.
The computer-delivered IELTS Academic test costs CHF 445, and IELTS for UKVI costs CHF 446.
The computer-delivered IELTS General Training test costs CHF 445.
The following valid and current IDs and passports are accepted for registration for an IELTS test at this centre:
- EU citizens – National ID card or passport.
- Non-EU citizens – passport
Please note you cannot take the IELTS test unless you bring, on the test day, the ID or passport you used to register.
If you take computer-delivered IELTS, you will do the tests in the following order on the same day: Listening, Reading and Writing, with the Speaking test before or after this test session.
If you take paper-based IELTS, you will do the tests in the following order: Listening, Reading and Writing. Depending on the test centre, the Speaking test can be done on the same day, or up to 7 days either before or after the test date.
The Listening, Reading, and Writing parts of the test are completed immediately after each other on the same day. In some test centres, you will sit the Speaking test on the same day, or up to 7 days before or after your test date.
If you take computer-delivered IELTS, contact your test centre for more information on the Speaking test date.
For both paper-based and computer-delivered IELTS, you will not  be able to bring your own paper into the test for security reasons. If you are sitting  computer-delivered  IELTS, we  will provide you with a pencil and paper.  You also receive paper for your Speaking  test to help you organise your thoughts as you speak with the examiner.
Yes. Computer-delivered IELTS provides a note-taking and highlight function. You can try these functions on the familiarisation tests here. You can also write notes on the login details sheet you receive at the beginning of the test.
Yes, you are encouraged to write notes on the question booklets. IELTS examiners do not have access to your question booklets.
The IELTS Listening is the same for both the IELTS Academic test and General Training test. The Listening test assesses your ability to understand main ideas, detailed information, opinions, purpose and attitudes of the speakers, as well as your ability to follow the development of ideas.
You will listen to 4 recordings in your Listening test and need to answer 40 questions based on these recordings. The first two recordings deal with situations you might experience in an everyday context. The last two recordings, however, focus on situations that might occur in an education or training context.
In recordings 1 and 3 you will hear a conversation between two or more speakers, however in recordings 2 and 4 will hear a monologue. You will need to answer questions connected to the recordings ranging from multiple choice to matching information, headings, features and sentence endings, as well as sentence, summary, note, table, diagram or flow-chart completion.
The IELTS Speaking is the same for both General Training test and Academic test and assesses your use of spoken English. All speaking tests are conducted face-to-face with a certified IELTS examiner and are recorded in case they need to be reviewed.
The Speaking test takes between 11 and 14 minutes and consists of 3 parts. Part 1 is the first part of the test where the examiner will ask you some general questions about familiar topics like work, family, studies and hobbies.
In Part 2 you will be given a card with a topic. You will be given one minute to take notes on the topic and will be given a pencil and paper to prepare your response. You will then speak on the topic for two minutes. In Part 3 of the interview, you will have a two-way discussion with the examiner where they will ask questions related to the topic discussed in Part 2.
The Speaking test may be conducted on the same day as the other tests or a week before or after the other test parts.
The Academic Reading test assesses a wide range of reading skills including your ability to follow an argument, recognise a writer’s opinion, attitude or purpose. It looks at how well you can read to understand main ideas, details, opinions and implied meanings. Your reading comprehension skills are tested, covering skimming, scanning and reading for detail.
The Academic Reading test is made up of 3 long texts which are taken from current books, journals, magazines and newspapers. The texts are related to topics you might face if you were to study at an undergraduate or postgraduate level or apply for professional registration in an English-speaking environment.
You will have to answer 40 questions in the Academic Reading test. These questions can range from multiple choice to identifying information or a writer’s view, matching headings, features and sentence endings, as well as sentence, summary, note, table and flow-chart completions, and short-answer questions.
The IELTS Academic Writing test is made up of two tasks, Writing Task 1 and Writing Task 2. The questions in the Academic Writing test are different to those in the General Training Writing test.
In Academic Writing Task 1, you will be shown a visual representation of information; a graph, table, chart or diagram, and you are asked to summarise, describe or explain the information you see. Make sure you organise your response into three main parts, the introduction, an overview and the main features supported by figures from the diagram.
In Academic Writing Task 2, you will be presented with a point of view, argument, or problem. The topics can range from the environment to immigration, culture, and even technology. You might be asked to, agree or disagree with a point of view or argument, discuss two opposing views, write about the advantages or disadvantages of a topic, or explain a given problem, or the cause of a problem and offer a solution. Your response for Academic Writing Task 2 will need to be in an essay format.
The General Training Reading test consists of three sections and 40 questions. It focuses on situations you might face in everyday life, work-related issues such as applying for a job, and topics of general interest. The extracts in each section are taken from books, magazines, newspapers, notices, advertisements, company handbooks and guidelines.
Section 1 looks at your social survival skills. The questions relate back to short texts that are relevant to everyday life in an English-speaking country. These might be notices, advertisements or timetables.
Section 2 takes a closer look at your workplace survival skills. The texts here are taken from job descriptions, contracts, staff development and training manuals, as well as pay and workplace condition documents.
Section 3 contains a long and more complex text on a topic of general interest. Texts could be taken from newspapers, magazine or books.
The reading part of the IELTS test looks at how well you can understand main ideas, details, inferences and implied meaning. It also assesses your ability to follow the development of an argument, recognise a writer’s opinion, attitudes and purpose.
The General Training Writing test is made up of two tasks, Writing Task 1 and Writing Task 2. The topics in each task are of general interest.
In Writing Task 1, you will be given a situation where you will need to write a letter to request information or explain the situation. You might be asked to write a letter to suggest how to improve facilities at a library. Examiners will look at your ability to provide general and factual information in relation to the task, express needs, wants, likes and dislikes, as well as opinions, views and complaints.
Writing Task 2 is a little different. You will be asked to write an essay in response to a point of view, argument or problem. You will be assessed on whether you can provide general factual information, outline a problem, present a solution, justify an opinion or evaluate and challenge ideas, evidence or an argument.
If you are taking the IELTS test and have special requirements — due to hearing, visual or learning difficulties — we can provide a variety of arrangements to support you during the test.
These include:
- modified and enlarged print papers
- Braille papers
- Braille and enlarged print versions of the Speaking test
- lip reading version of the Listening test
- extra time for the Reading and Writing test or use of a computer (e.g. for candidates with dyslexia)
- a scribe to write answers on your behalf
- special Listening test (e.g. using amplification equipment and/or lip-reading version of the Listening test for those with hearing difficulties).
Test centres deal with all applications for special arrangements individually. You will be asked for full details of your particular circumstances. They will make every effort to make all the necessary special arrangements for you to complete an IELTS test.
Whatever your special needs, it is best to contact us as early as possible. Giving adequate notice is necessary for the modified test versions to be prepared and/or special administrative arrangements to be made.
We offer special arrangements, but must be agreed with us at least 6 weeks before the test. They are only possible for Paper-based IELTS tests (not Computer-delivered). The following assistance is possible:
- Enlarged print test papers
- Braille test papers
- Amanuensis
- Braille word-processor
- Special amplification equipment (listening)
- Lip-reading test version (listening)
- Word processor
- Voice-activated software
- Extra time
- Extra Time – Speaking only
- Enlarged print – up to 36 size
- Reading and writing 25% more time
To register your request send an email to info@ielts.ch at least 6 weeks before your planned test date. You should let us know what you need and also send supporting documents. We will contact you with details of how to proceed and to register.
Note: Not all test dates and locations can offer all arrangements.
The test centre will not be able to advise you on what IELTS band score you need to achieve to be able to enter the university or organisation. For this information, please click here or contact the university/organisation directly.
If you don’t get the result you want, you can register for another IELTS test as soon as you feel ready to do so.
Before applying for another test, take a moment to consider your options. Your score is unlikely to increase unless you make a significant effort to improve your English.
Research on international students found that it appeared harder to improve in the productive language skills (Speaking and Writing) than in the receptive skills (Listening and Reading). The study found that the least average improvement was in Writing*.
Ask yourself the following questions:
- Have I read about IELTS band scores and what each band score represents?
- Have I tried the practice test questions?
- Am I practising my English at home and at work/university?
- Have I taken any other steps to improve my English language skills?
- Was I as calm and relaxed as possible when I took the test?
If you answered “No” to any of the questions above, learn more about how to prepare here.
Resitting the test after a long break
IELTS is a test of English language proficiency, so you need to work on all skill areas to maintain and improve your English. If it is a long time since you last sat the test, your language skills may not necessarily have improved, even if you have been living in an English-speaking country. Prepare thoroughly, and consider taking an IELTS preparation course as a refresher.
What is an IELTS Enquiry on Results?
If you feel your score does not reflect your performance on test day, you can request a review of your result. This is called an Enquiry on Results (EOR), also known as an IELTS re-mark. You can request a re-mark for the whole test or for one or more parts: Listening, Reading, Writing or Speaking. The fee is the same, regardless of how many parts you choose. You can request an EOR through your IELTS account.
During the Review Process:
- Tests are re-marked by senior Examiners/Markers.
- If the mark has changed, a new e-TRF will be available in your IELTS account.
- You will need to pay an Enquiry on Results fee. The EOR fee is CHF150. This fee is fully refundable if your score changes. Send an email to info@ielts.ch for more information regarding the payment.
How long does the process take?
Your result can become available on the same day as the application and up to 21 days after your application. The time it takes depends on several factors, including the number of parts you’ve asked us to re-mark. If you have not received a response after 21 days, please contact your test centre at info@ielts.ch.
Once you have taken the IELTS test and achieved your required score, we can send an additional 5 Test Report forms (TRF) copies to universities of your choice for up to 2 years after your test date.
These copies will be subject to a service charge.
Please note that postage will be charged if the university is not in Switzerland. Any further copies will be subject to a service charge. Simply contact us for help and more information info@ielts.ch.
If you have an IELTS overall band score and want to add it to your LinkedIn profile, just click on the correct Add to profile button below. It will show anyone looking at it the level of English you’ve achieved.
Why add your IELTS overall band score to your LinkedIn profile?
IELTS is globally recognised and backed by extensive research, so it will help your LinkedIn profile stand out from the crowd:
- With a complete LinkedIn profile you are more likely to be discovered by recruiters.
- Employers can immediately see the level of English you have achieved.
- When you add your IELTS score to your profile, it will be posted on your LinkedIn feed so all your connections can see your achievement.
How to add your IELTS overall band score to your LinkedIn profile
If you have an IELTS overall band score and want to add it to your LinkedIn profile, just click on the correct Add to profile button below. It will show anyone looking at it the level of English youˈve achieved.
Recognising organisations can verify your qualification using the IELTSÂ Online Verification Service, when you provide them with your Test Form Number.
- Click one of the below links
- In the Certification name box add the type of IELTS test either IELTS Academic or IELTS General Training, then add your Overall Band Score
- In the Certification authority search for IELTS Official
- Add the month and year you took the test
| Â IELTS Academic overall band scores:Â |
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| IELTS General Training overall band scores: |
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Please note that any complaints regarding the conduct of the test on the test day must be raised and submitted before leaving the test centre on the day of the test. Once test results have been released, complaints relating to the test day or test experience can no longer be accepted.
If you wish to provide general feedback about your test experience, please contact us at info@ielts.ch. We will get back to you as soon as possible.
We also have a Whistle-blower Policy in place. If you wish to report an incident in confidence, please contact our Test Centre Administrator, Fiona Laws, directly at flaws@ielts.ch.
If you have reasonable grounds for believing that wrongdoing has occurred, or is likely to occur, within the IELTS Test Partners (British Council, IDP: IELTS Australia, Cambridge Assessment English) or within IELTS USA, please report it via the following link.
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