Important notes:
The guidance below is a summary of what all IELTS test takers can expect when registering for an IELTS on Paper and on Computer test anywhere in the world. Detailed policy terms vary according to test centre location and so please contact your local test centre as relevant for further information.
If local consumer protection law in the country you have registered to take the IELTS test provides for cancellation and transfer rights which are more favorable than the terms set out in this document or in more detailed local test centre guidance, then local consumer protection law will apply.
If you are taking IELTS for UKVI or IELTS Life Skills then different policy terms apply. The IELTS for UKVI policy is a standard and globally applicable set of terms and conditions.
You can cancel your IELTS test registration at any time before taking your test by notifying your Test Centre. Refund terms depend upon when you cancel and whether exceptional circumstances apply.
1. Test taker exceptions
You may make a case for exceptional circumstances to your Test Centre before the test and up to five calendar days after the test date if you did not attend the test. Your Test Centre will respond to you within seven working days of receiving your case in writing. Your Test Centre will assess your case for exceptional circumstances.
All cases for exceptional circumstances and supporting evidence must be received by your Test Centre before or no later than five calendar days after the scheduled test date.
If your Test Centre approves your case, you will receive a refund.
We define exceptional circumstances as:
2. Test centre exceptions
Under certain circumstances outside Test Centre control, we may have to cancel your test. These circumstances include and are not limited to extreme weather conditions, natural disaster, civil unrest, industrial action, global pandemic or for reasons of force majeure.
In these circumstances, your Test Centre will provide you with as much notice as possible and give you the choice of either a full refund, or, a transfer to a future test date convenient to you.
You may change your test date at any time before the test. However, depending on when you make your transfer request – that is, how near to the test day – your request may be treated as a cancellation.
You must select a test date, where available, within three months from your original test date. If your preferred test date is more than three months after your original test date then your transfer will be treated as a cancellation.
You can only transfer the same booking once.