FAQ: IELTS frequently asked questions

1.    What is IELTS?

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is the world’s most popular English language proficiency test for higher education and global migration, with over 2.9 million tests taken in the last year.

2.   What is the test format and how long will it take?

IELTS has four parts – Listening (30 minutes), Reading (60 minutes), Writing (60 minutes) and Speaking (11–14 minutes). The total test time is 2 hours and 45 minutes. The Listening, Reading and Writing tests are done in one sitting. The Speaking test is held on the date you choose during your registration.

3.   How much does it cost?

Information on the price of the test can be found  Book your IELTS test | British Council.
For payment, we can only accept Azerbaijan manat (AZN). Transfers made in any other currency will not be accepted.

4.   How many test locations are there in Azerbaijan?

The British Council offers IELTS test in two locations across Azerbaijan. We have a range of convenient test dates in Baku and Nakhchivan.
You can visit our website for IELTS test dates. Book your IELTS test | British Council.

5.   When can I take the test?

You can monitor the availabilities of exams for each date and location on our website. You can only apply for the available dates designated on our website.

6.   How often can I take the test?

You may take the IELTS test as many times as you like. You can use the result of the test you prefer. 

However, as the IELTS centre, we strongly recommend you do additional study before taking the test again. You can also improve your skills by using the IELTS Official Free Practice Materials and Preparation Book.

7.   What is the main difference between Academic and General Modules?

IELTS test has two versions – Academic and General Training. The Academic test is typically for those who want to study at the tertiary level in programs which require an English proficiency score. The General Training test is typically for those who want to do work experience, training programs, secondary school or migrate to an English-speaking country.

Every organisation sets its own entry requirements. In some cases, both versions of IELTS may be accepted. Check with the organisation you wish to apply to before you book your test to learn which module is accepted.

8.   Who accepts an IELTS score?

IELTS is accepted by more than 12,500 organisations worldwide. These include universities, government agencies, professional bodies and multinational companies. IELTS is also accepted by the countries who require the English language abilities for immigration. 

9.   What help is available for disabled candidates?

Test centres make every effort to cater to the special needs of disabled candidates. If you have a special need, you can choose the special arrangements that suit you during registration. We will then contact you and request your medical report to support your registration.

1. Where can I find more information about IELTS test registration? 

IELTS Test registration can be found on our website. You can register for a convenient date by visiting our website www.britishcouncil.az

You will receive an email with all the details within five to seven days before the day of your test. If you have not received any notification regarding your test 3 days prior to your test, please contact us. If you have not received any notification regarding your test 3 days prior to your test, please contact us at +994124971593

2.   How can I register a minor?

First, after selecting the appropriate test date from our registration page, you must register to the registration portal as the parent or guardian of the minor and save your personal information in our system. At this stage, you are asked to save your basic information such as email, a password you need to log into your IELTS account, name, surname, date of birth, contact information, address, and also you are asked to specify who you reserved this test for, you should choose “my child” option. 

Then, on the next page, you will be asked to save the personal information of the minor candidate. After this step, you need to save the underage candidate's information, check “Yes; I give my permission” option and complete the registration.

3.   How long does it take to get the test confirmation e-mail?

After registering you will receive an automatic IELTS application summary e-mail including your test reference number. In the following few days or a few days prior to your test date, a confirmation e-mail will be sent.

4.   How can I make the payment for my test?

You can make the payment with a credit or debit card when you complete your online registration OR you can pay via bank transfer after you complete the registration. If you will complete the payment via a bank transfer, please include the information below in the explanatory part of the payment. 

Name and surname of the candidate
Exam date
Reference number that is shared with you on the registration portal
Bank name: The International Bank of Azerbaijan Bank
Tax Identification Number: 9900001881
Address: 90A Nizami Street, Baku, AZ1005, Azerbaijan
SWIFT Code for this Bank: IBAZAZ2X Bank
TAX ID 9900001881
British Council TAX ID 1702146621
Code(only for transfer in AZN): 805250
Name of Account Holder: The British Council
AZN Account Number: AZ70IBAZ39070019445982628120
Correspondent account: AZ03NABZ01350100000000002944

5.   Can someone else pay for my test?

Yes. However, the person who makes the payment must include the following information in the explanatory part of the payment.

Name and surname of the candidate
Exam date
Reference number that is shared with you on the registration portal

6.   I have paid for my test but did not receive any confirmation. What can I do? 

It may take 1 business day for your payment to reach us. If you still have not received a payment confirmation 3 days after making your payment, please contact us.

7.   I have paid the test fee. How can I see the date, time and location of my test? 

All the details regarding your test date, time and location will be sent to your e-mail address after you complete the registration. You may also find your test details on your test taker portal. 

8.   What should I do if I want to cancel my test or change the date?

If you postpone or cancel your application more than 5 weeks (Paper based IELTS) 2 weeks ( CD IELTS)  before the test date, you will receive a  refund minus 25% of the test fee.

9.   Can I cancel my IELTS exam and get refund?

If you cancel your IELTS test up to five weeks before (IELTS on Paper) and up to 2 weeks before (IELTS on Computer) the test date, you will receive a refund minus an administration fee of 25% of the test fee.

The British Council cannot make payments to banks (or other financial institutions) sanctioned by the UK or any other relevant jurisdiction. If you request a refund to be sent to an account at a sanctioned bank and/or sanctioned financial institution, you will be asked to nominate an alternative method of payment that does not breach sanctions. Failure to provide an alternative method of payment will result in non-payment of the relevant funds. Please note that refunds can take four to six weeks to process. No refunds will be allowed for IELTS if there is less time left than stated above.

1.   What can I bring into the examination room?

Only pencils, pencil sharpeners, mechanical pencils and erasers. You must also bring the passport/national identity card (Şəxsiyyət vəsiqəsi) you used on the IELTS Application Form to the test. 

You must leave everything else outside the examination room. Mobile phones and other electronics must be switched off and placed with personal belongings in the area designated by the supervisor. 

If you do not switch off your electronic devices or keep them on you, you will be disqualified from the exam. All watches are also banned from the test rooms for all test components.

2.   Is there an additional period of time given in the Reading test to transfer answers?

No. The Reading test is one hour, and you must write all your answers on the answer sheet in this time. 

3.   Can I use a pen for the Listening and Reading tests?

No. You must complete these sections using a pencil.

4.   Can I make notes on the Listening and Reading question papers?

Yes. The IELTS Examiner will not see your question paper since the evaluation is based on your result papers.

5.   What is the Speaking Test?

The Speaking test is a conversation with a certified IELTS Examiner. The Speaking test is made up of three sections and it takes between 11 - 14 minutes. It is recorded digitally.

6.   What do I need for the Speaking Test?

You must bring the same identification documents you supplied on your IELTS Application Form and used for the rest of the test. Your ID will be checked before you enter the interview room.

7.    What is video-call speaking test?

Our IELTS test centres are delivering the IELTS Speaking Test via video calls. This means greater flexibility in delivering IELTS Speaking tests, along with increased availability.

You will take the Video-Call Speaking Test at an official IELTS test centre with the same high standard of identity verification. The test will be exactly the same as the in-person Speaking test in terms of content, scoring, timing, level of difficulty, question format and security arrangements. 

Delivered by an IELTS Speaking Examiner, the Video-Call Speaking Test will maintain the face-to-face feature of the in-person Speaking test.

At the start of the test, the Invigilator will be with you to check and set up the test: testing the connection, checking the headphones and sound levels, verifying your ID with the examiner and ensuring that you are comfortable to start the test.

You will need to read the part 2 questions on the screen, so bring your glasses if you use them.

Tell the examiner if you cannot hear what they are saying at any point, so that they can repeat themselves.

The Video-Call Speaking Test is as simple as that, so sit down and make yourself comfortable in the test room.

8.  What if I am sick on the test date or cannot come?

If you are absent on the test day with no prior notice, you will lose your full fee. 

However, if you provide a medical certificate within 3 days after the test date, you will receive a refund minus 25% of the test fee.

9. Can I change my speaking test date?

Candidates can choose their Speaking test date for IELTS test; however, test centres have the right to change the dates for the Speaking test. You can contact us to change your speaking test date. We are able to help you upon availability. 

The IELTS for UKVI Life Skills speaking test time is assigned by the test centre. If you have any serious health problem with a medical certificate, or you coming from a different country to take this test, you can let us know before the speaking test dates are assigned.

10. What if I am running late or could not take one part of my test due to circumstances beyond my control?

You should contact the British Council as soon as possible. The test centre may offer you options.

11. Can I attend the test with documents such as a Driver’s Licence, Residence Permit, Work Permit or Student Card? 

No. The above forms of identification cannot be used to attend the test.

You can only attend your IELTS test with the document that you stated on your test registration (Azerbaijan National ID or passport). 

12. If I do not have a Azerbaijan National Identity Card, which document is accepted for the test? 

If you do not have a Azerbaijan National ID Card, you can only register IELTS with your valid passport. Please note that expired passports cannot be accepted. 

1.   How long does any IELTS score last? 

Test Report Forms are valid for 2 years. You can attend IELTS as many times as you like. You can use any result that you wish.

2.   Who sets the pass mark for the IELTS test? 

Scores are graded on the 9-band system. Each educational institution or organisation sets its own level of IELTS scores to meet its individual requirements. Therefore, we strongly suggest you contact the institution you want to apply for.

3.    How can I send my test results to institutions?

You can request an additional Test Report Form anytime during the 2 years of validity. Additional Test Report Forms cannot be sent to candidates. They can only be sent to your institution or embassy. 

Up to ten electronic copies can be sent free of charge only if the institution is registered on the IELTS electronic system. Sending a hard copy of the Test Report Form will include a courier charge; fees vary according to the location that you want to send scores to. Please contact us to request an additional Test Report Form via ielts@britishcouncil.az .

The additional Test Report Forms of the candidates who have not provided their exam details fully cannot be sent. Exam details to be included are; date of exams and city where exam was taken, your ID number used to take the test. 

4.   When will I receive my test results?

If you have taken IELTS on paper, you will be able to preview your results on your test taker portal after 13 calendar days from the test date.

If you have taken IELTS on computer, you will be able to preview your results on your Test Taker Portal after one to five calendar days from the test date.

5.   How are the tests marked?

IELTS uses a 9-band scoring system to measure and report test scores in a consistent manner. You receive individual band scores for Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking, and an Overall Band Score on a band scale from one to nine. You can reach detailed information regarding the IELTS test format and scoring from our website.

6.   What if I feel my test result is wrong?

Note that IELTS Examiners and markers follow strict assessment guidelines and are regularly monitored. The IELTS testing process has the highest quality control procedures. 

You can apply for an ‘Enquiry on Results’ (EOR) procedure at your test centre within six weeks of the test date. You must pay an enquiry fee, which is fully refunded if your band score changes. Please send us an email to find out more about enquiries on results. 

7.   How can I pay for the Enquiry on Results (EOR)?

You can only make the payment for Enquiry on Results (EOR) via bank transfer. Please include the information below in the explanatory part of your payment: 

Name and surname of the candidate
Exam date
Reference number that is shared with you on the registration portal