英国考雅思¶
How to take the IELTS in the UK?
There are four types of IELTS exams, and typically international students take either the first type, IELTS Academic, or the fourth type, IELTS for UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI). Many students make mistakes when registering for the IELTS exam, so Tenliang Miao advises to be careful and double-check the type of exam before registering. Generally, the IELTS exam is divided into the following four types
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1、IELTS Academic and General Training
To participate in academic studies and exams worldwide, if you intend to pursue undergraduate or graduate-level education, you should take the regular training exam. This is suitable for those studying below degree level or for work purposes in English-speaking countries.
In other words, IELTS Academic is a language test for students who wish to study in English-speaking countries such as the UK or other countries and regions. It is intended for those who want to pursue direct undergraduate, master's, or doctoral programs in the UK. Tenliang Miao advises that if you plan to directly study specialized courses, you need to take this exam. However, you must meet the language requirements of the school. Most UK undergraduate programs require a minimum IELTS score of 6, while for master's programs, it is typically 6.5. Some schools or programs may require a score of 7 or even an additional language test alongside the IELTS score.
On the other hand, the general training IELTS exam is for individuals who are not pursuing academic studies, or for those below degree level, such as those seeking employment or immigration opportunities in the UK and require an English language examination.
2、IELTS for UK Visas and Immigration (Academic and General Training) (UKVI)
UKVI IELTS Academic, General Training, and IELTS Life Skills (SELT) are English language tests approved by the UK Home Office for UK visa applications.
Tenliang Miao reminds that the UKVI IELTS exam is specifically for those who wish to study language or foundation courses in the UK. In other words, if you have taken the first type of IELTS Academic exam and did not meet the required scores, it cannot be used as a language requirement for applying to study language or foundation courses in the UK. To study language or foundation courses in the UK, you must take the UKVI IELTS exam.
3、IELTS Life Skills (A1, A2 and B1)
The IELTS Life Skills exam is designed to demonstrate your speaking and listening skills. It is applicable for family visas, indefinite leave to remain visas, or citizenship visas.
4、IELTS for Transportation for London (TFL)
If you want to start your career as a private hire taxi driver in London, then this TFL (Transport for London) IELTS can be your preferred choice. By passing the IELTS English language test, you can apply for your Transport for London license.
As shown in the image below, there are four types of IELTS exams and their corresponding prices.
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So how do you register for the IELTS exam in the UK? It's similar to registering in China, as it is done online.
First, visit the official website
https://takeielts.britishcouncil.org/take-ielts/book
After logging in, select the country where you want to take the IELTS exam
，choose United Kingdom：
Next, choose the desired type of IELTS exam and click on 'Book'：
Then, select your test center. As shown in the image below, Tenliang Miao's friend chose the third option in West Midlands, which is the test center in Coventry.，Mobile Testing Solutions Ltd (MTS), City College Coventry, Coventry
Tenliang Miao suggests that everyone should choose a test center that is nearby and convenient：
There are many IELTS test locations in the UK, with over 50 test centers available. There are both computer-based and paper-based exams. Generally, the results are released within 13 calendar days, similar to the process in China. However, for students opting for computer-based exams, they have the flexibility to choose any day of the week for the test, and they can register a few days in advance. In most cases, they can receive their IELTS scores within 5 to 7 days. However, Tenliang Miao reminds that for paper-based exams, it is advisable to register in advance.
Once you have completed the previous steps, the system will automatically navigate to the next page, where you can select the exam date, location, and type, as shown in the image below：
In general, you need to follow the process outlined on the computer website. Once you have completed the registration and made the payment, you will receive a confirmation email, indicating that your registration is successful. Tenliang Miao reminds that the cost of taking the IELTS exam may vary slightly in each city in the UK, but the difference is not significant. For example, the price in Coventry is £180.：
Tenliang Miao's reminders:
1, When registering for the IELTS exam in the UK, the process may vary depending on the region. Some regions allow you to directly upload your documents and photos on the website during registration, while others may require you to send an email to your IELTS test center. Therefore, after registering online, pay attention to any emails you receive. Tenliang Miao emphasizes the importance of carefully checking the email address you provide during registration. If you make a mistake, you may not receive important confirmation emails regarding your successful registration.
The image below shows the required documents during online registration. Tenliang Miao reminds you that the passport document type you upload must match the one you bring on the day of the exam.
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2、
After registering on the website, it doesn't mean you have successfully completed the registration. Upon successful registration, you will receive two emails: one confirming your registration and another informing you that the exam fee has been received, confirming your successful registration. These emails may be received approximately one to two weeks before your exam, but the timing can vary. The emails will provide details such as the exam date, test center address, and items you need to bring. If you haven't received these emails, it means you haven't successfully registered. Tenliang Miao wants to remind everyone to carefully check their spam or junk folders, as some email providers may automatically categorize IELTS emails as spam.
3、
Bring your original passport, which is different from the practice in China. In the UK, you do not need to print the admission ticket. On the day of the exam, remember to bring your original passport and any other required items mentioned in the email. Tenliang Miao reminds you that some UK test centers may require you to bring your own pen (although some centers provide pens), while others only allow you to bring your passport and nothing else. For example, in the Coventry test center where Tenliang Miao's friend registered, only the passport is allowed, and no other items are permitted.
4、
In the UK, the exam is usually completed in one day. This means that the written test is conducted in the morning, followed by the speaking test in the afternoon. The speaking test time is randomly assigned within the test center. Tenliang Miao's friend mentioned that the overall experience of taking the exam in the UK, excluding the speaking test, is not as good as in China, mainly referring to the facilities. However, the speaking examiners are very friendly and approachable, always speaking to you with a smile, making it feel like a conversation.
5、
In some UK test centers, once you enter the examination room, you are not allowed to leave for restroom breaks or to eat. This includes the lunchtime period. For example, if your exam starts at 9 AM and ends at 4 PM, you have to stay inside the examination room without access to food or restroom facilities until the exam is over at 4 PM. Therefore, Tenliang Miao advises everyone to eat well in advance, consume fewer beverages, and use the restroom beforehand. Restroom facilities are available at the test center. For instance, in Tenliang Miao's location, Coventry, the exam starts at 10 AM, and candidates need to enter the center around 8 AM. However, restroom breaks are not permitted after around 9 AM, and candidates cannot leave the examination room during the exam.
6、
Before entering the examination room for exams in the UK, there are strict security measures in place. This includes body searches, and even shoes are checked. There are cameras positioned throughout the area. Therefore, Tenliang Miao advises wearing shoes that are easy to take off or a jacket that can be easily removed on the day of the exam. However, it is important to note that not all test centers conduct thorough searches or require candidates to wear slippers; it may vary depending on the situation.
7，The listening test is conducted through speakers without the use of headphones. All candidates take the written test in one large classroom. It is important for candidates sitting at the back to ensure they can hear clearly during the sound check. If there are any issues with hearing or if the volume is too low, it is necessary to inform the examiner in advance, as adjustments cannot be made once the formal test begins.
8，The IELTS score report is mailed to you. During the registration process, you will be asked to provide the address where you would like the score report to be sent. Tenliang Miao recommends providing a UK mailing address to avoid additional charges for shipping to an international address, as there is a higher risk of loss.
9，IELTS scores are usually released within approximately 13 days, similar to the process in China.
10，Candidates under the age of 18 must obtain written consent from a parent or guardian to apply for the IELTS exam. However, IELTS does not recommend the exam for candidates under the age of 16.
11，Payment methods typically include phone, mail, or payment at the test center, which can be relatively complex. Tenliang Miao advises avoiding registering during holidays or public holidays, as it may be difficult to reach someone by phone during these periods, and email payments may not receive immediate responses or may receive automatic replies.
12，Each test center in the UK has different starting times. Some regions may begin the written test at 9 AM, while others start at 10 AM or 11 AM. Please refer to the details provided in your email and the arrangements made by the examiner on the day of the exam.
13，Some test centers allow candidates to bring food. After completing the written test, candidates can have their lunch break. Many test centers are located in areas without supermarkets or restaurants. However, specific requirements may vary depending on the test center. For example, in Coventry where Tenliang Miao is located, bringing food is not allowed, and candidates cannot leave the examination room during the exam. This means candidates must take the speaking test in the afternoon on an empty stomach and can only leave after the exam is over.
14，It is advisable to write down and keep your candidate number, as it will be needed for checking your results later.
15，The content of the IELTS exam in the UK is generally similar to that in China, with the listening section possibly being slightly faster-paced. There is no intentional score suppression, and candidates have the option to request a remark.
16，IELTS test centers in the UK can be located in city centers, suburbs, old buildings, or even vacation-like houses. There is no need to worry as long as you follow the official address provided in the email.
17，IELTS test centers in the UK collect fingerprints and photographs. Another photograph is taken during the speaking test in the afternoon. However, not all test centers require an additional photograph during the speaking test. For example, in Coventry where Tenliang Miao is located, an additional photograph is required.
18，If you have any questions regarding registration, payment, non-receipt of emails, or what to bring on the exam day, you can contact the exam center by phone or email and ask the teachers. It's always better to ask.
19，It is possible to change the IELTS test date, but it must be done at least 2 weeks in advance to avoid any fees. Simply send an email to request the change. If the change is made within the two-week period before the exam, an additional fee will be charged.
20，Typically, IELTS registration is done using a passport. However, if you are using a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP), you must bring the original BRP on the exam day."