The IELTS exam is a test which assesses your English language ability within 4 areas, listening, reading, writing and speaking. The test is jointly hosted by the British Council and the IDP. In this article, you will learn more about the dates on which the IELTS exam is offered by the IDP in Singapore and around the world.
What Is IDP Education Australia?
The International Development Program or IDP is an educational organisation that helps students study in English speaking countries like New Zealand, Canada, Ireland, UK, Australia and the USA. They provide a wide variety of international education services. They jointly host the IELTS exam along with the British Council and have numerous test centres in over 130 countries.
When Are The IELTS Exams Held?
Contrary to popular belief you cannot book your test on whichever day you want. Every year the IDP announces the scheduled tests dates for the IELTS exam by posting an event calendar online on their official website.
The General Training test occurs about 24 times a year while the Academic test occurs on 48 pre-determined dates. This means that there are 4 slots available per month for the Academic test and two per month for the General Training test. These test days are usually on a Saturday or a Thursday. Saturday test dates are more frequent than Thursday ones, but any given month will have at least one Thursday IELTS date. The speaking test can be booked on the same afternoon or within a 7-day window.
The Computer-Delivered tests are available 3 times a day for the entire year, except for public holidays. Places are available on a first-come-first-served basis.
Both the IDP and the British Council may change these schedule dates from time to time. In order to book the test on a particular date, you must confirm that date’s availability.
Important Things To Note About IELTS Test Dates
IELTS test dates may vary as per the location. So once you pick your preferred location, there will be a list of available IELTS dates to choose from.
You must check which module is available on your preferred test date before you book for your test. Keep in mind that the dates for the General Training test are far fewer than the Academic module
Changes Due To COVID-19
Due to the COVID-19 global pandemic, IELTS tests have been postponed until further notice in certain countries. A comprehensive list of countries that are currently holding IELTS exams can be found on the official IELTS websites. All of these test centres are also bound to follow strict COVID-19 SOPs as well. You can check on the official IELTS website if your local IELTS Test Centre is holding the IELTS exam at the moment.
What Is The Best Time To Book Your Test?
From my own experience as a lecturer, the best time to book your test is when your English level is at its best and you are well aware of the strategies and skills needed to ace your exam. It’s much better to prepare first and then book your test. Use the time between your preparation and booked test date to continually improve your skills through practice with official IELTS Tests. Unfortunately, most test-takers do not heed this advice, mostly because they have an unrealistic opinion about their current level of proficiency as well as of the actual level of difficulty of the IELTS exam. Such students take the test without being sufficiently prepared and get IELTS test scores that do not meet their minimum requirements. They end up having to pay the IELTS fee multiple times every time they register to retake the test, which is quite costly.
If you feel that you are not currently at a level of English language proficiency that is necessary for the IELTS exam, then you should consider enrolling for an IELTS preparation course package with an experienced IELTS tutor.