Test Day Information
You need to arrive at the centre at 9.00 am on the test day to complete the registration process.
On the test day, you must bring the ID document used in your test application. This is the only form of identification that is accepted and must be valid on test day. You will not be allowed to take the test if different identification has been brought or if your identification document has expired. You will need your ID document at all stages of the examination so please keep it with you.
You are not allowed to take any personal belongings into the test room. These can be left in the baggage room in the reception area of the college along with your mobile phone and any other electronic equipment. It is recommended that you do not bring valuables with you on the test day as SERC will not be responsible for the belongings during the test.
Late arrivals will not be admitted to the test session.
Make sure you arrive at the correct location and time on the test day. Campus information can be found here.
Car Parking Facility:
Free Car Parking is available outside Castle House building for candidates from 8.45 am on the test day.
Your identity and photographs
The IELTS test location staff will check your identity when you arrive. Make sure you have the right ID with you. If you arrive with the wrong ID, you will not be allowed to take the test. You may also need two recent identical passport-sized photographs.
Your IELTS test day
You need to arrive in good time for your IELTS test. If you arrive late, you may not be allowed to take the test.
Switch off your mobile phone and any other electronic devices. You will be asked to place these with other personal belongings outside the test room. The Listening, Reading and Writing tests take 2 hours 40 minutes and there are no breaks between each part of the test. Make sure you are prepared and have something to eat and drink beforehand. You will not be allowed to take food into the test room; you will only be allowed to take a drink in a transparent bottle.
Speaking tests
Speaking tests can be held up to 7 days before or 7 days after the test date.
During the IELTS test
You will only be allowed to have a pen or pencil, an eraser and your ID on your desk. If you need to go to the bathroom during the test, put your hand up to attract the attention of the invigilator. Do not disturb other candidates. If you have any questions during the test, raise your hand to ask for help.
When you take the Listening test, check that you can hear the test properly. Raise your hand straightaway and let the invigilator know if you cannot hear the recording. Please remember that you will have 10 minutes after the Listening section to fill in your answer sheet. You will not have 10 minutes after the Reading section, so please make sure that you write your answers on your Reading answer sheet as you complete each section.
At the end of the test
Stay in your seat until the invigilator gives you permission to leave the room. If you think that there have been any issues that may have affected your performance, tell the invigilator straightaway. If you want to make a complaint about your test day, you need to do this within one week of the test date. Your invigilator will have a Test Day Incident Form. Please fill this in if you want to raise an issue or make a complaint.
