IELTS Frequently asked questions
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 the one sitting on the one day. The speaking test is usually done on the
Thursday, Friday before the test or on the Saturday of the test.
Which version should I do?
Read the explanation of the Academic and General Training tests at the following link.
http://www.ielts.org/test_takers_information/what_is_ielts/academic_or_general_training.aspx
It is best to contact the organisation or institution to which you are applying to find out what it
requires.
What help is available for candidates with special needs?
The test centre makes every effort to assist candidates with special needs. Requests for special
administrative arrangements should be addressed to us 2-3 months in advance supported by the
relevant documentation (i.e. medical certificate or other specialist assessment).
How do I apply to sit for an IELTS test?
Registering in person – please bring
 the completed IELTS Application form – IELTS Application form
 completed Tax Invoice form – IELTS GST Form Darwin IELTS GST Form Alice Springs
 Current and valid passport
 2 colour passport-sized photographs
 your test fee
AU120 IELTS Test Centre Charles Darwin University Frequently asked questions. Created by Sharon Gilbert and checked by Anne Pitman and Susana
Lu-Dizon…November 2012 – version 1
Page 1
How much does the test cost?
 $363.00 (GST inclusive) - Darwin
 $523.00 (GST inclusive) - Alice Springs * this includes a $160.00 offsite test administration
fee.
How do I pay?
There are two ways to pay your fees.
1. Pay online – https://www.payonline.cdu.edu.au/ and click on IELTS
2. In person at:
The Cashiers officeLocated in Building Orange 1, Ground Floor, Casuarina campus
OR
Info Shop, Alice Springs Campus
Will I get a refund if I cancel my application?
Cancelations must be made with five weeks’ notice. This will incur a $90.75 fee (Darwin tests) or a
$130.35 fee (Alice Springs tests).
If you cancel less than five weeks before your test date, your registration fee will be forfeited.
Can I apply by post?
Yes.
Fax your application and a copy of your passport to 08 8946 6327.
Once the documents are received, the Test centre will contact you to confirm your booking.
Then post your:
 original IELTS application form,
 Photocopy of your passport – Include the photo and personal information page, plus the page
showing the expiry date of your passport.
 completed GST form
 payment receipt/tax invoice
 2 recent colour passport-sized photographs
Mail to:
IELTS Test Centre
Orange 4, Level 2
Charles Darwin University
Casuarina campus
Darwin NT 0909
Payment must also be received. See above payment methods.
AU120 IELTS Test Centre Charles Darwin University Frequently asked questions. Created by Sharon Gilbert and checked by Anne Pitman and Susana
Lu-Dizon…November 2012 – version 1
Page 2
The centre will contact you to confirm receipt. This serves as your booking confirmation.
What photographs do I need to provide in my IELTS application?
2 identical colour photographs must be attached to your application form.
On the back of each photo you must have name printed and your signature.
Photos must be originals and NOT scanned.
Staple only 1 photo and use a paper clip for the other (no glue).
Photos must be no more than six months old.
Photos with glasses will not be accepted.
Photos must be Australian standard-size passport photos (height 45-50mm, width 35-40mm)
What if I want to change the date of my test?
You must give five weeks’ notice if you want to transfer to a new test date. This will incur a $90.75
administration fee (Darwin tests) or a $130.35 administration fee (Alice Springs tests).
Transfers less than five weeks are effectively cancellations. You will need to pay the whole
registration fee again.
What courses are available to help me prepare for the test?
The IELTS test centre runs IELTS workshops throughout the year. These are held over three days.
For more information, go to: http://www.cdu.edu.au/cdu-vet/ielts
Do you have any materials I can purchase to help me prepare for the test?
IELTS preparation books are for sale at IELTS Reception.
What do I bring on test day?
You must bring your passport.
Please do not bring: valuables, large sums of money, mobile phones, dictionaries and stationery.
Your belongings will be stored in a room whilst you take your test.
AU120 IELTS Test Centre Charles Darwin University Frequently asked questions. Created by Sharon Gilbert and checked by Anne Pitman and Susana
Lu-Dizon…November 2012 – version 1
Page 3
What can I take into the test?
Water in a clear bottle.
Your passport.
What to expect on test day?
Please arrive at registration at 8.00am. You will be escorted to the test room where your personal
belongings will be stored whilst you take the test.
The test usually finishes between 12.30pm and 1.00pm.
What if I am sick on test day?
If you are sick on the day, please obtain a medical certificate (within 5 days of the test date) and
providing you had a serious illness on the day, you will be allowed to transfer to a later test date. A
fee of $90.00 will apply if a refund is required.
When will I receive my results
Results can be viewed online at https://results.ielts.org/ thirteen days after the test date. Results are
not given over the phone or by email.
Your TRF (Test Result Form) can be collected directly from the IELTS office on the Monday after the
results are made available online. However, if you would like your TRF posted to you, please advise
the IELTS office.
Additional copies can be mailed to DIAC, University admission offices and/or other authorised
institutions (migration agents and lawyers are not authorised to receive TRFs).
How soon can I take the test again?
There is no limit on sitting the test. However, we highly recommend you do additional study before
taking the test again.
What if I think my result is wrong?
If you are unhappy with your results, you can apply for a remark by a senior examiner. This is
called an Enquiry on Results (EOR) and the fee is $176.00. If you are successful with your appeal,
the fee is refunded. The appeal process takes 6-8 weeks. You must return your original Test
Report Form as part of the appeal. An EOR must be lodged within six weeks of the test date.
AU120 IELTS Test Centre Charles Darwin University Frequently asked questions. Created by Sharon Gilbert and checked by Anne Pitman and Susana
Lu-Dizon…November 2012 – version 1
Page 4
When is the IELTS Test Centre Reception Open?
Reception is open at the following times:
 Monday, Tuesday and Thursday - 10am to 3.30pm
 Wednesday - 10am to 5.30pm
 Friday - 10am to 2.30pm
 Test day Saturday – 2.00pm to 3.00pm
When are the test dates in Darwin and Alice Springs?
2013 Test Dates
AU120 IELTS Test Centre Charles Darwin University Frequently asked questions. Created by Sharon Gilbert and checked by Anne Pitman and Susana
Lu-Dizon…November 2012 – version 1
Page 5