What Is the IELTS Test?

The International English Language Testing System, otherwise known as IELTS, is an international standardised exam which tests the English language proficiency of non-native English language speakers. It was first established in 1989, and is jointly managed by the British Council, IDP: IELTS Australia and Cambridge Assessment English.

The test measures the ability to communicate in English across all four language skills, including:

  • Listening
  • Reading
  • Writing
  • Speaking

It is mainly carried out by people who intend to study or work where English is the main language of communication. IELTS is the key language qualification which is required for entry into British, Australian (and many American) universities and colleges of higher education.

More than 10,000 education institutions, faculties, government agencies and professional organisations in over 140 countries recognise IELTS scores as a trusted and valid indicator of ability to communicate in English.

What Are You Looking For?

Please choose from the list below:

Take the IELTS Test at LSI/IH Portsmouth

LSI/IH Portsmouth is one of the few private English language schools to have been approved by the British Council as an official testing centre, and our test certificates are recognised by more than 10,000 organisations around the world.

You can take your IELTS exam with us if you do not need the certificate for UK Visa purposes. At LSI/IH Portsmouth, you can receive specialist training in the exam skills required by following our IELTS exam preparation course, and then take the exam at the school. We can also provide assistance and advice to students who are applying to university.

You can book your IELTS test at LSI/IH Portsmouth now, or for more information on the test:

 

Important Information for IELTS Students

On 20 February 2015, the UK government announced important changes to Secure English Language Tests (SELT) for VISA purposes.

If you make a Visa application to stay or move to the UK, you need to be aware of changes made by United Kingdom Visas and Immigration (UKVI). For more information, please visit the official government page for:

Please note that LSI/IH Portsmouth IELTS Test Centre does not accept applicants under the age of 16.

IELTS Test Dates 2024 at LSI/IH Portsmouth

New Time for IELTS on Paper exams in the UK & Ireland

The time for the IELTS on Paper exams is 9am.
Exam Date Module
The test fee in 2024 is £200.
2024
7th March, Thursday AC
23rd March, Saturday AC+GT
13th April, Saturday AC
27th April, Saturday AC+GT
9th May, Thursday AC+GT
25th May, Saturday AC+GT
8th June, Saturday
AC+GT
22nd June, Saturday AC+GT
11th July, Thursday AC
27th July, Saturday AC+GT
8th August, Thursday AC+GT
24th August, Saturday AC+GT
14th September, Saturday AC+GT
5th October, Saturday AC+GT
16th November, Saturday AC+GT
30th November, Saturday AC+GT
14th December, Saturday
AC+GT

For more information about availability, please contact the centre directly by phone (02392 291811) or by email (IELTS@lsi-portsmouth.co.uk)

If you wish to postpone or cancel your test, please contact us at IELTS@lsi-portsmouth.co.uk.

Useful Downloads

Below you can find a list of resources to help you prepare for the IELTS test:

Application Booklet

Information for Candidates Booklet

Notice to Candidates

Third Person Collection Form

IELTS FAQs

How can I apply for an IELTS test?

If you wish to register for the IELTS exam online, please book via the official IELTS website. During the application process, you will be asked to provide details of your passport or national ID card (for EU citizens only) or Biometric Residence Permit (BRP card, if you have one) . On the test day, you must bring the same form of identity with you.

How much does it cost to take the IELTS test at LSI/IH Portsmouth?

The test fee in 2024 is £200.

How can I pay for an IELTS test?

Once we have received your application and copies of your ID documents, we will send you details on how to make an online payment via Flywire.

What is the deadline to apply for the test?

Applications are closed when a test is fully booked or seven working days before the test date – whichever comes first.

Can I apply for as many tests as I want?

Yes, you can. You must submit a new online application for each new test. We must also receive payment for every test you take.

Can I reserve a place?

We regret that we cannot reserve a place without a completed online application, and payment.

Can I apply for an IELTS test at your centre if I am under 18 years of age?

If you are 16 or 17, you can request a test at LSI Portsmouth. In order to complete the booking, your parents will need to complete a consent form online (please note that booking spaces for minors may be limited).  Unfortunately, we do not accept applicants who are under 16 years of age.

What is the difference between the Academic and the General Training?

All candidates are tested in four components: Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking. The Listening and Speaking components are the same for all candidates, but the Reading and Writing components are divided into two modules: Academic and General Training.  For more information on the different test types, please visit the IELTS website.

Which exam do I have to take, the Academic one or the General one?

Generally speaking, if you are planning to apply for tertiary, undergraduate and postgraduate courses and for professional registration – you need to take the Academic Training module.

If you are going to an English speaking country to complete your secondary education, or to undertake work experience or training programmes which are not at degree level, or for immigration purposes – then the General Training module may be more suitable.

It is your responsibility to check which module to take before you apply for the exam. You should check the requirements with the immigration authority or other prospective receiving institutions (academic institutions, government agencies, professional bodies, employers, sponsors, etc.). For more information please visit IELTS website.

How are the IELTS examiners recruited, trained and monitored?

If you would like to know more about how your examiners are recruited, trained and monitored, the official website discloses exactly how.

What are the opening times of the IELTS centre at LSI/IH Portsmouth?

The Exam Centre is open between 9.00am and 4:00pm Monday to Friday except public holidays.

What are the contact details of the IELTS centre at LSI/IH Portsmouth?

Email address: IELTS@lsi-portsmouth.co.uk
Phone number: 02392291811 (between 9:00am and 4:00pm, Monday to Friday except bank holidays).

What is the address of the IELTS centre?

IELTS Department
LSI/IH Portsmouth
1-13 Lord Montgomery Way
Portsmouth
Hampshire
PO1 2AH
United Kingdom

For a map, please click here

How can I get to the IELTS centre?

By train:

  • Portsmouth and Southsea Station (PMS) – 0.3m from LSI/IH Portsmouth
  • Fratton Train Station (FRT) – 0.9m from LSI/IH Portsmouth
  • Portsmouth Harbour Station (PMH) – 1.0m from LSI/IH Portsmouth

We strongly recommend that if you are travelling by train that you alight at Portsmouth and Southsea train station as it is only a 5-10 minute walk from our centre.

By bus:
Bus numbers 1, 2, 3, X4, 7, 8, 13, 14, 15, 19, 19A, 20, 21, 23, 700, and the Hoverbus also stop at the station. Bus numbers 7, 19 and 700 also stop on Winston Churchill Avenue and Cambridge Road, which are just a few metres from LSI/IH Portsmouth.

By car:
If you are driving to our test centre, the easiest way to get directions from wherever you are coming from is to enter our postcode PO1 2AH into Google Maps.

There is plenty of pay & display parking near to the school. Please don’t forget to put money in the meter and then the ticket in your car!

I would like to prepare for my IELTS exam at LSI/IH Portsmouth. What are my options?

LSI/IH Portsmouth offers both face-to-face and online options for IELTS exam preparation, you can find more information for each below:

Are there any IELTS preparation materials?

  • IELTS Ready: Premium – Access is free and unlimited for British Council IELTS test takers.  All you need to do is book your test and get started!  Practice tests and exercises, feedback and skills masterclasses are all included.
  • The IELTS Prep App is free to download.
  • Visit the British Council Prepare for IELTS for more information and resources.

What happens on the IELTS test day?

See our test day flowchart for more information.

What do I have to bring on the day of the test?

The only identification that is accepted is your valid and original PASSPORT or your NATIONAL ID card (for EU citizens only) with which you registered. Please note that we DO NOT accept photocopies or certified copies. If you do not have your passport or EU national ID with you on the test date, you will not be able to take the test and the fee will not be refunded. On the test day, the number on your passport or EU national ID must match the number on your application form.

The only items that you can take into the exam room are: your ID, a couple of pens and pencils, an eraser, pencil sharpener and water in a transparent bottle. You will be asked to leave your bags, coats, watches etc. in a separate room. Please make sure you leave your mobile phones there as well – and make sure that they are switched off!

Valuables: It is strongly recommended that you do not bring valuables with you on the test day. LSI/IH Portsmouth cannot take responsibility for the loss or damage of your personal belongings.

What if I need to send my passport to the Home Office or other institution before the test date?

You MUST make sure you will be able to receive it back before your test date. If there are any delays, you will not be allowed to take the test with us without a valid and original passport or EU National ID card.

What can I do if my passport is at the Home Office?

You are strongly advised to wait until your passport is returned to you before you apply for an IELTS test, as there is often a delay at the Home Office in processing visa applications. You will NOT be able to take the test without a valid and original passport or EU National ID card.

What time do I need to arrive at LSI/IH Portsmouth on the test day?

You will usually need to arrive at LSI/IH Portsmouth for registration between 7:45 and 8:30am (click here for a map)

How long does the IELTS test take?

The three modules in the morning take about two hours and 40 minutes:

  • Listening (approximately. 40 minutes)
  • Reading (60 minutes)
  • Writing (60 minutes)
  • The Speaking module in the afternoon takes around 11-14 minutes. Speaking tests are scheduled between 12.45 and 5.30pm, therefore you must leave the whole day free for your test!

Are there any breaks during the IELTS test?

There will be no breaks during the morning modules.

Where can I have lunch near your centre?

There are many local shops, fast-food chains and cafés available for drinks and food.

You may also bring a packed lunch.

Water coolers are available on several floors.

What happens if I want to postpone or cancel my test?

Refund terms depend upon when you cancel and whether exceptional circumstances apply. 

Refund/Transfer request made MORE THAN 14 DAYS AFTER PAYMENT:

  • request made 14 DAYS OR MORE BEFORE THE TEST £45 fee
  • request made WITHIN 14 DAYS BEFORE THE TEST → no refund / transfer can be offered

 

Refund/Transfer request made WITHIN 14 DAYS AFTER PAYMENT:

  • Request is received MORE THAN 14 DAYS BEFORE THE TEST → 100% refund or free transfer
  • Request is received WITHIN 14 DAYS BEFORE THE TEST → £45 fee
  • Request is received WITHIN 48 HOURS BEFORE THE TEST → no refund / transfer can be offered

 

If you cancel your test or request a transfer for medical reasons, you must provide supporting medical evidence within five working days of the test date. Only evidence of serious illness will be considered. Only original medical certificates will be accepted and must state inability to appear for the test on the scheduled test date.

For more information on cancelling your IELTS test or requesting a transfer, please email IELTS@lsi-portsmouth.co.uk.

What happens if I am absent on the day of the test without giving prior notice?

You will lose your full test fee, unless you are able to provide appropriate medical evidence to us to explain your absence. Medical evidence must be provided no later than five working days after the test date. Refunds will only be provided for serious illness and an administrative fee of £40 will be deducted from any refund. If your application for a test date transfer has been approved, you must select a test date within the next three-month period depending on availability in our centre. If you wish to transfer to a test date more than three months away, you should apply for a refund and then re-apply for the test.

When do I get my results?

The test results are usually issued 13 calendar days after the test. We normally send your test certificate to you by post. If you need to collect it from the centre, please let our invigilators know on the day of the test. Our office is open between 9.00am and 4.00pm Monday to Friday except public holidays. While you are waiting for your certificate, you will be able to check your results online. You will need to input your login details (email and password).

Please note that this online result is provisional and should not be used as an official confirmation of your achievement.

How are IELTS results calculated?

If you would like to know how your IELTS results are calculated, go to:

Understand how to calculate your IELTS scores or IELTS scoring in details.

Can you give me my results by phone, e-mail or fax?

No. Certificates can be sent by post or collected at LSI/IH Portsmouth. If you choose to collect your certificate at the centre, you must bring your original and valid passport or National ID (EU citizens only) with you. You can also check your results online. Click here and input your login details (email and password).

Please note that this online result is provisional and should not be used as an official confirmation of your achievement.

Can someone else collect my results?

Yes, but it is only possible in exceptional circumstances. Please send an email to IELTS@lsi-portsmouth.co.uk. The person who will collect your certificate must present his/her ID document to our staff before collecting your results.

How do I send a copy of the Test Result Form to an organisation?

We can send up to five additional copies of your Test Report Form directly to institutions you are applying to (for instance universities, overseas organisations, etc.) Some universities or institutions have subscribed to electronic download of scores, which we send on your behalf. If you would like us to do this, please email us within two years of taking the test at: IELTS@lsi-portsmouth.co.uk.

What can I do if I am not happy with my results?

We are not allowed to give you feedback or comment on your test performance. However, you can apply for your test to be re-marked by a Senior Examiner at British Council London.  The outcome of your Enquiry of Result (EOR) can become available on the same day as your application and up to 21 days after your application. The turnaround time of your application will depend on several factors, including the number of sections requested for remark. Please contact your test centre if you have not received a response after 21 days.

There is a charge of £110 for this service, which will be refunded if your result is changed to a higher band score. If you would like to go ahead with Enquiry of Results (EOR), eligible IELTS candidates should be able to access the Enquiry on Results (EOR) form via the online Test Taker Portal – login to the portal and click on ‘Completed’ test, then on the date of the exam you want to request the EOR form.  Next choose the ‘Results’ tab and the test results will display.  Then scroll all the way down and click on the link to request the test remarking (‘I would like my test to be re-marked’ link).  Once we receive your request we will then send you payment instructions.

Make a complaint:

If you wish to make a complaint regarding your test day experience, please speak to one of the Test Day Supervisors on the test day prior to leaving the test centre. There is also some further information available on the British Council website at: takeielts.britishcouncil.org/make-complaint

Who do I need to contact if I have any further questions?

If you have more questions for us, please contact IELTS@lsi-portsmouth.co.uk or call 02392291811 between 9:00am and 4:00pm Monday to Friday (except public holidays).

IELTS Tips

If you would like more advice about the IELTS test, have a look at our blog posts written by IELTS experts: