IELTS Test Day Procedures and Guidelines | Generated by AI

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Question: What is the IELTS test day procedure?

Answer:

Here is a comprehensive English translation and structured summary of the provided Chinese text about the IELTS test day procedures (primarily based on the official process in mainland China via the Ministry of Education Examination Authority / NEEA, covering both paper-based and computer-delivered formats).

Check Test Arrangements and Print Admission Ticket

• Paper-based IELTS: Print the Test Admission Ticket (准考证) 8 days before the written test date.
• Computer-delivered IELTS: Print it 2 days before the written test date.
• Log in to the official IELTS registration website (ielts.neea.cn) personal homepage to view your test number, speaking test time, venue, address, and classroom number, then print the ticket.
• Suggestions:
  • Check the map in advance and plan transportation.
  • Carefully read the IELTS Test Taker Instructions (《雅思考试考生须知》) for important information.
  • For computer-delivered tests, watch the official machine test operation guide video on the IELTS Chinese website.
• Notes:
  • Speaking test for paper-based is usually scheduled any day from one week before to one week after the written test.
  • For computer-delivered, speaking is usually on the same day or as close as possible.
  • In special cases, speaking may be scheduled outside this window; the British Council reserves the right to adjust.
  • Speaking time cannot be changed at the candidate’s request.
  • Failure to print the ticket in time may cause you to miss the speaking test.
  • Venue/address for speaking and written tests may differ.
  • All arrangements are subject to on-site confirmation on test day; website info is for reference only.
  • Watch for any printing time changes announced on the website.

Test Day Reminders / Memo

• Staff will provide polite, enthusiastic, and professional service to ensure a fair and secure test.
• Follow staff instructions carefully.

Test Day Flowchart (Times based on paper-based as example)

• Arrival: Paper-based candidates arrive by 07:30; computer-delivered varies (08:00 AM session, 13:00 PM, 17:00 evening).
• Check-in / Verification: Usually 08:00–08:30 (AM), etc.
• Written test: Listening ~09:00 start, full written section ~09:00–12:00 (paper-based).
• Speaking: Separate day/time (check ticket).

Written Test Procedure

Arrival at Test Center

1. Paper-based: Arrive by 07:30. Computer-delivered: 08:00 (AM), 13:00 (PM), 17:00 (evening). Arrange breakfast/lunch for energy.
2. Find your name on the posted list, cross-check with ticket, confirm written test classroom.
3. Show ticket, follow staff to waiting area, place belongings in designated area.

Entering the Written Test Room

1. In waiting room, follow staff for check-in/verification (08:00–08:30 AM, etc.).
2. Prepare only the ID used at registration; no other items allowed.
3. ID check + fingerprint scan (electronic, no ink/chemicals); wear a paper wristband after.
4. Queue by test number before classroom; use restroom before queuing.
5. Invigilator reads notices, scans for prohibited items, checks ID, gets signature, assigns seat.
6. ID collected temporarily (returned after written test).
7. Find seat via desk card, verify personal info and schedule.
8. Computer-delivered candidates: Do not operate computer or adjust screen yourself.

Important Notes

• Late arrival after cutoff (08:30 AM paper/AM computer, etc.) → cannot enter, no partial participation, no transfer/refund, scores canceled if any section completed.
• Only allowed in room: one label-removed water bottle + essential medicine. All electronics (including watches) off and in designated area. Random scans possible anytime. Violation → disqualification, no refund/transfer.
• Avoid bringing valuables; center not responsible for loss.

Pre-Test Preparation – Paper-based

1. Invigilator reads instructions.
2. Distributes Listening/Reading answer sheets; fill per instructions (one sheet, two sides).
3. Test headphones; raise hand if issues.
4. Distributes Listening test; fill name/test number.
5. Final headphone test before start.
6. Do not open test until instructed by audio.

Pre-Test Preparation – Computer-delivered

1. Invigilator reads instructions.
2. Keep ID on desk throughout.
3. Adjust screen per staff.
4. Receive Listening login slip; log in with username/password (case-sensitive).
5. Verify personal info; click “My details are correct.”
6. Adjust settings (color/font); click “OK.”
7. Test headphones via “Play Sound”; adjust volume; click “Continue.”
8. Read on-screen notices; do not click “Start Test” until instructed.
9. Put on headphones, click “Start Test” when told.

During the Test – Paper-based

• Timing: ~09:00–12:00. Listening 30 min + 10 min transfer; Reading 60 min; Writing 60 min.
• Listening: Follow audio; transfer answers during 10 min (keep headphones on).
• Reading: No transfer time; write directly.
• Writing: Note word limits; suggested timings per task.
• Clock in room; reminders at 20/40 min after start, 10/5 min before end (Reading/Writing).
• Rules: Independent work; raise hand for issues/wrong paper.
• Do not open booklet early or write after stop; violation may cancel scores.
• Bathroom: Raise hand during non-Listening (after instructions until 10 min before end); re-verified on return.

During the Test – Computer-delivered

• Timing: AM 09:00–12:00; PM 14:00–17:00; Evening 18:00–21:00 (start after prep, not before planned -30 min).
• Listening 30 min + 2 min check; Reading/Writing 60 min each.
• Do not shut down/restart computer.
• Login slips per section (can use as scratch); returned after each.
• Raise hand if wrong section or poor display.
• Time shown on screen; auto-flash reminders 10/5 min before Reading/Writing end.
• Writing: Word count auto-tracked.
• Tools: Highlight, Notes (right-click); Help button available.
• Bathroom: Same as paper; use “Hide” before leaving, “Resume” on return.

Video Call Speaking Test Procedure

(The original text does not detail video call speaking extensively, but in China, speaking remains a face-to-face or video-call format with an examiner. Recent formats may use video-call speaking at the test center for flexibility. The test content, timing ~11–14 min, and scoring are identical to in-person. You attend the center, go to a room, verify ID, and connect via video with the examiner. Staff assist with setup; speak normally, maintain eye contact, and avoid touching screen/face to ensure audio clarity.)

Test Day Checklist

• Valid ID (passport/ID used at registration).
• Printed Test Admission Ticket.
• Arrive early (plan transport, breakfast).
• No prohibited items (electronics off, in bag).
• Water (label removed) + essential meds only.
• Follow all staff instructions and rules strictly.

References:

• Official IELTS China site (chinaielts.org)
• NEEA IELTS registration site (ielts.neea.cn)
• Various official procedure summaries from British Council / IDP IELTS resources and China-specific test day guides (2025–2026 updates indicate computer-delivered often same-day with speaking, paper-based separate).

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