Duration: 2 hours and 45 minutes (excluding Speaking)

Format: The test consists of four sections: Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking.

The Speaking test is usually taken on the same day as the other sections of the test or up to a week before or after. When registering for the test, the candidate can choose, from those available, the slot he or she prefers to take the Speaking test. Normally, the candidate takes the Speaking test at the examination site where he or she connects by video call with the examiner, with the assistance of the test administrators and using the computers provided.

Tests types: 

During registration, you can choose to take one of the following types of IELTS tests:

• IELTS Academic

The IELTS Academic test is the most suitable and required test to study in an English-speaking country or to enroll in a course of study delivered in English.
It assesses the level of English language proficiency needed for an academic, higher education environment. The IELTS Academic test features vocabulary that is common within an academic setting and may also be a requirement for registration with professional bodies. For more information on the structure and content of the test click here.

• IELTS General Training

IELTS General Training is more suitable for those who want to certify their level of English for personal or professional purposes.
The test assesses everyday English language skills that you will need in social situations and in workplace environments. The IELTS General Training test is also suitable for those wishing to migrate to an English-speaking country (Australia, Canada, New Zealand, UK). For more information on the structure and content of the test click here.

The IELTS Certification system covers all six levels of language-communication proficiency (A1 to C2) identified by the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.

All test takers undergo the same tests, the results are evaluated and test takers are given a score corresponding to one of the levels of the Common European Framework, as in the table below:

• Unipd candidates – discounted registration fee

Students and staff of the University of Padua who register for the IELTS exam sessions held at our Language Center get a €15 discount on the exam fee and have some spots reserved for them. Registration normally closes 5 days before the exam, but may close earlier if there are no more spots available.

To register applying the discount:

1. fill out and submit the pre-registration form in the table below;
2. wait for the email with the discount code and the dedicated link to complete the registration for the IELTS Certification.

• External candidates

External candidates (who are not students or staff of the University of Padua) can register with the standard fee charged by the British Council.
Registration, as well as payment of the fee, is done online through the IELTS website.
Registration normally closes 5 days before the exam, but may close earlier if there are no more spots available.

• General information for all candidates

To book the test:

1. Make sure you have a valid identification document (passport or ID card) handy as you will need to upload a sharp scan of it to book the test. Keep in mind that applicants under the age of 18 must provide written consent from a parent or guardian to apply for the test.
2. Download and read the Information for candidates, which contains important information about the test format, question types, and test results. Keep in mind that the IELTS test is not recommended for candidates under the age of 16.
3. Pay for your test.

Confirmation of IELTS test date:

After completing your registration, you will receive, 5 days before the test, a confirmation email containing the test start time and the address where the test will take place.

During registration, you will also be able to choose the day and time at which you will take the Speaking part of the exam, which could be held on the same day as the other skills or one or two days earlier. Either way, you will need to arrive at the exam site 20 minutes before the oral test begins in order to proceed with registration for the exam.

You will also receive your IELTS Reference Number to access the Test Taker Portal. When you book the test, be sure to enter your correct e-mail address.

Special Needs:

Candidates with disabilities may contact our Center no later than 2 months prior to the exam date they plan to register for, in order to request a modified version of IELTS based on their special needs.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs):

Find out answers to the most frequently asked questions (FAQs) about IELTS.

The Language Center organizes IELTS exam preparation courses (IELTS Academic), taught by highly qualified teachers. These courses are intended to provide support for those aiming to achieve a score of about 6.5 (B2 CEFR level) and focus mainly on oral and written production skills.
Therefore, the courses are aimed at those who have already achieved a level above B1 of the CEFR, assessed through a mandatory placement test.
The courses are mainly aimed at practice through practical tests simulating the exam. Therefore, they are not general English language courses.

The course, lasting 30 hours, includes 10 lessons of 3 hours each.

The CLA organises IELTS preparation courses on a monthly basis.

• Free IELTS preparation webinars

This is a series of free IELTS preparation webinars aimed at providing in-depth guidance on various aspects of the test.
The webinars are conducted by qualified IELTS experts. Each webinar lasts about 60 minutes and helps test takers to understand what to expect during the test. The webinars are also helpful in answering frequently asked questions about each section of the test: listening, reading, writing and speaking.

The webinars are held weekly: every Thursday there are two sessions, one at 10.30 a.m. and the other at 4.00 p.m. (Italian time).

• IELTS Expert Facebook live sessions

The IELTS Expert Live Sessions on Facebook give test takers the opportunity to interact with an IELTS teacher and ask questions about the test.
The sessions take place once a week on the IELTS Facebook page. Every Friday morning the IELTS Expert addresses a topic that is commonly asked about by most test takers and answers the audience’s questions at the end of the session.

• Online free materials available on Moodle for Unipd students and staff.
• Online free materials provided by IELTS
• British Council’s free practice tests. You can take a free comprehensive practice test to familiarise yourself with all four parts (Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking) of which the IELTS test is composed.
• Resources and practice tests for IELTS on computer (at our Centre you can take the IELTS exam only on a computer).
• Books and other preparation materials found in Padua University libraries.
• British Council Digital Library: you can sign up to have access to thousands of academic and non-academic books for all ages, concerts, films, magazines, newspapers, audiobooks.
• MOOCs (Massive Online Open Course) created by the British Council. These are free online courses recurring throughout the year and lasting a few weeks. The weekly commitment is approx. 2 hours. These courses focus on the format of the IELTS test and the techniques and strategies for passing it:
  • Understanding IELTS: Reading
  • Understanding IELTS: Listening
  • Understanding IELTS: Writing
  • Understanding IELTS: Speaking
• Mobile IELTS App developed by the British Council to prepare you for the test and learn English flexibly.
• Birtish Council’s “Road to IELTS” online course. You can have free access to the first 30 hours of the course. The first 10 hours of the course can also be accessed before registering for the exam; the next 20, however, will be accessed only after registering for the exam.
  The course includes 100 interactive activities, nine videos with tips and tutorials, and two practice tests for each of the four skills.