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On the test day

Find out what to expect on the day of your IELTS test.

Test day structure: IELTS on paper test

  • Test venue open from 7.45am
  • Registration 7.45am - 8.30am – test takers arriving after this time may not be permitted to take the test (with no refund)
  • Listening, reading, and writing sections 9am - 12pm (no breaks)
  • Leave the venue with your ID and personal belongings
  • Return with your ID 60 minutes before your speaking interview – a 20 minute slot.

Once registered, test takers can't leave the building until the listening, reading and writing sections are complete.

Test takers will have fingerprints scanned and photographs taken as part of the registration process. During the taking of photographs test takers must adhere to normal passport criteria – remove spectacles; hair removed from face; eyes face forward; no smiling.

Test day structure: IELTS on computer test

Because the venue and start times vary from test to test, detailed instructions will be emailed to you at least 5 working days before the test. It's a good idea to clear your diary for the day, ensuring you have no other commitments.

Absence on test day

If you're ill on the test day, please email to inform us of your absence on the day. You must send us an original medical certificate (covering the test date) within five days of the test date. If we don't receive the document within the deadline, you'll be marked as absent and forfeit all claims.

During the IELTS test

To visit the bathroom during the test, raise your hand to attract the attention of an invigilator. Please don't disturb other test takers. Remain in your seat until the invigilator gives you permission to leave the room.

During the listening test, check that you can hear the audio clearly. Raise your hand immediately to inform an invigilator if you can't hear the recording.

Venue information

Main venue - IELTS on paper 

All parts of the test will take place in Rendall Building, Bedford Street South, Liverpool, L69 7WW. Rendall Building is No.432 on the campus map (550KB, PDF).

Main venue - IELTS on computer test

All parts of the test will take place in South Campus Teaching Hub, Chatham Street, Liverpool, L69 7ZS. South Campus Teaching Hub is No.120 (Grid E2) on the campus map (550KB, PDF).

Getting to the test centre

Directions to the University, car parking and information for disabled visitors can be found on our Visiting the University webpage. View our Visitor car parking webpage for further details.

On-campus visitor car parking

Visitor car parks are located at Brownlow Street and Mount Pleasant (opposite the Catholic Cathedral). Please see the campus map for visitor car park locations. Pay stations accept various methods of payment including card, notes and coins. We advise that you have the correct money to avoid delays.

Facilities

Within a short walking distance of the test centre there are a number of food and drink outlets: Greggs, Café Nero, Co-op supermarket, Tesco supermarket, KFC, and Subway. All are located on nearby Catherine Street, L8 7NL and Myrtle Street, L7 7EL. Vending machines in the Rendall Building offer a limited supply of confectionary and cold drinks.