Frequently asked questions about IELTS
Useful information on what to expect in regards to applying for, studying for and sitting the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) exam.
How much does the IELTS test cost?
The IELTS test costs approximately $179 AUD or £110.
where do I get the application form and materials to
study from?
- For the application form and fees please go to the IELTS website.
- For the materials to study visit the How do I Prepare? page of the IELTS website or
ask your Geneva Consultant to send you the online practice
links.
Is it worth while purchasing the official IELTS
practice materials?
It is extremely worth while, we cannot stress the importance of
this enough as the actual test will follow the same layout with
very similar structured questions.
How do I obtain a test date at a centre close to where
I live?
Please go to the IELTS website and look under your location.
Do I apply for the Academic or General IELTS
test?
You need to apply for the Academic test.
How long does it take to obtain the test results after
attending the test?
Always 13 days.
How long does it take to receive confirmation of my
test date booking?
Generally a few days.
Do I need an overall band score of seven or is it a
score of seven in each category?
You need at a score of at least a
seven in each category for the nursing boards of Australia and New
Zealand. The four categories are: reading, writing, speaking
and listening.
Can I do a resit if I fail or appeal my
results?
Yes, you can attend the next test date for the same additional
cost. You can also appeal the result if it is 0.5 you missed
out on in a certain category, but this process takes months and
costs roughly the same as sitting the test (we advise against
appealing your results, as you are better off just re-sitting the
test straight away).
Are there any exemptions such as for English trained
nurses, or those with English as a first language?
No.
How long do I have to submit the pass results to the
nursing board?
At present this is two years, but preferably 12 months.
Is it true what others say that it's really
that hard to pass, or is the test actually quite
easy?
This is subjective. The test organised in a certain way that can
be quite confusing without appropriate practice, and being under
timed exam conditions can be quite stressful. The requirement of at
least a score of seven in each category is what makes the test
quite hard to pass with these marks, as the highest you can get in
each category is a nine.
What is the hardest component of the Reading, Writing,
Speaking, and Listening?
This is again subjective. It depends on your ability, and what
your personal strengths and weaknesses are, but most would say the
reading or the writing.
Is it really necessary to study even if English is my
first language?
Yes, it is extremely important! Everyone
must study. Sample tests are
available here.