You can take your IELTS test at one of our official test centres on paper or computer.
You can also take IELTS Online (IELTS Academic only) from the comfort of your home or any private space with a reliable internet connection.
Choose how to take your IELTS test and book online
All you need is a valid identification document and a bank card if you want to pay online.
Please note that only the following types of ID documents can be used to register and needs to be shown as an original on the test day:
- For IELTS for UKVI: German national Identity card, passport or German biometric residence permit
- For IELTS: National Identity card (EU citizens only), passport, or Aufenthaltsgestattung zur Durchführung des Asylverfahrens
| Tests we offer | Fee | Available test dates |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS Academic - in centre (paper or computer) | €255 | Find a test date |
| IELTS Academic Online | €255 | Find a test date |
| IELTS General Training - in centre (paper or computer) | €255 | Find a test date |
| IELTS for UKVI Academic - in centre (computer) | €278 | Find a test date |
| IELTS for UKVI General Training - in centre (computer) | €278 | Find a test date |
| IELTS for UKVI Life Skills (A1 and B1) - in centre |
€185 | Find a test date |
What does the fee include? Our IELTS test fee includes exclusive preparation materials, free practice tests and much more.
What you need to book
1. Read the information for candidates
Download and read the Information for Candidates, which contains important information about the test format, the question types and the test results.
Please note that IELTS is not recommended for candidates under the age of 16.
2. Decide which version of the test is right for you.
There are two versions of the IELTS test:
- IELTS Academic
- IELTS General Training
For IELTS for UKVI, you can apply online (above) or you can download this booking form and apply at your test centre.
3. Check the IELTS test days
There are a limited number of places for all our IELTS test sessions. To make sure you get a place, we recommend that you register approx. five weeks before your chosen test date. You can use our online registration system to find up-to-date information about test dates, availability and registration deadlines.
Please note: Your Listening, Reading and Writing test will be completed on the same day. Your Speaking test may be offered:
- if your main test day is Saturday, on the same day or on the day before (Friday)
- if your main test day is Thursday, on the same day or on the day after (Friday).
You have a free choice of Speaking test dates. We will do our best to accommodate your chosen speaking test time. However, please note that your speaking test time may change due to organisational reasons.
4. Register online
Use our online registration system (links at the top) to book your place on the test. Please make sure write all names without using special characters (ä, ë, í, ó etc.) throughout the applications process and please refrain from using t-online e-mail addresses.
Please ensure you are able to provide the documents in step 5 and are able to pay using one of the payment methods in step 6.
5. Documents for registration
Please note that only the following types of ID documents can be used to register for the IELTS test:
- National Identity card (for EU citizens only)
- Passport
- Aufenthaltsgestattung zur Durchführung des Asylverfahrens
Registration with a residence permit is not possible! On test day, you will need to bring the same original ID Document that you registered with. Without this you will not be able to take the test.
No other documents are allowed. If you are unsure whether your ID document is acceptable, please get in touch with the test centre before you register by sending an email to contactexams@britishcouncil.org.
6. Choose your payment options
You can pay for your test in one of the following ways:
- By credit card through our online registration systems
- By Giropay
- By Klarna
- By Paypal
Registrations not paid within 24 hours will be cancelled.
7. Complete your registration
Normally, the deadline for applying for a test is ten days before the test date. Always check the application deadlines on our test dates, fees and locations page.
Please note: once your application has been submitted, you cannot go back to change your details.
Copies of your results
If you would like your results to be sent to universities or other educational institutions, please enter the relevant addresses in the appropriate fields on the online registration form. We can issue a maximum of five copies per student.
8. After you register
You will receive immediately after your registration an e-mail confirming your start time of the test, the venue address and your access to the free online preparation course IELTS Ready Premium. Please notify us in case you haven't received your confirmation e-mail.
We will send you a confirmation approximately one week before the test date giving you details about test day procedure.
Please note: Once your application has been submitted, you cannot go back to change your details. For more information please contact our Exams Services via email to contactexams@britishcouncil.org.
Special Arrangements
IELTS is designed to be a fair test and your English language ability will be assessed objectively, regardless of any special needs that you may have.
We can help you with any special arrangements you require for your test. For example, we offer support for people with visual impairments, hearing difficulties and dyslexia.
Find further information about our special arrangements and read our special needs policy.
Please contact us three months in advance of your test date to find out how you can apply for special arrangements. Should you require extra time in the test, or a separate room, we can offer these arrangements in Berlin and Cologne only.
Contact us
For more information about IELTS please send an email to contactexams@britishcouncil.org.
