Special arrangements for your IELTS test

Available locations and notice periods:

  • Berlin, Cologne, Hamburg, and Heidelberg: On paper tests are available. Other locations might be possible depending on the specific disability and requirements.

  • Notice period: Special arrangements require 6-8 weeks' notice to ensure all necessary accommodations are made.

Booking special arrangements

Currently, tests with special arrangements in Berlin (on paper only) cannot be booked online. If you need special arrangements in Berlin, please contact our customer support with your preferred test date(s), medical documentation, and details of your requirements. We will provide further instructions on how to proceed with your booking.

Special arrangements overview:

Our official IELTS test centres offer support for candidates with visual, hearing, speaking, or learning difficulties. These arrangements are tailored to individual needs and may include, but are not limited to, the examples listed below:

  • Modified test versions: If you require a modified version of the IELTS test, please give the test centre two- three months' notice.
  • Additional accommodations: If you need extra time or a separate room, these arrangements can be made in Berlin, Cologne, and possibly Hamburg or Heidelberg.

Your English language ability will be assessed objectively, regardless of any disability or special needs.

What do special arrangements include?

Examples of possible special arrangements include:

  • Braille papers
  • Special Listening CDs with necessary stops and pauses.
  • Lip-reading versions of the Listening test
  • Enlarged print or Speaking task cards in Braille.

What sort of help can I get?

Depending on your specific needs, we can provide the following:

  • Visual impairment:
    • Enlarged print.
    • Braille test papers
    • An amanuensis to write your answers.
  • Hearing difficulties:
    • Headphones for the Listening module
    • Lip-reading version of the Listening module
  • Dyslexia:
    • Extra time for the Reading and Writing tests.

 

What medical evidence do I have to submit?

The medical evidence should meet the following criteria:

  • The medical evidence should be legible and either in English or in German.
  • The medical evidence should be an original document on headed paper and bearing the name, relevant qualification(s) and signature of a recognised practitioner.
  • The medical evidence should give a clear statement of the candidate's disability.
  • The medical evidence should make it clear how the disability justifies Special Arrangements.

Additional criteria apply in the case of applications for special arrangements with candidates with specific learning difficulties such as dyslexia:

  • The report must include details of the degree of the disability.
  • The report must include an assurance that the evidence of the specific difficulties was obtained through the result of appropriate and recognised tests.
  • The report must be provided by a fully qualified educational, clinical or chartered psychologist.
  • The medical evidence must be in the form of a report prepared when you were 13 years of age or older.
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