How to Register for IELTS?

If someone needs to demonstrate their English language skills to a prospective employer, college, or university of their choice, and they say that passing the IELTS exam is required to validate the position for which they are applying, and they are unsure of how to register and need assistance? The first step in writing any qualifying exam is to register for it, and it is commonly known that this can be a challenging and confusing process. Here are the steps for creating a comprehensive application guide for the IELTS exam, which should aid candidates in their endeavors.

IELTS Eligibility

IELTS does not have strict criteria for those who want to attempt the test. The general criteria include that the applicant is above 16 years of age and owns a valid passport. There are no specific education criteria mentioned for taking the test.

Step-by-Step Guide to Register

Applying for IELTS consists mainly of three main steps. The first step is to find their test center, then candidates have to do the actual registration process and finally, they will receive written confirmation of the test date and center.

• Step 1- Find Test Center
  The initial step to applying for IELTS is to find a test center closest to one. More than 4000 test sites for IELTS are available in 140 countries worldwide. Exams can also be taken online in some nations.
  Clicking on this link will lead candidates to the official website and they will be able to view a page like this.
  
  Candidates have to select their country and the city near them from the drop-down list. Next, candidates must choose between the "One Skill Retake" and "UKVI Approved" test types.
  
  Here, candidates can scroll down and select their desired test center. Most of the time, candidates will only be provided with one test center in their location. But in case there is more than one suggestion it is recommended that they avail the center with the least amount of traffic since any delay in reaching the center will make candidates lose their opportunity to write the exam.
  
  Once candidates have found the test center of their choice, click on the ” Book A Test” icon. With this action, the first step would be complete.
  
  
  
  
  
  
• Step 2- Choose IELTS Version
  There are broadly 3 versions of the IELTS depending on why they are taking the test.
  • IELTS Academic- This is taken by people who want to study at a university either for an undergraduate course or a postgraduation course. People who want to join professional organizations in English-speaking countries are also required to write this version of the test.
  • IELTS General Training - This test is taken by those who want to study/ train at a level below a degree in an English-speaking country.
  • IELTS for UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) and IELTS Life Skills- This is taken by people to prove their proficiency in English. This will aid them in various categories of UK visa applications.
  The page will contain 3 links to register for the version that candidates choose.
  
  Choose a version of the test that meets the candidate's needs. In case the versions appear confusing to them, candidates are advised to contact the university/ organization they are applying to and enquire which version of IELTS is required to join them.
  
  
• Step 3- Choosing city
  The country's preferred test-taking city will be asked about by the candidates. Candidates may choose their desired city from the list below. Candidates can select the "Closest to Me" option if they are unsure of the test location.
  
  
• Step 4 -Choose a Test Format and Date
  After selecting the city, they will ask candidates to choose the test format. Both the computerized and paper versions of the IELTS are available for selection at the test center. Candidates can select "I don't mind" if they're okay with either of the modes.
  
  
  
  The candidates are then asked to select a date for the test. They are allowed to choose for more than one month. The test dates that candidates receive will be based on their choice of months. The dates shown in the color grey are unavailable. The dates shown in a light blue shade will be the dates available for you at that particular location.
  
  
  
• Step 5-Choosing time for the test
  Afterward, candidates will be directed to a page that displays the various test times that are available on the selected date.
  
  
  The speaking test on this page will take place at a different time than the other tests. Any time zone can be selected by candidates from the drop-down menu. Candidates can click on the "change speaking" icon and choose the time that works best for them if they would like to adjust the timing. Click on "Book For (price)" to proceed.
  
  
  
• Step 6 Create an Account (if candidates do not have one yet)
  In order to create an account, one will be asked to fill in details about themselves. The name and date of birth that the candidate provides must match the identification document they upload and intend to present at the test center. Discrepancies in details will make candidates lose the chance to write the exam.
  
  
  After creating their account successfully, candidates can log in to the same account in order to complete the registration procedure.
  
  
• Step 7-Enter Application Details
  In this part of registration, candidates will also have fields for their personal details including their passport number and expiration date. Candidates should Upload a clear passport-size photograph where necessary. Candidates have to make sure that the photograph resembles them as they are at the time of registration since any difference in appearance might cause confusion to the proctors and they might not let the candidate take the test.
  
  Candidates are required to Click “Continue” once they have completed all the requirements on the page.
  
  
• Step 8- Go through Details and Pay
  After the registration details have been completely filled in, candidates can proceed to review the information they have typed. Candidates are advised to ensure that their passport details are in order and that there are no discrepancies. Candidates have to Click “Continue” pay through credit or debit card

If the payment is confirmed and the amount has been debited from the candidate's account, consider the registration done. Candidates will receive registration confirmation including their details regarding the test center and test date to the communication links they provided in their account.

NOTE: The registration procedures listed above are for candidates who live in the United States. The procedures might change depending on the nation. It is recommended that prospective candidates follow these steps as an example for the types of information needed during the registration process. Their country may have a different registration process.

Tips for Easy Registration

• Candidates have to decide whether they require a paper-based test or a computer-based test. Prior knowledge of the same makes the application process go smoother.
• Keep all materials and information in hand. Having immediate access to them makes filling up the form or uploading documents easier and takes less time.
• Having an easily accessible calendar to go through the available test dates and cross-check with the selected schedule ensures no further clashes regarding the same.
• Ensure that the test location is one that is nearest to where they will be on that day. In case there are multiple locations available, choose a test center that has the least traffic and maximum parking availability.
• It is mandatory to provide proof of identity, either a passport or a National Identity Card, during registration. It is recommended that candidates confirm the type of identity document accepted in their test center.
• Candidates have to ensure that they inform the test center about changes in their identity document before the test date.
• The identity document presented at the test center should be the same as the one used for registering for the exam.
• Candidates should Register only if they are willing to have their photograph taken. Refusal of the same will result in the inability to sit for the exam. No refunds will be provided in this case.