How to Register for {ielts} — Step-by-Step Guide (2026)

Before you begin registration, decide whether you need {ieltsAcademic} or {ieltsGT}. {ieltsAcademic} is required for university admission and professional registration in fields like medicine, nursing, and engineering. {ieltsGT} is designed for immigration (permanent residency, work visas) and secondary education.

If you need {ielts} for a UK visa or immigration application, you must take {ieltsUkvi} (UK Visas and Immigration). This is the same test but administered at approved SELT centres with additional identity verification. Check your receiving institution or immigration authority's website to confirm which test type they accept.

Choosing the wrong test type is one of the most common registration mistakes. Universities almost always require Academic; immigration authorities in Canada, Australia, and New Zealand accept General Training. Some institutions accept both, so verify before booking.

{ielts} is available in two formats: computer-based and paper-based. Both versions test the same content, use the same scoring criteria, and are accepted equally by institutions worldwide. The choice comes down to personal preference and availability.

Computer-based {ielts} offers more test dates (up to 7 days per week in major cities), faster results (3-5 days instead of 13 days), and the ability to type your Writing responses. Paper-based {ielts} is being phased out globally, with the final paper-based tests scheduled for June 27, 2026.

If you prefer typing over handwriting and want faster results, choose computer-based. If you are more comfortable writing by hand and want extra transfer time in Listening (10 minutes vs 2 minutes on computer), paper-based may suit you better while it is still available.

Visit the official registration website for your preferred test partner: the {britishCouncil} (ielts.britishcouncil.org), {idp} (ielts.idp.com), or Cambridge (takeielts.org, available in some regions). Use their search tools to find test centres near you.

Filter by your chosen test type (Academic or General Training), format (computer or paper), and preferred dates. Computer-based {ielts} centres typically offer multiple sessions per week, while paper-based sessions run on fixed dates (usually 4 times per month).

Popular test centres in major cities fill up quickly, especially during peak periods (June-September and December-January). Book at least 2-4 weeks in advance for computer-based tests and 4-6 weeks in advance for paper-based tests to secure your preferred date.

If you are a first-time test taker, you will need to create an account on the test partner's website. Provide your full legal name (exactly as it appears on your passport or national ID), email address, phone number, and country of residence.

Choose a strong password and keep your login credentials safe. You will use this account to access your test confirmation, download your results, and order additional test report forms (TRFs) after you receive your score.

The application form asks for personal details, educational background, and the reason you are taking {ielts} (university admission, immigration, professional registration, or other). You will also indicate your first language and the country where you intend to use your {ielts} score.

Double-check every field before submitting. The name, date of birth, and nationality on your registration must exactly match your identification document. Discrepancies can result in being turned away on test day with no refund.

You will need to upload a clear, recent passport-size photograph and a scan or photo of your identification document (passport or national ID card). The photo must meet specific requirements: taken within the last 6 months, white background, neutral expression, and no head covering unless for religious reasons.

Ensure your ID scan is legible with all text clearly visible. The system may reject blurry or cropped images. If your ID is not in English, some test centres may require a notarised translation, though this is rare for passports.

The final step is payment. {ielts} test fees vary by country and are set by each test centre. Most centres accept credit cards, debit cards, and bank transfers. Some centres in specific countries also accept mobile payment options or cash payments at the centre.

After payment, you will receive a confirmation email with your test date, time, venue address, and registration number. Save this email and bring a printed copy on test day along with your original identification document.

If you need to cancel or reschedule, most centres allow changes up to 5 weeks before the test date with a partial refund (typically minus an administration fee of USD 50-75). Cancellations made less than 5 weeks before the test are generally non-refundable unless you provide a medical certificate.