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Frequently Asked Questions

• How can I apply for the test

  Download an application form from our website, print it out, fill it in, attach two passport-sized photos, attach a photocopy of the passport and then send it to:

  IELTS Administrator
  Gunnersbury Lane
  Acton
  London
  W3 8EA

  You may also come to the centre in person between 9am and 6pm.

  *Note: If you are applying from abroad the quickest way is to fill in the application form, attach the photo then scan all pages and the passport photocopy and email it to ielts@wlc.ac.uk as an email attachment together with a completed credit card payment form. You will still have to send us the original by post as we will need it to scan and print into your certificate.

• When Can I apply for the test
  

  Check online to see if there are still places available. The latest you can apply is 1 week before the test. The best way to apply is in person. You may apply by post too but it’s important to bear in mind that we operate on a first come first served basis, therefore allow extra time for applications sent by mail as it could take some days before we receive it.

• Which version of the test should I apply for?
  

  IELTS has 2 versions, the Academic version and the General Training version. If you are taking the test as an entrance requirement for a University/college course, or you are a doctor or a nurse, you will normally need to take the Academic version. In the UK the General Training (GT) version of the test is normally only for people who wish to emigrate to Australia or Canada, or for a Visa extension.

  Note 1: if you are applying for HSMP visa extension, most people take the GT version but you can actually take both

  Note 2: if you are planning to emigrate to Australia as a nurse, you will need to take the academic version of the test.

• Can Colleges /Schools book places for students?

  Yes they can, if they are arranging for a group of students to come in and do the test on the same day. They can also arrange to pay via invoice. Please email ielts@wlc.ac.uk for details and bookings.
  

• What time does the test start and finish?

  Registration starts at 8.30 and candidates are required to arrive at the Acton site reception by this time.   
  The candidates are ushered to the cloakrooms and classrooms at 9.15 – anyone who does not register by 9.15 will not be allowed into the exam room.
  The Listening/Reading/ Writing papers last until 1pm – the oral exam takes place afterwards but the slot may be scheduled any time between 1.15- 6.30 so candidates are advised to keep the whole day free.

• Do you need any particular level of English to be able to take the test?

  Anyone is welcome to take the test – the test is designed to test language proficiency from beginners to Advanced

• How will I know if my application has been accepted?

  Once we have received your application form with all the relevant documents, we will process it and send you a confirmation letter. This letter will have the date, time, address and details of how to get here. You should bring this letter with you along with your passport or national Identity card (if you are national of the EU). Please note that during the busy period from May to Sep it may take up to 7 working days for the confirmation letter to arrive.

• How long does it take to receive my results

  Results are usually released on Fridays on the second week after the test.
  
  For example if the test is taken on the 1st of April the results will be ready to be picked up from the centre on the 13th of April between 10 am and 3pm. They will be sent out on Friday afternoon at 3.30pm.

• How can I prepare for the test?

  There are four ways you can prepare for an IELTS Test:

  Buy the Official IELTS Practice Materials book from us

  You can purchase an online mock test for £25

  You can purchase a one-month access to the learning centre at a cost of £12

  You can enrol on to our IELTS Preparation Courses

• Does the test always take place at Acton?

  Tests usually take place at our Acton Campus. However, during the busy period (April to Sep) we use our Ealing Campus to accommodate a larger number of candidates. Please refer to your confirmation letter which will inform you of the venue of your test.

• Can I fax my application form?

  No because we need a good quality photo – the application could be emailed to ielts@wlc.ac.uk but the photo and a copy of an ID needs to be scanned as well.

• How much will it cost if I want more than one certificate?

  It is for free if the candidates put the name of the institution on the application form – page 3 – if they decide to add it after the test it costs £10 per certificate

• What if I don't have a passport?

  The only IDs accepted are:
  Passport
  EU ID
  Home office ID

  If the passport is in the Home Office they will need to make an appointment with the IELTS manager at Acton and bring in a photocopy of the passport so that it can be verified. If they don’t have a copy, they will not be allowed to take the test.

• Are there any breaks between the listening, reading and writing?

  No breaks are scheduled between 10 – 1 pm

• Once registered for an exam is it possible to cancel itand get a refund or sit it at a later date?

  If candidates are entered for the exam, they could ask for a refund if it is done 5 weeks prior to the test date but a £25 admin fee is deducted.
  Please refer students for queries about refunds and transfer to the 
  IELTS manager, Michal Mazanek.

• What if i'm not happy with my result?

  You have the option to appeal the results and get them re-marked. This process may take up to 60 days. You will need to fill in an Enquiry On Results form (EOR) and return it to us with a £60.00 deposit fee. If the results change after being remarked we will then return this fee. If the results remain the same the fee is not refunded.

• How do I obtain the practice materials?

  Send an IELTS application form with a cheque for £125 and we will send you the Practice Materials with your confirmation letter.
  If you only want the Practice Materials send a cheque for £15 and we will send you the pack.

  You can also email ielts@wlc.ac.uk with your address and phone number – we will call you and take payment over the phone using your card details.

  The address for requests for practice materials is:

  IELTS Administrator
  Gunnersbury Lane
  W3 8EA Acton
  London
  

• Do I need to be a specific band to take part in the preparation course?

  Yes.  IELTS preparation courses are short and designed to familiarise candidates with the test format and to develop good test techniques so that they maximise their score.  Applicants need to be at upper Intermediate level (IELTS band 5 or 6) in order to benefit from the course.
  If you need a longer course to improve your English language skills, the college runs a wide variety of English language courses at all levels both at the Acton site and in Hammersmith and Ealing. 

  The phone number for general English language course enquiries is:
  0800 980 2185.   

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