International English Language Testing System
The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is designed to assess the language ability of candidates who need to study or work where English is the language of communication.
All candidates are tested in listening, reading, writing and speaking modules. All candidates take the same listening and speaking modules. There is a choice of reading and writing modules - academic or general training. It is the responsibility of the candidate to advise the administrator which version they need to take - academic or general training. If you are unsure about which module to take, contact the organisation to which you are applying for their requirements.
Academic modules
The academic modules assess whether a candidate is ready to study or train in the medium of English at an undergraduate or postgraduate level. Admission to undergraduate and postgraduate courses should be based on the results of these modules.
General training modules
The general training modules emphasise basic survival skills in a broad social and educational context. General training is suitable for candidates who are going to English speaking countries to complete their secondary education, to undertake work experience or training programs not at degree level, or for immigration purposes to Australia, Canada and New Zealand.
Duration of testing
| Listening: | 30 minutes |
| Reading: | 60 minutes |
| Writing: | 60 minutes |
| Speaking: | 10-15 minutes |
Times of testing
| Darwin and Alice Springs | |
| Listening, reading and writing modules Saturday from 8:30am to 1.00pm |
|
| Speaking module Friday from 10am or Saturday from 1:30pm (Candidates are allocated individual time) |
|
| 2011 | |
| 2011 IELTS test dates - Darwin | |
| 2 and 3 December | Friday and Saturday |
| 2011 IELTS test dates - Alice Springs | |
| 8, 9 and 10 December | Thursday, Friday and Saturday |
| 2012 | |
| 2012 IELTS test dates - Darwin | |
| 20 and 21 January | Friday and Saturday |
| 17 and 18 February | Friday and Saturday |
| 9 and 10 March | Friday and Saturday |
| 20 and 21 April | Friday and Saturday |
| 25 and 26 May | Friday and Saturday |
| 8 and 9 June | Friday and Saturday |
| 20 and 21 July | Friday and Saturday |
| 3 and 4 August | Friday and Saturday |
| 21 and 22 September | Friday and Saturday |
| 26 and 27 October | Friday and Saturday |
| 16 and 17 November | Friday and Saturday |
| 1 and 2 December | Friday and Saturday |
| 2012 IELTS test dates - Alice Springs | |
| 2, 3 and 4 February | Thursday, Friday and Saturday |
| 12, 13 and 14 April | Thursday, Friday and Saturday |
| 28, 29 and 30 June | Thursday, Friday and Saturday |
| 23, 24 and 25 August | Thursday, Friday and Saturday |
| 11, 12 and 13 October | Thursday, Friday and Saturday |
| 6, 7 and 8 December | Thursday, Friday and Saturday |
Preparing for the test
To familiarise candidates with the format and contents of the test and to allow them to asses their readiness, they can enrol in the IELTS Intensive Preparation Workshop. The workshop is held three days before the IELTS test.
The IELTS Intensive Preparation Workshop (Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday) $209.00
| 2011 Workshop dates | ||
| 28, 29 & 30 Novermber | ||
| 2012 Workshop dates | ||
| 16, 17 & 18 January | 21, 22 & 23 May | 17, 18 & 19 September |
| 13, 14 & 15 February | 4, 5 & 6 June | 22, 23 & 24 October |
| 5, 6 & 7 March | 16, 17 & 18 July | 12, 13 & 14 November |
| 16, 17 & 18 April | 30 & 31 July, 1 August | 26, 27 & 28 November |
You can purchase the Intensive Workshop Package. This includes:
- IELTS Official Practice Materials Pack with CD
- IELTS Intensive Preparation Workshop Booklet
- Practice Test Materials
Cost: Intensive Workshop Package - $242.00
You can purchase the IELTS Official Practice Materials Pack with CD - $33.00
Applying to sit the test
Local candidates
Candidates can collect application forms from the IELTS Reception Area, located at Casuarina campus, Orange Precinct, Building 4, Level 2, open from 8:30am to 4:00pm, Monday to Friday.
Interstate candidates
To make a booking you must fax your application form and copy of your passport to 08 8946 6327. Once these documents are received, we will contact you to confirm your booking. Be aware, that once we receive your fax there may/may not be seats available for your preferred test date.
Temporary seat bookings will only be kept for maximum of five working days. The application is required at least six weeks in advance.
Submit completed application forms together with:
- Photocopy of your passport showing the photograph and signature
- 2 x passport size photos
- Payment for test
- A copy of your latest test report form (if applicable).
Note: Interstate candidate are required to fax through a copy of documents to 08 8946 6327 and then post original documentation (IELTS application form, photocopy of passport) to the following address:
IELTS Test Centre - AU120
Building 4, Orange Precinct
Casuarina campus
Charles Darwin University
Darwin NT 0909
We will contact you to confirm receipt. This also serves as test booking confirmation.
Testing
Candidates must arrive at 8:30am for registration at the IELTS Reception Area, Orange 4, Level 2, Casuarina campus, or for Alice Springs candidates at the allocated venue. From there candidates will proceed to the examination room.
- On the day of the test, candidates must provide their passport as evidence of identity
- Candidates will not be allowed to leave the test room while the test is in progress
- Candidates are not be late for the test. No special test will be given to candidates who miss any of their four modules
- If a candidate is absent on the test day without prior notice, the full test fee will be forfeited. If exceptional circumstances apply, then the fee is refunded with a $90.00 (GST inc) administration charge
- A re-booking fee of $90.00 (GST inc) if a candidate wishes to postpone, defer, or move to another test date. A minimum of five weeks notice before the test must be given. Re-bookings are allowed only once and no refund will be given if they decided to cancel
- Any candidates who cancel and request a refund must do so a minimum of five weeks before the test. A request for refund form must be submitted. The test fee is refunded less 25% of the test fee
- Results are issued two weeks after the test date. Test centres are not permitted to give results over the phone or by fax or email. Candidates will only receive one copy of their test result and replacement copies are not provided in case of loss. Additional copies requested will be sent direct to receiving organisations and institutions
Note: Candidates caught cheating will not be issued with a test result.
Contacts
IELTS Centre Reception
T: 08 8946 6079
E: cdu.ielts@cdu.edu.au
IELTS Centre Admin Assistant
T: 08 8946 6079
E: cdu.ielts@cdu.edu.au