IELTS now open in over 100 countries including China

21 August 2020

Where we are open for testing

In locations where it is permitted and safe to do so, IELTS testing is going ahead, with additional precautions in place to help protect the health of test takers and staff.

In particular, we ask test takers not to attend an IELTS test if they have been in contact with anybody suspected to have been exposed to novel Coronavirus (Covid-19), or who have a cough, fever or are showing signs of being short of breath. Additional requirements may apply depending on the region where you are taking the test. Test takers may contact our teams to discuss options for transferring to a later date or refunds.

Please note that tests are currently running in the following locations:

Countries (A-C)

Countries (D-J)

Countries (K-P)

Countries (Q-Z)

Information on China IELTS test arrangements

IELTS has resumed testing in China in agreement with NEEA (National Education Examinations Authority) based on the domestic Covid-19 prevention and control. We now have:

Resumed paper-based IELTS test in 42 cities across China
Set up 11 computer-delivered IELTS and IELTS for UKVI test centres in 10 cities across the country, and the number is still growing. These locations include Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chongqing, Shenzhen, Hangzhou, Chengdu, Suzhou, Yangzhou and Wuhan.

Please visit the NEEA IELTS national registration website for the latest developments and registration.

Test Day Precautions

The health of our test takers and staff is our key priority.

If you have been in contact with a person suspected to have been exposed to novel Coronavirus, or if you are unwell, have a cough or fever, or are showing signs of being short of breath, please contact your test centre to reschedule your test or to arrange a refund.

We request that test takers follow official advice, including required self-isolation or quarantine restrictions in the country where they are taking the test.

Wearing a mask

As a precautionary health measure, until further notice, test takers, centre staff and examiners may wear a face mask covering their mouth and nose during the test.

Test takers are welcome to bring their own mask. Please be aware that you may be requested to uncover your face temporarily for some security checks.

Hygiene practices on test day

We have introduced additional health and safety measures at IELTS test centres on test day.

We ask all test takers in advance to help create a safe testing environment by washing their hands on arrival and throughout the test day.

More information on looking after your health is available on the World Health Organisation website.