At the British Council we want to help you answer all your questions about English exams. Read on for the answers to the 10 questions you most frequently ask us.
When you are planning to take an English exam to certify your level, there are a few questions that you may need to ask. What exam should I take? What happens if I need to change the exam date? Will I be able to request a review of my grade?
Here at the British Council, we want to help you answer those questions you most frequently ask, to help you choose the English exam that best suits your needs and provide you with all the right information to make the right choice. We’ll also focus on our own British Council IELTS and Aptis ESOL exams and how they may help you.
Before the exam
1. How can I register for an exam?
You can register for an English test in several ways, either online or in person – through an academy, school, preparation centre, or examination centre.
To take IELTS or Aptis ESOL with the British Council, registration is quick and easy through our website. You can also find all the information you need about where and when you can take IELTS here. If Aptis ESOL is the exam you need, register here.
2. Where can I take an English exam?
There are multiple locations in most countries where an accredited English level test can be taken. To find out where you can take an exam near where you are, visit the website of the exam you want to take and check out where you can take the exam of your choice.
To find out where you can take Aptis ESOL in Cyprus, check here. If you want to take IELTS, find out where here, or if you prefer to take IELTS at home, you can take IELTS Online.
3. Can I change my exam date?
There may be reasons why you need to consider changing your exam date. Some exams allow you to modify the exam date up to a few days before the original registered date.
To find out whether you can change your exam date after you have registered, you should always check the cancellation and refund policy of the exam you wish to take before registering. This can usually be found on the exam website or in the terms and conditions of the exam itself.
4. How can I find out when I can take the exam of my choice?
You can normally check the next dates of the exam you want to take on the website of the exam or exam board.
If you want to take Aptis ESOL or IELTS you can check the next Aptis ESOL or IELTS test dates and locations at your British Council website. These dates are updated frequently.
5. How can I prepare for the exam?
Most regulated exams offer specific materials to help you to prepare before you take the exam. Where you can, take advantage of all exam preparation information and resources available, including practice tests, free seminars and information sessions, and preparation courses.
The British Council offers free preparation material for all its exams. Aptis ESOL preparation resources are available here. For IELTS preparation take advantage of the IELTS Ready Premium platform, which is free of charge for exam candidates. Sign up now to start preparing!
After the exam
6. Can I obtain additional copies of my certificate?
You are normally issued a single copy of your exam certificate, although this depends on the exam you take. Some exams allow you to request an additional or duplicate copy of the certificate. However, how many certificates can be issued depends on each exam board.
If you take IELTS on computer or IELTS online, you receive your results electronically. You can then download the electronic version of your test Report Form (eTRF) to send on to receiving organisations. If you take IELTS on paper, the British Council can send up to ten additional copies of your Test Report Form directly to receiving institutions.
Aptis ESOL offers you the option to request up to two duplicate copies of your certificate for specific purposes, within two years of the original date of issue.
7. How long does it take to get my results?
This depends on the exam that you take.
Aptis ESOL results are available 48 to 72 hours after your test and your certificate is issued within 10 days of your test date.
IELTS results are available to you as shown below:
- IELTS on computer: 1-2 days
- IELTS paper: 13 days
- IELTS Online: 6-8 days
- IELTS UKVI on paper: 13 days
- IELTS UKVI on computer: 5-7 days
8. Can I request a review of my exam result?
If you are not satisfied with your English exam results, you can ask for your test to be reviewed.
At the British Council this process is known as an Enquiry on Results and is available for both Aptis ESOL and IELTS. For Aptis ESOL the review is of the full exam, whilst IELTS permits individual components to be reviewed. More information on how to request a review of your exam can be found in the following links.
Enquiry on Results for Aptis ESOL
9. What CEFR level does my exam result correspond to?
If you have taken a regulated exam to certify your English language level, your exam certificate will include your score and the equivalent CEFR level.
Aptis ESOL certificates include a numerical scale score and a CEFR level for each of the skills tested as well as an overall scale score and overall CEFR grade.
IELTS test report forms include a band score for each skill tested and an overall band score from 1 to 9 as well as the equivalent CEFR level. More information about how IELTS is mapped to the CEFR can be found here.
10. What advantages does an English language certificate offer me?
Certifying your level of English with a recognised exam qualification offers you many advantages.
It increases academic opportunities. Many universities require you to certify your level in a foreign language to obtain a university degree. Certification may also be required for financial support for studies, including scholarships and academic sponsorships.
Likewise, it expands professional opportunities, both in the public and private sectors. Not only to apply for a job, but also when looking for a promotion. Aptis ESOL offers you an affordable, flexible certification option for this purpose. An essential addition to your curriculum vitae, offering you the opportunity to highlight your strongest English skills as well as identify those which may need further improvement.
Finally, certifying your English level is essential if pursuing international study, work or life opportunities. IELTS, recognised by more than 12,500 institutions around the world, will be, without doubt, the best test option for you in this instance.