Learning difficulties

If you have specific learning difficulties, such as dyslexia, we are here to assist you in taking your IELTS test. To get started, here's what you need to do:

Make your application through your IELTS test centre as soon as possible, as it may take up to six weeks to arrange for the necessary accommodations.

What can you expect from the IELTS test centre to do for you?

1. Confirm the application deadline. Generally, you need to provide notice of your needs at least six weeks in advance.
2. Request comprehensive details about your specific learning difficulty to better understand your requirements.
3. Make the necessary arrangements to facilitate your test-taking experience, ensuring your needs are met.

If, for any reason, your designated centre cannot provide the equipment or space required (e.g., a separate room), they will do their best to assist you in finding another centre that can accommodate your needs.

Additionally, your centre may request a medical certificate from you to support your application for special accommodations.

What medical evidence do you need to have?

To request special accommodations, you need to provide the centre with a report regarding your learning difficulty meeting the following criteria:

• The report should have been written when you were aged 13 or older
• It must contain comprehensive details about your learning difficulty and the tests that have been conducted
• The report should be authored by a fully qualified psychologist, either educational, clinical, or chartered

In case you do not possess (or are unable to obtain) a report meeting these requirements, it is advisable to discuss your situation with your IELTS test centre.

What special arrangements are available for you?

Numerous options are available to cater to your specific needs. Please select the relevant accommodations from the list below and inform your centre to make the necessary arrangements.

Once you receive permission for the chosen special arrangements, your answers will be assessed in the same manner as those of other test takers. For instance, any spelling or grammar errors may result in a deduction of marks, just like with regular test conditions.

1. Additional time

If you require extra time to complete a test paper due to factors such as prolonged reading or writing, you have the option to request an extension. Typically, you can ask for an additional 25% of the regular allotted time for the paper. For example, if a paper takes one hour, you will be granted an extra 15 minutes.

Moreover, for the Listening test, there is a special version available that allows you extra time during the test. Also, we can arrange for a special listening CD with inbuilt additional pauses and each text will be played twice.

2. Supervised breaks

In addition to, or instead of, extra time, you can opt for supervised breaks. This means you can temporarily pause writing and take a break alone in another room. This arrangement can be beneficial if you experience difficulties with sustained concentration over prolonged periods. While you take your break, you will be under supervision to ensure a controlled testing environment.

3. Writing answers using a computer

If you prefer to write your answers using a computer or word processor, you have the option to request permission for this method. However, it's important to note that you must not use the spellcheck, grammar check, or thesaurus functions while using a computer or word processor.

Please keep in mind the following if you are granted permission to use a computer:

• Your test centre might not have available equipment, such as a computer, for your use. In such cases, you may be allowed to bring your own equipment. Make sure to inform your test centre at least six weeks before the test date
• You will be assigned a separate room to take the test if the centre cannot provide appropriate space for you to use a computer. If necessary, the test centre will make efforts to assist you in finding an alternative centre where you can take the test with a computer
• It is essential that you write your own answers. You cannot have someone else read the questions and write down the answers for you
• The use of voice recognition software, which converts speech into text, is not permitted

4. Reading the question papers

Reading the question papers is an individual task that you must perform yourself. Although it may take you more time to read the question papers, you are not allowed to:

• Have someone read the questions to you (referred to as a reader)
• Use a computer with screen-reading software

5. Copier (transcriber) assistance

If your handwriting is challenging to read, you have the option to request a copier (transcriber) to help you. With this accommodation, at the conclusion of the test, you will read out your answers to the copier, including all punctuation. The copier will then create an exact written copy of your answers, including any grammatical, spelling, or punctuation errors.

6. Aid with answer sheets

During the IELTS Listening and Reading tests, you are required to transfer your answers to an answer sheet, which is then scanned by a computer for evaluation. If you encounter difficulty in following the numbers or order of questions on a page, you may be allowed to write your answers on a separate piece of paper or, in some cases, directly on the question paper. To seek guidance on this matter, please consult your test centre before the test date.

7. Enlarged print copies of test papers

Enlarged print papers, also known as 'Modified Large Print' papers are available for application. These papers are modified to remove anything that is unnecessary for answering the questions, such as frames around texts.

Test

Each page in these papers is A4 size.

8. Other equipment

If you require any other type of equipment, such as a screen magnifier, you can inquire with your IELTS test centre about the possibility of using such equipment during the test.