Getting ready for your IELTS but thinking of rescheduling your test? It kind of feels like a challenge, but it’s not if you know how to do it. IELTS is crucial for those planning to work, study, or migrate abroad. But life is unpredictable and sometimes you might have to defer or reschedule your test. Although rescheduling your IELTS test may sound hard to do, it becomes much easier if you know what to do. Whether due to unforeseen conflicts or sudden changes in plans, facing these changes is essential. Don’t worry! In this guide, we’ll discuss methods to reschedule your exam, cancellation fees and about transferring your dates.

Perhaps the most widely known test of English language proficiency is the International English Language Testing System, or IELTS for short. The IELTS is recognized by hundreds of institutions in countries where English is the native tongue and serves both as an immigration and academic gateway. Your abilities will be tested in four main areas: Speaking, Writing, Reading, and Listening.

The two primary organizations conducting the IELTS test are the British Council and IDP Education. The two of them offer the versions of IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training. Of these, the General Training test is often necessary for immigration as well as employment while, normally the Academic test is needed for higher education.

The fee for the IELTS test varies by country and test center but can be anywhere between $215 and $250. This also includes preparation on all test parts: that is preliminary preparation, actual delivery, and your final results. However, in case you want to reschedule your IELTS test, you will incur extra fees. Rescheduling fees are usually between 25% and 50% of the original test fee. Again, it depends on whether you request an early reschedule or need an emergency reschedule, since this would also vary according to your test center’s policies. Other than the basic test fee, sometimes some charges are incurred depending upon sending your scores to one, two, or even more institutions.

If you wish to cancel your entire IELTS test, you should know its fees and regulations.

Cancellation More Than Five Weeks Before the Exam: In case you wish to cancel your exam more than five weeks before your schedule test date, you are entitled to a refund, minus an administration fee. The fee is typically lower and varies based on the location.

Canceling Less Than Five Weeks Before the Exam: Cancelling less than five weeks before your exam typically results in no refund. This policy is usually used because filling the vacancy is quite hard for the test centers.

Failure to Attend the Test: You will not be refunded if you miss a test without a justifiable cause. However, if you have an emergency condition like medical ailment, then you are allowed to attach a medical certificate to support your case.

Knowing these costs will help you make rational decisions and avoid unnecessary costs.

Rescheduling an IELTS test is pretty easy; for this, some requirements and deadlines have to be met. Follow these steps to get it done:

Requesting a Date Change

You need to apply to reschedule your IELTS test at least five weeks before the original test date. This shall only be possible if they can accommodate your request and come with an available date to give to you.

How to postpone the IELTS Exam Date IDP

 If you booked your IELTS exam through IDP Education, to postpone you can login into your account on the IDP portal. You will find the option “Postpone” or “Defer” your exam. Instructions are in there, which guide you in selecting a new date and fees for deferral.

Charge for changing IELTS Date

 The amount charged for the change of date is usually variable, ranging from 25% to 50% of the original fee paid for taking an exam; a variable charge based on how early you request a change and your specific location.

Additional points to consider

The availability of new test dates in IELTS varies depending on the place you live and the schedule of the test center. Book the available dates as early as you can get a good slot. In serious issues such as emergencies, you may be asked to submit documents or other forms of evidence to support your rescheduling request. This means that rescheduling should be conducted rationally and in accordance with the protocols of the testing center.

You can re-sit the IELTS test as many times as you wish if you do not get satisfactory results or for improvement, but every re-sit has to be paid in full by taking the whole test fee again. You need to book a new date and pay the full examination fee to retake the test. You can do this via normal booking procedures. It is, therefore of great importance that this period be reflected on your previous performances and identify areas to require improvement. Most applicants realize that the possibility of improving performance before re-applying again can be gained by studying and practicing more.

You can reschedule your IELTS test to a different date or location, which can be quite useful if you need to change dates because of unforeseen circumstances. Please take note that you need to request the transfer five weeks before the original test date so the transfer will be approved. If you do not update the date, then your application will be canceled and no refund will be given to you. In that case, you can transfer your IELTS test and usually, transfer fees are between 25% and 50% of the whole cost of the test. Such transfer fees are equal to rescheduling fees.

The actual transfer fee will depend on the test center policies and the time when you request the transfer. Therefore, discuss these terms before applying for a transfer to minimize the cost. Since availability will be based on the schedule of the test center and your location, the new date or location of the test must also be convenient for you. Organization and action in advance will ensure that your transfer request is processed smoothly and you might take the IELTS test at your desired location and time.

It is highly possible and manageable to reschedule or delay sitting for IELTS exams, provided the proper procedures are known. Relevant costs, timelines, and processes should help in dealing with any such changes. Consider the available time in deciding when to reschedule the IELTS test because, as they say, timing is everything. It would be wise to apply at least five weeks before taking the actual test, which helps you avoid unnecessary costs and make sure the process is far more accessible to reschedule. The more you know your choices and follow predetermined standards, the better it will be for you to track into meeting your IELTS goals. Rescheduling your IELTS exam is a pretty safe process if done the right way. Good planning and keeping updated about the prices and dates will surely ensure that you have the best experience of the IELTS as possible.