Exam day
IELTS test day checklist
Small mistakes on test day cost bands. Use this checklist the night before.
Published Jun 28, 2026 · 3 min read
The night before
Check your test confirmation email for time and location. Prepare your passport. Set two alarms. No heavy studying — light vocabulary review at most. Sleep 7–8 hours.
What to bring
Passport only (or ID specified at registration). No phones, watches, or bags in the test room — centres provide storage. Water is usually allowed in a transparent bottle.
Arrival and check-in
Arrive 30–45 minutes early. Biometric check and seating take time. Late arrivals may not be admitted.
Module order and breaks
Listening → Reading → Writing with no breaks between them. Speaking may be same day or up to 7 days before/after — check your slot. Eat before the 2.5-hour block.
