IELTS exam-day checklist: what to do before and during the test
A practical exam-day checklist: documents, timing, what to eat, and how to stay calm between sections.
By IELTSora teaching team · Updated · 2 min read
The day before
Do a light review only: your mistake notebook and a few vocabulary cards. Don't take a full mock test; tiredness costs more than extra practice gains.
- Check your test confirmation: time, address, and the identification document you registered with.
- Plan your route and leave extra time for traffic.
- Pack water, pencils, eraser and a clear water bottle if allowed. Check your test centre's rules.
- Sleep at your normal time.
On the morning
Eat a normal breakfast. The written tests usually run in one sitting, Listening, then Reading, then Writing, without a long break. Arrive early; late arrivals may not be allowed in.
Speak a little English on the way: describe what you see, or answer a Part 1 question aloud. It warms up your speaking.
During the test
Treat each section as a fresh start. A difficult Listening part says nothing about your Reading.
- Listening: use every pause to read ahead.
- Reading: watch the clock; guess and move on when stuck.
- Writing: do Task 2 first if you prefer; it carries more weight.
- Speaking: ask the examiner to repeat a question if you need to. That is allowed.
Confirm the details yourself
Rules on documents, items allowed in the room and timings can differ by test centre and test format. Always check the information from your own test centre before the day.
After the test
Results usually arrive within a few days for the computer test and around two weeks for the paper test. Check the timing with your test centre. Whatever happens, write down what felt hard while you still remember it. If you take the test again, those notes tell you exactly what to practise.