IELTS Frequently Asked Questions

What is IELTS?

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is the world’s most popular English language proficiency test for higher education and global migration, with over 2.9 million tests taken in the last year.

What is the test format and how long will it take?

IELTS has four parts – Listening (30 minutes), Reading (60 minutes), Writing (60 minutes) and Speaking (11–14 minutes). The total test time is 2 hours and 45 minutes. The Listening, Reading and Writing tests are done in one sitting. The Speaking test is held on the date you choose during your registration.

Can I take IELTS on Paper?

No. We do not provide IELTS on Paper anymore.

How much does it cost?

Information on the price of the test can be found in online registration system. For payment, we can only accept Kazakhstan Tenge. Transfers made in any other currency will not be accepted.

When and where can I take the test?

You can monitor the availabilities of exams for each date and location here.

How often can I take the test?

You may take the IELTS test as many times as you like. You can use the result of the test you prefer. 

However, as the IELTS centre, we strongly recommend you do additional study before taking the test again. You can also improve your skills by using the IELTS Official Free Practice Materials.

What is the main difference between Academic and General Modules? 

IELTS test has two versions – Academic and General Training. The Academic test is typically for those who want to study at the tertiary level in programs which require an English proficiency score. The General Training test is typically for those who want to do work experience, training programs, secondary school or migrate to an English-speaking country.

Every organisation sets its own entry requirements. In some cases, both versions of IELTS may be accepted. Check with the organisation you wish to apply to before you book your test to learn which module is accepted.

Who accepts an IELTS score?

IELTS is accepted by more than 12,500 organisations worldwide. These include universities, government agencies, professional bodies and multinational companies. IELTS is also accepted by the countries who require the English language abilities for immigration. 

You can visit our website to view the organizations that accept the IELTS test. In addition, you should also contact the institution you will apply directly about the application criteria.

Is the IELTS test completed in one day?

The Listening, Reading and Writing components of the test are always completed immediately after each other, with no break in between. You can choose the date of your Speaking test. The Speaking test may be taken on the same day or up to 2 days before or 1 days after the test date. 

What can I bring into the examination room?

You must bring the passport or national identity card that you used during the registration.  Only water in a transparent bottle without any label is allowed in the test room.

You must leave everything else outside the examination room. Mobile phones and other electronic devices must be switched off and placed with personal belongings in the area designated by the supervisor. 

If you do not switch off your electronic devices or keep them on you, you will be disqualified from the exam. All watches are also banned from the test rooms for all test components.

Which part do I take first?

You will complete the Listening test first, followed by the Reading and Writing components of the test. 

Depending on the test centre, the Speaking test may be taken on the same day or up to 2 days before or 1 day after the test date.

What kinds of accents can be heard in the Listening and Speaking tests?

As IELTS is an international test, a variety of English accents are used in both tests. 

What is the Speaking Test?

The Speaking test is a conversation with a certified IELTS Examiner. It is available in two options: face to face and computer videocall through Zoom in the test center. The Speaking test is made up of three sections and it takes between 11 - 14 minutes. It is recorded digitally. To learn more about the test format, please visit this website. 

If you wish to practice for the Speaking test, you can use this page.

Where can I find more information about IELTS test registration? 

IELTS Test registration can be completed on our website. You can register for a convenient date by visiting our online registration page.  

Which documents are required for application?

Your Kazakhstan national ID or passport. Please note that only ID or passport which has not passed the validity period are accepted. For your IELTS test application, you must accurately record this information in our system during registration and upload your identity document or passport during the application.

Our candidates who do not hold Kazakhstan citizenship must attend the test with their international passport (must not be expired). Work permits are not a valid form of identification.

Can I attend the test with documents such as Driver’s Licence, Work Permit or Student Card? 

No. The above forms of identification cannot be used to attend the test.

You can only attend your IELTS test with the document that you stated on your test registration (Kazakhstan National ID or International Passport). 

If I do not have a Kazakhstan passport, which document is accepted for the test? 

If you do not have a Kazakhstan passport, you can only register IELTS with your valid Kazakhstan National ID Card. If you apply from abroad, you can only use valid international passport. Birth certificates are not accepted.

What if I have no\lost the ID that I used for registration?

You must notify the test centre once it happened by sending your ID or passport copy to our e-mail no later than 72 hours before your test date to make changes in our system.

How can I register a minor?

First, after selecting the appropriate test date from our registration page, you must register to the registration portal as the parent or guardian of the minor and save your personal information in our system. At this stage, you are asked to save your basic information such as email, a password you need to log into your IELTS account, name, surname, date of birth, contact information, address, and also you are asked to specify who you reserved this test for, you should choose ‘my child’ option. 

Then, on the next page, you will be asked to save the personal information of the minor candidate. After this step, you need to save the underage candidate's information, check 'Yes; I give my permission' option and complete the registration.

How long does it take to get the test confirmation e-mail?

After registering you will receive an automatic IELTS application summary e-mail including your test reference number. 

If you register for the IELTS Life Skills test, you will receive the test details to your e-mail.

For more information, please contact Customer Services.

How can I make the payment for my test?

You can make the payment with a credit or debit card when you complete your online registration OR you can pay via bank transfer after you complete the registration.

If you will complete the payment via a bank transfer, please include the information below in the explanatory part of the payment. 

• Name and surname of the candidate
• Exam date
• Reference number that is shared with you on the registration portal

In case you choose the payment via bank transfer please note that it can take up to 5 working days.

What are the bank details for payment via bank transfer?

You can make the payment for your test to the following account:

Name of the Organisation: British Council (Kazakhstan) Limited Liability Partnership

Bank name: JSC Citibank Kazakhstan

IBAN: KZ3983201T0200445000

SWIFT CITIKZKA

BIN 150540016608

KNP 859

KBE 17

As soon as we get your payment, you will receive a registration summary e-mail stating your test start time, date and test location. 

Can I pay through Kaspi Bank?

Kaspi mobile app - select the service “IELTS on Computer” and enter all the required fields

Can I pay through Halyk Bank?

If you are a client of Halyk Bank, we can issue an electronic remote invoice. Please provide the phone number to which you would like the invoice to be sent.

Can I pay in cash?

No, we do not accept cash payments, but you can pay by card at the British Council office in Astana or Almaty.

Can I pay from abroad?

You can make your test payment from abroad. May we remind you that there may be extra charges when transferring money to Kazakhstan. Please ask your bank before making the transfer.

For payment, we can only accept Kazakhstan Tenge. Transfers made in any other currency will not be accepted.

Can someone else pay for my test?

Yes. However, the person who makes the payment must include the following information in the explanatory part of the payment.

• Name and surname of the candidate
• Exam date
• Reference number that is shared with you on the registration portal

I have paid for my test but did not receive any confirmation. What can I do? 

It may take 5 working days for your payment to reach us. If you still have not received a payment confirmation 5 days after making your payment, please contact Customer Services.

Why was I charged differently from my credit card payment? 

As IELTS is an international test, it is also subject to international payment conditions. Some banks may reflect small exchange differences that may occur in spending at times, especially when the currency fluctuation is high, to their customers' spending. If you encounter such a situation, we suggest you contact your bank about this.

I have paid the test fee. How can I see the date, time and location of my test? 

All the details regarding your test date, time and location will be sent to your e-mail address after you complete the registration. You may also find your test details on your test taker portal. 

What should I do if I want to cancel my test or change the date?

If you need to change the date of your test from the date you originally booked, you can request a test day transfer up to 15 days before the test date for IELTS on computer, free of charge.

What if I am sick on the test date or cannot come?

If you are absent on the test day with no prior notice, you will lose your full fee. 

For more details, please refer to our transfer and cancellation policy or contact our Customer Services.

Can I change my Speaking test date and time?

Yes. It can be done on Test Taker portal.  You can choose Speaking test date and time upon availability and change it in one click.

According to our Terms and Conditions, whilst every attempt is made to ensure that we honour your venue, date and time slot selection, we reserve the right to modify, discontinue and replace your selected preference in accordance with the terms and conditions. If this happens, we shall notify you of the same. 

What if I am running late or could not take one part of my test due to circumstances beyond my control?

You should arrive at the test centre 60 minutes before the scheduled Listening, Reading and Writing test start time and 20 minutes before the scheduled Speaking test start time. If you arrive late, you will not be allowed to take the test and you will not be eligible for a refund or transfer.

For more details, please refer to our transfer and cancellation policy. 

How long does any IELTS score last? 

Test Report Forms are valid for 2 years. You can attend IELTS as many times as you would like to. You can use any result that you wish.

Who sets the pass mark for the IELTS test? 

Scores are graded on the 9-band system. Each educational institution or organisation sets its own level of IELTS scores to meet its individual requirements. Therefore, we strongly suggest you contact the institution you want to apply for.

How can I send my test results to institutions?

You can send your results directly to higher education institutes and other organisations that recognise IELTS free of charge via our online system. This can be done if the relevant organisation is registered on the system. You can check this via this link.

When will I receive my test results?

If you have taken IELTS on computer or IELTS UKVI on computer, you will be able to preview your results after 3 to 5 days from the test date. You can check the results on the Test Taker Portal . 

How are the tests marked?

IELTS uses a 9-band scoring system to measure and report test scores in a consistent manner. You receive individual band scores for Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking, and an Overall Band Score on a band scale from one to nine. You can reach detailed information regarding the IELTS test format and scoring from our website. 

What if my test result is not what I was expecting?

You can apply for an ‘Enquiry on Results’ (EOR) procedure at your test centre within six weeks of the test date via Test Taker Portal . You must pay an enquiry fee, which is fully refunded if your band score changes. Please send us an email to find out more about enquiries on results. 

Can I get paper version of Test Report Form?

No, as of 1 June 2026 we do not print paper Test Report Forms. You will have e-TRF on your Test Taker Portal.

I passed IELTS test before 1 June 2026 but lost my certificate. Can I have the TRF reissued?

Yes. You can apply for certificate reissue once. The reissue fee is 15,000 KZT. Payment must be made in KZT only. Payments in other currencies and from sanctioned banks are not accepted. To apply, please reply to this email with: 

• your full name 

• test date 

You must attach the following: 

• a copy of the document used during the test (ID card or passport) 

• receipt for the reissue fee payment 

You may pay: 

• via the Kaspi mobile application: Service 'Lost'. 

• if you are a client of Halyk Bank, we can issue a payment invoice for you. If you would like to use this payment method, please let us know the phone number to which the invoice should be sent. 

• by card in our office in Almaty or Astana 

Once the certificate is ready, you will receive a notification email. This process takes 3-5 working days.

What is IELTS One Skill Retake, and how does it work? 

IELTS One Skill Retake is a new feature designed to help you get your desired test score without retaking the full test. If you want to improve your score on one test skill, you can retake any of the four IELTS skills – Listening, Reading, Writing or Speaking. 

IELTS One Skill Retake is available for: 

• IELTS Academic and General Training on computer 

• IELTS for UKVI (Academic and General Training) on computer. 

What are the benefits of taking IELTS One Skill Retake? 

Focus on one skill: If you didn’t do your best in the first test, One Skill Retake gives you a second chance to show your English level and improve your score in one section without having to retake the full test. Save time and money by only doing the part of the test related to one skill rather than testing all four skills again. 

Take a test you know: IELTS One Skill Retake follows the same format and timing as the regular IELTS test. This means you will already be familiar with the test. You don’t need to worry about preparing for a new test and learning different task types. 

Receive a new Test Report Form: You will receive a new IELTS Test Report Form with your IELTS One Skill Retake score. It also includes the scores from your original test and an overall CEFR score. Your results will be valid for two years from the original test date, which you can find on your Test Report Form. 

Your original test scores will remain the same: There will be no change to your other scores from your original test. And once you’ve received your results, if you would prefer to use your original score, you can. 

How to book IELTS One Skill Retake? 

• You can book the test if you have recently completed a full IELTS test on computer. 

• You can only retake one skill once per original test, and you must sit the One Skill Retake within 60 days of your original test. 

• To book One Skill Retake, just log into the Test Taker Portal and you will see your IELTS results. If you would like to improve one result, simply click on the 'Retake' button for the skill you want to retake. 

Do universities accept One Skill Retake? 

Leading universities and colleges around the world accept One Skill Retake results, including top institutions in Australia, USA, Canada and the UK. However, each institution has its own policies, so always check with them directly before booking One Skill Retake. 

How do I get my IELTS One Skill Retake results? 

After your retake, you’ll get a new Electronic Test Report Form (eTRF) within three to five days of taking the retake. The eTRF will have your new score for the retaken skill and your original scores for the other three sections. 

You can choose to use your new TFR or your original one on applications. Both are valid for two years from your original test date. 

How much does the IELTS One Skill Retake cost?  

As of August 2026, the cost of the IELTS One Skill Retake in Kazakhstan is 69,500 KZT. 

Is IELTS One Skill Retake easier than the full test? 

The format, task types and question difficulty are the same as the full IELTS test. However, you may find One Skill Retake easier because you already know what to expect and will only take one part of the test. 

What is the IELTS Familiarisation Test?

The IELTS Familiarisation Test is a free online practice test that allows you to experience the IELTS on computer format before taking the real test.

It helps you understand what to expect on test day and become familiar with the test format and computer-based equipment.

How long does the Familiarisation Test take?

The test takes approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes and covers three sections: Listening, Reading, Writing

Can I choose between IELTS Academic and General Training?

Yes. You can choose to practise either IELTS Academic or IELTS General Training, depending on which test you plan to take.

Can I take the Familiarisation Test for free?

Yes. You can take the Familiarisation Test free of charge online from home.

Take the IELTS Familiarisation Test online

Can I take the Familiarisation Test at the British Council test venue?

Yes. You can also take the Familiarisation Test during a British Council Open Day at the test venue.

This is a good option if you want to:

• Familiarise yourself with the test venue.
• Try the equipment before your real test.
• Experience the computer-based test environment.

6. How can I register for the Familiarisation Test at an Open Day?

To attend an Open Day Familiarisation Test, you need to register in advance by email or WhatsApp. Places are limited, so registration is required.

7. Is the Open Day Familiarisation Test free?

No. The Open Day Familiarisation Test costs KZT 4,000. Your place is confirmed only after payment has been received. After completing the test, you will receive a KZT 4,000 promocode that can be used towards booking your real IELTS test. The promocode is valid for 3 months from the date it is issued.

9. Will I receive my Familiarisation Test results?

You will receive results for the Listening and Reading sections only. Results for the Writing section are not provided.

10. When will I receive my Listening and Reading results?

Your Listening and Reading results will be sent to the email address you provided during registration on the day after your test.

11. What should I do if I don't receive my results?

If you do not receive your Listening and Reading results on the following day, please contact us at info@kz.britishcouncil.org for assistance.

12. Is the Familiarisation Test the same as the real IELTS test?

The Familiarisation Test is designed to help you experience the IELTS on computer format before your real test. It allows you to practise the Listening, Reading and Writing sections and become familiar with the test environment and question types.

Please note: the Familiarisation Test is a practice test and does not replace the official IELTS test. 

What Aptis test formats are available in Kazakhstan?

There are currently three Aptis formats available in Kazakhstan:

• Aptis for Teachers
• Aptis Advanced
• Aptis General

Where can I take Aptis in Kazakhstan?

Aptis tests are currently held in Astana and Almaty.

If you would like to take Aptis in another city, please contact British Council Customer Service to check the available options.

How can I find available Aptis test dates?

For information about available test dates and registration in Astana or Almaty, please contact us by email or WhatsApp. For the registration you will be asked to complete the registration form, provide a copy of your ID.  Make the required payment and send us the payment receipt.

How can I pay for the Aptis test?

You can pay in one of the following ways:

Kaspi mobile app
Select the service “Aptis Almaty / Astana”. Reference number: A3-KZ001-S-00000000 

Halyk Bank
We can issue an electronic remote invoice. Please provide the phone number to which you would like the invoice to be sent.

By card at our office
You can also pay by card at the British Council office in Astana or Almaty.

Can my name on the Aptis certificate be changed after the test?

No. The certificate cannot be changed after it has been issued, so it is very important to provide the correct name during registration.

9. What ID do I need to bring on the test day?

You must bring your original, valid ID: Passport, or National ID card. Electronic documents, including eGov or digital IDs, are not accepted.

10. How early should I arrive at the test venue?

Please arrive at the test venue at least 30 minutes before the scheduled start time.

11. What can I bring into the test room?

You may bring:

• A transparent bottle of water
• A pen

When will I receive my Aptis results?

Your results will be released on the fifth working day after the exam.