IELTS test registration entrance and time schedule
1. Registration entrance and process
Official registration platform: Ministry of Education Examination Center IELTS registration official websiteielts.neea.cn .
Operation steps:
Register an account: Use your mobile phone number or email to register for the ETEST pass, and fill in your real name, ID number and other information to ensure it is consistent with the certificate.
Select exam type:
General IELTS (Category A/G): 2170 yuan, suitable for studying abroad and immigrating (Category G is for immigrants only).
UKVI IELTS: 2220 yuan, used for British visa (such as language classes, preparatory courses).
Life skills category: 1,250 yuan, only tests listening and speaking, suitable for specific visa requirements.
Select exam location:
Computer-based exam: Open 365 days a year, 3 times a day (9:00 am, 14:00 pm, 18:00 pm), the registration deadline is 3 days before the exam.
Paper-based exams: 40 times per year, all on Saturdays, registration deadline is 12 days before the exam.
Payment: Alipay, UnionPay, Visa/MasterCard are supported. The test seat will be locked within 30 minutes after successful payment.
Seating skills:
Popular cities (such as Beijing and Shanghai) have tight seats, so it is recommended to register 3 months in advance or choose a weekday evening session (18:00-21:00).
The peak times for withdrawals are at 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. every day, so you can refresh the page to catch any mistakes.
2. Exam time and subject arrangement
Written test time:
Paper-based exams: There will be a total of 40 exams in 2025, concentrated on Saturdays, such as January 4, February 8, March 8, etc.
Computer-based test: multiple tests per day, with scores available as soon as one day, suitable for candidates who urgently need results.
Speaking test:
Paper-based test: It is scheduled from one week before to one week after the written test. The specific date is subject to the admission ticket.
Computer-based test: usually on the same day as the written test or on an adjacent date, no extra waiting required.
Exam subjects:
Listening (30 minutes + 10 minutes for transcription): multiple choice questions, matching questions, map questions, etc.
Reading (60 minutes): academic (3 long articles), training (applied articles).
Writing (60 minutes): academic (chart description + argumentative essay), training (letter + argumentative essay).
Speaking (11-14 minutes): Part 1 (daily topics), Part 2 (monologue), Part 3 (in-depth discussion).
3. Important Time Nodes and Policies
Key dates:
Registration deadline: 12 days before the paper-based test and 3 days before the computer-based test.
Printing of admission ticket: Log in to the official website to download 7 days before the written test. It is recommended to print the admission ticket in color for backup.
Score inquiry: 13 days after the paper-based test, and within 3 days after the computer-based test (the fastest for some sessions is 1 day).
Certificate collection: Electronic transcripts are generated simultaneously and the paper version will be sent within 10 working days after the exam.
Special policies:
Transfer/withdrawal: You can apply before the registration deadline. A handling fee of 420 yuan is required. The refund will be received within 4-6 weeks.
Reconsideration: Apply within 6 weeks after the results are released. The reconsideration fee is 1,400 yuan per item. If successful, a full refund will be provided.
Question changing season: The oral question bank is updated in January, May, and September every year. It is recommended to avoid the exam in the first month of the question changing season.
4. Test point distribution and test preparation suggestions
Main domestic test points:
Beijing: Beijing Foreign Studies University, Capital University of Economics and Business, new paper-based test centers (such as Beijing Language and Culture University).
Shanghai: Shanghai University of Finance and Economics, East China Normal University, new computer-based test centers (such as Nanfeng City).
Other cities: Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Chengdu, Wuhan, etc. all have computer-based and paper-based test centers, covering 98% of cities across the country.
Exam preparation resources:
Official information: "Cambridge IELTS Real Questions Collection" (Sword 15 - Sword 18), IELTS official website mock test questions.
Computer-based exam practice: Use the official website’s “Computer-based exam simulation system” to familiarize yourself with the interface and operations.
Speaking preparation: Pay attention to the "IELTS Speaking Question Season" forecast and accumulate all-purpose materials (such as travel, books).
Consultation channels:
National customer service: 010-82345671 (working days 9:00-17:00).
Official WeChat: "IELTS Official WeChat Community" to get the latest notifications and test seat reminders.
Candidates are advised to plan their preparation time in advance, choose the type and duration of the exam reasonably, and obtain accurate information through official channels to ensure smooth registration and examination.
