On the Test Day

Test start time+

The IELTS on paper test starts at 9:00, but you should arrive at the venue by 8:00 for registration. Please note that if you are not inside the venue by 8:45, you might not be able to enter or take the test that day. If you are late, you will be deemed absent and subject to the terms of our cancellation policy.

The IELTS on computer test starts at 10:00, but you should arrive at the venue by 9:30 for registration. If you are late, you will be deemed absent and subject to the terms of our cancellation policy.

 

Equipment and provisions+

The IELTS on computer tests are done on a Finnbrit computer that has a standard Finnish keyboard with a QWERTY layout similar to a British keyboard. A pencil for writing notes and all electronic equipment, such as headphones, will be provided for the IELTS on computer tests.

IELTS on paper test takers should bring their own pen and pencil, eraser, and pencil sharpener.

For all tests, please remember to bring:

  • An acceptable identification document (ID) with you; if you fail to bring the correct ID to the test, you will be deemed absent and subject to the terms of our cancellation policy. You must bring the same ID that you used to register for the test.
  • A clear bottle of water with the label removed.

Please do not:

  • Wear clothes with any English writing on them.
  • Wear a bulky coat; they are not allowed in the exam room.
  • Bring any electronic equipment or any type of wristwatch to the exam room.

How long does the test take?+

The IELTS test consists of four parts: Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking. They are all tested during one day.

Your test day may be six hours long, including the break before your speaking test. If you wish, you can leave the building after completing the Reading, Writing, and Listening parts of the test. You must return 15 minutes before your speaking test begins. 

IELTS on computer

Registration starts at 9:30 at the test venue. All candidates take the Listening, Reading, and Writing tests together starting at 10:00. The morning test session takes three hours, until 13:00.

The Speaking tests will take about 15 minutes per person, and they are scheduled to take place between 13:00 and 16:00 for all candidates. You can book your Speaking test time online at the time of booking your test.

IELTS on paper

Registration begins at 8:00. All candidates take the Listening, Reading, and Writing tests starting at 9:00. The morning test session lasts for over three hours, until 12:30. 

The Speaking tests will take about 15 minutes per person and are scheduled to take place between 12:30 and 18:00 for all candidates. You can book your Speaking test time online at the time of booking your test.

Test venue+

The IELTS on computer and IELTS on paper tests take place at the Finnbrit test centre. Please see our Contact us page for details.

Please see the HSL Journey Planner for planning your route to the test venue by public transport.

Test day advice in summary+

For both IELTS on paper and IELTS on computer tests: 

  • Late arrivals will not be allowed to take the test.
  • The same ID must be used to register for the test, uploaded during the online application, and brought to the test.
  • No electronic equipment or any type of wristwatch is allowed in the exam room.
  • A see-through bottle of clear liquid is allowed.
  • Do not wear clothes with English writing on them.

For IELTS on paper only:

  • Bring your own pen and pencil, eraser, and pencil sharpener.

For IELTS on computer only:

  • A pencil for writing notes and all electronic equipment, such as headphones, will be provided.
  • The test is done on a Finnbrit computer with a standard Finnish keyboard which has a QWERTY layout similar to a British keyboard.

For more information about the test day, please click here.