IELTS (International English Language Testing System)

Duration

1 day

Location

Melbourne, Australia

Fees

AU$445

Availability

See below

Bookings

Book now

IELTS with RMIT English Worldwide

Overview

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RMIT Training is a Melbourne-based company owned by RMIT University. Our English Testing Centre, RMIT English Worldwide (REW), offers IELTS testing. 

Taking an IELTS at RMIT Training can help you with your career, your Australian visa application or entry into an Australian university. 

ELTS is recognised and accepted by over 12,000 organisations worldwide, including universities, employers, professional bodies, immigration authorities and other government agencies. 

What is IELTS?

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is the world’s most popular English language test for tertiary education, work and migration purposes. IELTS is formed by a global partnership of language experts including IDP, IELTS Australia, the British Council and Cambridge English Language Assessment.  

Millions of IELTS tests are taken in over 140 countries each year. 

Why take the IELTS test?

IELTS is the only internationally recognised English language test where the Speaking section of the test is held with an examiner in a private room, free from interruption. Our examiners are fully qualified, follow rigorous global IELTS standards and are regularly monitored and re-certified. 

IELTS content is developed by an international team of experts and extensively researched to ensure the test is fair and unbiased for all, regardless of nationality, gender, lifestyle or location. 

Pages of an IELTS book

Why choose RMIT Training? 

RMIT Training is one of Melbourne’s most established IELTS test centres. We are centrally located in Melbourne CBD, close to a range of public transport.  

Our testing centre offers both paper-based and computer-delivered IELTS, so you can choose the test format that is right for you. Test days are scheduled regularly, and all four sections of the test are held on the same day. 

Centrally located

in Melbourne's CBD

Easily accessible

via public transport

Paper-based and Computer-delivered 

tests available 

Paper-based and Computer-delivered IELTS 

RMIT Training offers the convenience of both paper-based and computer-delivered IELTS tests. 

Some test-takers feel more comfortable with the traditional paper-based test format. It is worth keeping in mind that the computer-based test is designed for people with a ‘typical’ typing speed. If you have basic computer literacy, you can sit a computer-based test.  

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A computer-based test is a good option if you have an urgent visa or university application. You can book your test today and receive your results the next week. Please note that you must book your test at least 72 hours before the test date.  

In both test formats, the Speaking test remains a face-to-face interview with one of our certified IELTS examiners. Each test (Writing, Reading, Listening and Speaking) take place on the same day at the same venue for both paper-based and computer-delivered IELTS tests.

Computer-delivered IELTS 

Paper-based IELTS 

  • Results available in 2-5 days 
  • Comfortable headset provided for the Listening test 
  • Multiple test sessions held each week 
  • Speaking test bookings available online
  • One Skill Retake available
  • Results available in 13 days 
  • Listening test played over a loudspeaker 
  • Tests held 2-3 Saturdays per month  
  • Speaking tests held between 1:00pm – 5:30pm  
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IELTS One Skill Retake

RMIT English Worldwide is pleased to offer IELTS One Skill Retake.

With IELTS One Skill Retake, you have the option to retake any one of the four skills (Listening, Reading, Writing, or Speaking) if you need to improve on one area. The format and timing of the One Skill Retake test is the same as a normal IELTS test, but you can save time by not needing to complete the other three skills.

IELTS One Skill Retake is currently only available for IELTS on Computer tests.

Prepare for IELTS 

Prepare for IELTS

We want you to succeed at RMIT Training, so when you choose to take your IELTS test with us you gain access to a free online IELTS Preparation Course valued at $80. To register, click the banner in your booking confirmation email and start practicing.  

Choose from the following options for your free online IELTS Preparation Course: 

  • 30-day access to focus on ONE IELTS skill (Writing, Reading, Listening or Speaking) 

  • 4-day unlimited access to study ALL FOUR IELTS skills 

Both courses include: 

  • 8 mock tests with feedback 

  • 100+ practice questions and quizzes 

  • 60+ expert tutorial videos 

  • and much more! 

Find out more about these courses designed to give you the confidence and skills you need on your test day.  

What are the IELTS test fees? 

The test fee for both Academic and General Training IELTS in Australia is $445. This includes the registration and payment processing fees.  

Please note: The IELTS test fee will increase to $445 from March 1 2024. 

Book Now

Refunds and transfers 

To change your test date or request a refund of the test fee you need to submit a Request for Refund or Test Date Transfer Form. The form must be submitted a minimum of 5 days prior to your test date. 

Cancellations

Cancellations made more than 5 days before the test will incur a $15 administration fee. 

Cancellations made within 5 days of the test date will incur an administrative fee of up to 25% of the full test cost. 

Transfers

Changes to test date made within 5 days of the test date may incur an administrative fee of 25% of the full test fee. 

A test booking may only be transferred once. Any test bookings transferred more than once may be treated as a cancellation and will incur applicable fees. 

Please ensure you read the terms outlined in Cancellations, Transfer and Refunds for IELTS Test Takers at RMIT Training.  

RMIT Training IELTS test centre dates

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You can view all our upcoming IELTS test dates on our IELTS booking page.

Contact us to find out how many seats are available on your preferred date. 

IELTS test location

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Our Test Centre is located at RMIT Training Melbourne:  

Level 10  

RMIT University Building 108 

235–251 Bourke Street Melbourne VIC 3000  

We are conveniently located across from the route 86 and 96 trams, right near the Bourke Street Mall and close to Swanston Street. 

IELTS test components — Writing, Reading, Listening & Speaking 

Timing

Approximately 30 minutes (plus 10 minutes’ transfer time).

Questions

There are 40 questions. A variety of question types are used, chosen from the following: multiple choice, matching, plan/ map/diagram labelling, form completion, note completion, table completion, flow-chart completion, summary completion, sentence completion, short-answer questions.

Test Parts

There are 4 sections:

Section 1 is a conversation between two people set in an everyday social context (e.g. a conversation in an accommodation agency).

Section 2 is a monologue set in an everyday social context (e.g. a speech about local facilities or a talk about the arrangements for meals during a conference).

Section 3 is a conversation between up to four people set in an educational or training context (e.g. a university tutor and a student discussing an assignment, or a group of students planning a research project).

Section 4 is a monologue on an academic subject (e.g. a university lecture).

Each section is heard once only. A variety of voices and native-speaker accents are used.

Skills assessed

A wide range of listening skills are assessed, including:

  • understanding of main ideas
  • understanding of specific factual information
  • recognising opinions, attitudes and purpose of a speaker
  • following the development of an argument.

Marking

Each correct answer receives 1 mark. Scores out of 40 are converted to the IELTS 9-band scale.

Scores are reported in whole and half bands.

Timing

60 minutes (no extra transfer time).

Questions

There are 40 questions. A variety of question types are used, chosen from the following: multiple choice, identifying information (True/False/Not Given), identifying a writer’s views/claims (Yes/No/Not Given), matching information, matching headings, matching features, matching sentence endings, sentence completion, summary completion, note completion, table completion, flow-chart completion, diagram label completion, short-answer questions.

Test Parts

There are 3 sections. The total text length is 2,150-2,750 words.

Academic Reading

Each section contains one long text. Texts are authentic and are taken from books, journals, magazines and newspapers. They have been written for a non-specialist audience and are on academic topics of general interest. Texts are appropriate to, and accessible to, test takers entering undergraduate or postgraduate courses or seeking professional registration. Texts range from the descriptive and factual to the discursive and analytical. Texts may contain non-verbal materials such as diagrams, graphs or illustrations. If texts contain technical terms, then a simple glossary is provided.

General Training Reading

Section 1 contains two or three short factual texts, one of which may be composite (consisting of 6-8 short texts related by topic,e.g. hotel advertisements). Topics are relevant to everyday life in an English-speaking country.

Section 2 contains two short factual texts focusing on workrelated issues (e.g. applying for jobs, company policies, pay and conditions, workplace facilities, staff development and training).

Section 3 contains one longer, more complex text on a topic of general interest.

Texts are authentic and are taken from notices, advertisements, company handbooks, official documents, books, magazines and newspapers.

Skills assessed

A wide range of reading skills are assessed, including:

  • reading for gist
  • reading for main ideas
  • reading for detail
  • understanding inferences and implied meaning
  • recognising writer’s opinions, attitudes and purpose
  • following the development of an argument.

Marking

Each correct answer receives 1 mark. Scores out of 40 are converted to the IELTS 9-band scale. 

Scores are reported in whole and half bands.

Timing

60 minutes

Tasks

There are 2 tasks. You are required to write at least 150 words for Task 1 and at least 250 words for Task 2.

Test Parts

There are 2 parts.

Academic Writing

In Task 1, you are presented with a graph, table, chart or diagram and are asked to describe, summarise or explain the information in your own words. You may be asked to describe and explain data, describe the stages of a process, how something works or describe an object or event. In Task 2, you are asked to write an essay in response to a point of view, argument or problem. The issues raised are of general interest to, suitable for and easily understood by test takers entering undergraduate or postgraduate studies or seeking professional registration. Responses to Task 1 and Task 2 should be written in an academic, semi-formal/neutral style.

General Training Writing

In Task 1, you are presented with a situation and are asked to write a letter requesting information or explaining the situation. The letter may be personal or semi-formal/neutral in style. In Task 2, you are asked to write an essay in response to a point of view, argument or problem. The essay can be slightly more personal in style than the Academic Writing Task 2 essay. Topics are of general interest.

Skills assessed

In both tasks, you are assessed on your ability to write a response which is appropriate in terms of:

  • content
  • the organisation of ideas
  • the accuracy and range of vocabulary and grammar.

Academic Writing

In Task 1, depending on the task type, you are assessed on your ability to organise, present and possibly compare data; to describe the stages of a process or procedure; to describe an object or event or sequence of events; to explain how something works. In Task 2, depending on the task type, you are assessed on your ability to present a solution to a problem; to present and justify an opinion; to compare and contrast evidence, opinions and implications; to evaluate and challenge ideas, evidence or an argument.

General Training Writing

In Task 1, depending on the task type, you are assessed on your ability to engage in personal correspondence in order to: elicit and provide general factual information; express needs, wants, likes and dislikes; express opinions (views, complaints etc.). In Task 2, you are assessed on your ability to provide general factual information; to outline a problem and present a solution; to present and possibly justify an opinion; to evaluate and challenge ideas, evidence or an argument.

Marking

You are assessed on your performance on each task by certificated IELTS examiners according to the IELTS Writing test assessment criteria (Task Achievement/Response, Coherence and Cohesion, Lexical Resource, Grammatical Range and Accuracy). The public version of the assessment criteria can be found at ielts.org/criteria.

Task 2 contributes twice as much as Task 1 to the Writing score.

Scores are reported in whole and half bands.

Timing

11-14 minutes

Test Parts

There are 3 parts.

Part 1 Introduction and interview (4-5 minutes) 

The examiner introduces him/herself and asks you to introduce yourself and confirm your identity. The examiner asks you general questions on familiar topics, e.g. home, family, work, studies and interests.

Part 2 Individual long turn (3-4 minutes)

The examiner gives you a task card which asks you to talk about a particular topic and which includes points you can cover in your talk. You are given 1 minute to prepare your talk, and are given a pencil and paper to make notes. You talk for 1-2 minutes on the topic. The examiner may then ask you one or two questions on the same topic.

Part 3 Two-way discussion (4-5 minutes)

The examiner asks further questions which are connected to the topic of Part 2. These questions give you an opportunity to discuss more abstract issues and ideas.

Skills assessed

A wide range of speaking skills are assessed, including:

  • the ability to communicate opinions and information on everyday topics and common experiences and situations by answering a range of questions
  • the ability to speak at length on a given topic using appropriate language and organising ideas coherently
  • the ability to express and justify opinions and to analyse, discuss and speculate about issues.

Marking

You are assessed on your performance throughout the test by certificated IELTS examiners according to the IELTS Speaking test assessment criteria (Fluency and Coherence, Lexical Resource, Grammatical Range and Accuracy, Pronunciation). The public version of the assessment criteria can be found at ielts.org/criteria.

Scores are reported in whole and half bands.

On the day of the test

When you arrive for your test, you must report to the security team at reception for instructions on where to go for your test. Let them know if you are taking the paper-based or computer-delivered test, as your testing location will be different.  

Remember to bring your passport (unless you have been pre-approved to use other form of ID) or you will not be able to sit the test.  

You can bring a transparent water bottle into the testing room.

You must have your photograph taken and have a fingerprint scanned for security and identification purposes on the day of the test.

IELTS test results

The test results for IELTS are available: 

  • For IELTS on Computer = 2-5 days after the test day 
  • For IELTS on Paper = 13 days after the test day 

Your IELTS test results come in a report known as the Test Report Form (TRF).

IELTS on Computer

You will receive an email when your eTRF is available to view and download. You can then access your eTRF on your IELTS account.

IELTS on Paper

Your TRF will be mailed directly to the address you provided when booking your test. 

You can preview your results online by entering the following information:

  • Given and family name
  • Passport or ID number 
  • Date of birth 

Results are released gradually throughout the day from 12am onwards. If you are unable to view your results, please wait for an hour and try again. All results should be available by the end of the day

 

You will receive five scores for your IELTS test: one for each section of the test and an overall score. You will also receive a brief description of your level.  

Your results will place you on the IELTS nine-band scale:

  • 9 Expert user 

  • 8 Very good user 

  • 7 Good user 

  • 6 Competent user 

  • 5 Modest user 

  • 4 Limited user 

  • 3 Extremely limited user 

  • 2 Intermittent user 

  • 1 Non user 

  • 0 Did not attempt the test 

Check the entry requirements with the institution or organisation you are interested in applying to. The required IELTS score can vary between institutions and organisations. 

Your Test Report Form (TRF) is valid for 2 years. We can send up to five additional copies on your behalf to other institutions or organisations. If you need your TRF re-issued, please complete the IELTS Test Report Form Request. Test Report Forms for tests taken more than 2 years ago cannot be re-issued. 

You may request IELTS Australia to carry out an Enquiry on Results.  The application must be submitted within 6 weeks of your test date. You can choose to have one or more modules of your test re-marked. However, the fee remains the same. The process can take up to 21 days to be finalised. 

If your score is increased, the fee will be refunded and a new Test Report Form will be issued.

The fee for an EOR is $215.

IELTS on Paper

Complete the IELTS Enquiry on Results Form and submit it to englishworldwide@rmit.edu.au,  then pay the application fee.  

IELTS on Computer

  • Login to your IELTS account
  • View your past results 
  • Select ‘Remark’ 

How to book

Book online

Download the test taker leaflet

Speak to a team member

When booking an IELTS test, you will need to have a scanned copy of your current valid passport, your credit card to pay in full and a valid email address.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I sit a One Skill Retake test?

IELTS tests completed at RMIT English Worldwide are not eligible for One Skill Retake.

Does RMIT English Worldwide offer One Skill Retake?

Yes! You can book your One Skill Retake test at RMIT English Worldwide.

Who is eligible to sit One Skill Retake?

You are eligible for IELTS One Skill Retake if :

·       You have completed a an IELTS on Computer test at a test centre that offers One Skill Retake

·       You have received your remark (EOR) outcome (if you have applied for one)

·       You sit your One Skill Retake within 60 days of your full IELTS on Computer test

One Skill Retake is not currently available for IELTS on Paper tests.

Who accepts One Skill Retake?

The Australian Department of Home Affairs accepts IELTS One Skill Retake (OSR) for most visa subclasses. 

Always make sure to check with the organisation you are applying to for eligibility requirements.

Click here to find out which organisations accept IELTS One Skill Retake test scores.

How long are IELTS test results valid for? 

IELTS test results are valid for 2 years. 

What happens if I lose my Test Report Form? 

At any time within two years of sitting the test at RMIT Training, you can apply for additional copies of the original form. These copies will NOT be sent to you, but can be sent to universities, embassies or consulates etc. on your behalf. 

You will only ever receive ONE personal copy of your Test Report Form. Should your TRF get lost or damaged, you may request an additional personal copy via the Test Report Form Request form.This can only be requested twice.  

How do I arrange for my Test Report Form to be forwarded to universities, consulates etc.? 

You will need to submit the Test Report Form Request form form and include your nominated Recognising Organisation’s full contact details and postal address. 

Many Recognising Organisations can access results electronically via an IELTS Results Verification Service. It can take up to 24 hours after your request is processed. 

How strictly is the IELTS test marked? 

Take care when writing answers on the Listening and Reading answer sheets, as incorrect spelling and grammar are penalised. Both UK and US varieties of spelling are acceptable. If you are asked to write the answer in a specific number of words, you will be penalised if you write more than that number. In questions where you are expected to complete a gap, you should only transfer the necessary missing word(s) onto the answer sheet. 

How do I prepare for the IELTS test? 

It is important to prepare before your test so you understand what you need to complete on the day. An important part is familiarising yourself with the IELTS band scores and marking. 

When you book an IELTS test with RMIT Training, you get FREE access to an Online Preparation Course. More information on this course above. 

Some test takers also choose to take an IELTS preparation course, which can provide you with practice, strategies, sharper skills and more confidence. 

What level of English do I need before I can sit the IELTS test? 

IELTS tests are designed to assess candidates from beginner through to advanced levels. However, the test is aimed at candidates with a level of intermediate and above. 

Do I have to study at an English language school before I sit the IELTS test? 

No. However, to get the best possible score, you may consider some IELTS practice materials, to help you understand and practice the types of questions you will be asked in the test.  

What age must I be to sit the IELTS test? 

IELTS is not recommended for test takers under the age of 16. 

How do I book the test with RMIT Training? 

You can book an IELTS test with RMIT Training here

Can I pay the fees by instalment? 

No. Fees for the IELTS test must be paid for in full, up front. 

How long does the IELTS test take to complete? 

At RMIT Training, all four sections of the IELTS test are on the same day. 

  • Paper-based tests: The Listening, Reading and Writing tests are scheduled between 9.00 am and 12.30 pm. The Speaking section is scheduled between 1.00 pm and 5.30 pm. 

  • Computer-based tests: The Listening, Reading and Writing tests start at either 9:00am or 1:00pm. Test takers can book their preferred Speaking test time online.  

What do I need to bring to the IELTS test centre on the day of the test? 

  • On the day of the test, you must bring your passport (only original and valid, current passports are accepted). Your passport must have an expiry date of at least 7 days after the test date to be considered valid. 

  • Clear bottle of water – remove all labels and bottle must be see-through. 

The test centre will provide pencils, sharpeners and erasers. Please do not bring your own stationery as it will not be allowed into the test room. 

Is there time at the end of the IELTS paper-based Reading test to transfer answers to the answer sheet? 

No. The Reading test takes 1 hour, and you must write all your answers on the answer sheet in that hour. 

Can I write on the question papers? 

Yes. The examiners do not see your question papers. 

Is there time at the end of the IELTS computer-delivered Listening test to fill in my answers? 

No, for computer-delivered tests, you type your answers in the appropriate fields during the Listening test. There is no time between sections or at the end to check your answers. 

How is the Listening test conducted? 

For paper-based tests, the Listening test is played via a central sound system. We will conduct a sound-check to ensure that all candidates can hear the audio prior to the test. The test takers do not need to use headphones. 

For computer-delivered tests, all test takers are provided with a comfortable headset. 

Are the preparation course teachers IELTS examiners? 

The regulations set by IDP, IELTS Australia, the British Council and Cambridge University do not allow teachers of IELTS preparation courses to disclose their examiner status. Preparation courses are taught by fully qualified English teachers who are very familiar with the test and are experienced at teaching IELTS strategies. 

How often can I repeat the IELTS test? 

There is no limit to the number of times you can sit the IELTS test. But keep in mind, scores are unlikely to improve dramatically without English language lessons or the completion of IELTS preparation courses between tests. 

Do I have to sit all four sections when I am repeating? 

If you sit an IELTS on Computer test and don’t achieve the scores who require in one component, you may be eligible for One Skill Retake.

One Skill Retake is not currently available for IELTS on Paper tests. In this case, if you repeat the IELTS test, all four skills must be tested again, regardless of your previous results.

What is the difference between the Academic and General Training IELTS tests? 

IELTS Academic measures the English language proficiency needed for an academic, higher education environment. IELTS General Training measures English language proficiency in a practical, everyday context. This version of the test is also often a visa requirement for those planning to migrate to English speaking countries including Australia, the UK and New Zealand. 

For more information, visit the IELTS website.  You should always check with the organisation requesting an IELTS score which test module they require. 

What help is available for test takers who require special arrangements or have a disability? 

The RMIT Training test centre makes every effort to cater for test takers with special requirements. If you require a modified version of the test, please provide three months’ notice so we can best assist you. If special administrative arrangements are needed for your test, for example, you need extra time to sit the test, please provide us six weeks’ notice to adjust the test environment and facilities for you and your circumstances.  
  
Please note there are limited seats available for special needs test takers who require a separate room during the test. 

For more information, see the IELTS Australia special requirements webpage.  
  
Email us at englishworldwide@rmit.edu.au regarding any special requirements prior to booking your test. One of our team members will be in touch with you as soon as possible. 

We look forward to you sitting the IELTS Test with us. 

How do I provide feedback?

RMIT Training is committed to providing a high standard of customer service for all test takers. Please use this form if you feel your needs have not been met, or you would like to provide any feedback about the test or our services.  

For any questions, our customer service team can be reached at 03 9657 5800 Monday-Friday from 9:00am-5:00pm (AEDT) or at englishworldwide@rmit.edu.au   

Get in touch with us

Contact us to enquire about this course.

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Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Luwaytini' by Mark Cleaver, Palawa.