Booking IELTS is simpler than most guides make it sound. You choose your test type, pick a provider and a centre, upload your ID, and pay. This guide gives you the full process for 2026, in clear steps. It also explains the choice between the British Council and IDP, the payment methods used in different countries, and the mistakes that can cost you your fee. Before you book, it helps to be ready, so take a free IELTS practice test first and only book the real test when your scores match your target.
How to book IELTS: the quick version
Here is the whole process in 8 steps. Each step is explained in full below.
- Choose your test type: Academic, General Training or UKVI.
- Choose your provider: British Council or IDP.
- Choose paper or computer.
- Pick your test centre, date and time.
- Create an account and fill in the form.
- Upload a valid passport or national ID.
- Pay the test fee.
- Get your confirmation email.
The whole process is online and usually takes about 15 minutes once you have your ID and payment ready.
Step 1: Choose your test type
This is the most important choice. Pick the wrong test and you may have to pay and sit again. Choose IELTS Academic for university or professional registration. Choose IELTS General Training for most work and migration routes. Choose IELTS for UKVI if a UK visa needs it. If you are not sure, read our guide on IELTS Academic vs General Training before you book.
Step 2: Choose British Council or IDP
In most countries you can book with the British Council or with IDP. New test takers often worry about this choice. You do not need to.
Both are official IELTS partners. The test, the questions, the marking and your final result are the same. The fee is the same too. So choose by what is practical for you: which provider has the date you need, which has a centre closer to you, and which offers a payment method you can use. Check both and pick the easier one.
Step 3: Choose paper or computer
You will be asked how you want to take the test. In 2026 this choice is changing.
- Computer. This is now the main option. You get more test dates and faster results, often in 1 to 5 days. It also unlocks One Skill Retake.
- Paper. From mid-2026, IELTS is moving fully to computer, and paper is being withdrawn market by market. In many places paper is no longer offered.
- IELTS Online. In some countries you can take IELTS Academic from home. Check if your country and purpose allow it.
For more on this shift, see our guide to the IELTS 2026 changes.
Step 4: Pick your centre, date and time
Choose a centre near you, then a date that gives you enough time to prepare. Book early. Computer slots can appear several times a week, but popular dates still fill up. Paper dates are limited. As a guide, book at least 3 to 4 weeks ahead for computer, and earlier in busy seasons. Many centres close registration 2 to 4 weeks before the test date.
Use the official locator on the British Council or IDP website to find a centre near you and see live dates. Only book through official partners, never an unofficial reseller.
Step 5: Create your account and fill in the form
You will create an account on the official portal and fill in your details. Enter your name and details exactly as they appear on the ID you will use on test day. A small spelling difference can cause problems at the centre or on your result.
Step 6: Upload your ID
You must upload a valid identity document. This is usually a passport, and in some countries a national ID card. The rules are strict.
- The ID must be valid on booking day and on test day. An expired ID means you cannot sit the test.
- The name and details must match your registration exactly.
- You must bring the same ID you registered with on test day.
Step 7: Pay the test fee
You pay to confirm your booking. The fee depends on your country, not your test type. For the current price where you live, see our guide to IELTS fees and cost by country. Payment methods vary by country.
| Country | Common payment methods |
|---|---|
| India | Credit or debit card, net banking, UPI |
| Pakistan | Bank transfer (IBFT), bank deposit, card |
| Philippines | GCash, Dragonpay, Metrobank, card, PayPal |
| Nigeria | Card, PayPal, bank transfer (pay within 48 hours of booking) |
| UK, Canada, Australia, UAE | Credit or debit card online |
Payment options can change by centre. The exact methods appear during booking on the official portal.
Step 8: Get your confirmation
After payment, you receive a confirmation email with your test date, time and venue. In some countries this can take a few days. Your Speaking test may be on the same day, or in a short window before or after the other sections. Keep the email and check your spam folder if it does not arrive.
Mistakes that can cost you your booking or fee
After years of coaching IELTS candidates, I see the same avoidable errors. Each one can waste your money or your test date.
1. Wrong or mismatched ID. The name must match and the ID must be valid on test day. 2. Booking the wrong test type. Academic and General Training are not interchangeable. 3. Missing the payment window. In some countries, such as Nigeria, you must pay within 48 hours or the slot is released. 4. Changing your date inside the 5-week window. You usually lose the fee. 5. Booking too late. Slots fill fast, and a missed deadline means no seat.
You can change or cancel a test, but the rules are strict. If you cancel or move your test more than 5 weeks before the date, you usually get a refund minus an admin fee. Inside 5 weeks, you usually lose the fee, unless you have a valid medical reason and send a certificate in time.
Booking IELTS if you are under 18
You can take IELTS if you are under 18. A parent or guardian must give consent, and in many centres they need to complete a short consent form or register on your behalf. Check the rule with your centre before you book. IELTS is not recommended for anyone under 16.
Pre-booking checklist
Run through this before you start. It saves time and avoids errors.
- You know which test you need: Academic, General Training or UKVI.
- Your passport or national ID is valid and will still be valid on test day.
- You have chosen a provider and a centre near you.
- You have a payment method ready.
- You have left enough time to prepare before the date.
New to the test? Start with our guide on what IELTS is. Planning to migrate to Canada? See IELTS for Canada for the test and band you need.
Frequently asked questions
How do I book the IELTS test?
Book online with an official partner, the British Council or IDP. Choose your test type, choose paper or computer, pick a centre and date, create an account, upload a valid passport or national ID, and pay the fee. You then receive a confirmation email with your test details. The whole process is online and usually takes about 15 minutes.
Should I book IELTS with the British Council or IDP?
It does not matter for the test itself. Both are official partners, and the test, marking, result and fee are the same. Choose by what is practical: the date you need, the nearest centre, and a payment method you can use. Check both providers and pick the easier option for you.
What ID do I need to book IELTS?
You need a valid passport, or a national ID card in some countries. The ID must be valid on the day of the test, and the name and details must match your registration exactly. You must bring the same ID to the test centre on test day, or you may not be allowed to sit the test.
How early should I book my IELTS test?
Book at least 3 to 4 weeks ahead for a computer-delivered test, and earlier in busy seasons or for paper. Many centres close registration 2 to 4 weeks before the test date, and popular dates fill quickly. Booking early also gives you a better choice of Speaking test slot and venue.
Can I change my IELTS test date after booking?
Yes, but the rules are strict. If you move or cancel your test more than 5 weeks before the date, you usually get a refund or transfer minus an admin fee. Inside 5 weeks, you usually lose the fee, unless you have a valid medical reason and provide a certificate in time.
Can I book IELTS if I am under 18?
Yes. A parent or guardian must give consent, and many centres ask them to complete a consent form or register on your behalf. Check the exact rule with your test centre before you book. IELTS is not recommended for anyone under 16.