• What is the difference between the Academic and General Training versions of the IELTS test and which version should I take? The Academic modules assess candidates' ability to use the kind of language needed to follow a course of study - for example, following complex arguments, discussing abstract ideas and concepts and dealing with information effectively. The General Training modules assess a broader range of language skills. They are more suited to candidates wanting to take work- related training courses, complete their secondary education or work in an English speaking country. The organisation to which you are applying can tell you what version you need to take. You can also find further IELTS information at www.ielts.org • Do I need to take a course before taking IELTS? A preparation course can be very helpful as it can significantly improve your chances of achieving the result you require at the first attempt. However, for those who are not able to take a test for whatever reason, useful information about the IELTS test is also available in the download version of the IELTS Handbook - here • What documents do I need to send to the IELTS test centre at Mayflower College? Candidates must send a copy of their current and valid passport to Mayflower College within 5 days of their online application. Your passport must be valid for travel to and from the United Kingdom and be valid on your chosen test date. Candidates can either post a copy of their passport to Mayflower College (Mayflower College, IELTS Department, 1 Radford Road, Plymouth PL1 3BY) or email a good quality scanned copy (JPEG, JPG or PDF format only) to ieltsenquiries@maycoll.co.uk • How will I receive my confirmation letter? All IELTS confirmation letters are sent to the email address given on your online or paper application form. Candidates no longer receive a paper confirmation letter. Please make sure that the email address you enter is valid and correct. Candidates will also receive a further email 48 hours before their test which outlines all test day information, location, times and what you need to bring with you. • What if I’m late for the test or can’t make it due to an emergency? On the day of your test, registration is at 9am. Unfortunately, candidates who arrive late for registration will not be allowed to take the test and will lose their test fee. If you cannot attend the test because of a medical emergency, you must provide us with a medical certificate (a letter from a GP, Hospital or a walk-in clinic) within five days of the missed test. The letter must clearly state the reason why you were unable to attend the IELTS test and must be appropriately dated. Please scan and email the letter to ieltsenquiries@maycoll.co.uk together with a medical grounds transfer form. • Can I transfer my test to a different date? You can transfer to another test date if you give more than five weeks' notice before the date of the test that you are currently registered for. You will be charged a £42.50 transfer fee. Please contact ieltsenquiries@maycoll.co.uk • I need to cancel my test. What do I do? You can cancel your IELTS test if you make your cancellation request more than five weeks before your test date. There is an administrative fee of £42.50 for cancellations. If you cancel your test less than five weeks before your test date, you will lose the full test fee. If you are registering for a test date less than five weeks away, you will not be allowed to change or cancel your test without losing your full test fee. Please contact ieltsenquiries@maycoll.co.uk • How do I find the test centre? Maps of the test venues in Plymouth and Exeter are available from our website. • What Identification documents do I need to bring on the day of the test? You will need to bring the original document that you nominated and supplied a copy of on your application form with you on the day of your IELTS test. The document must be the original. Photocopies, alternative passports or ID or scanned copies are not acceptable. Please check your identification document to ensure that it is valid and has not expired. If you do not have the correct identification document, or the document is not valid, you will not be able to sit the test. • Will I have my photograph taken and finger print scanned at my IELTS test? Mayflower College IELTS test centre is part of the Identification Management program for IELTS candidates. All candidates will have their photograph taken and their finger print scanned at registration on the morning of the test. If you would like more information please contact us. • Are there any age restrictions? The IELTS test is not recommended for candidates under the age of 16. If you are under 18, we require permission from your parent or a legal guardian to allow us to capture your photo and finger scan during the registration process on the exam day. Please download an IELTS Consent Form here. You must bring your completed Consent Form to your test, if you do not bring your form you will not be allowed to take the test. • Does the test day photograph apply to minors? As the test day photo is an integral part of the identity verification process, every candidate, including minors, must have the test day photo taken without exception. The IELTS test is not recommended for, and is not suitable for, anyone under 16. • Can I bring my personal belongings, bags, laptops and mobile phone to the test? Candidates are not allowed to use mobile phones or any other electronic equipment throughout the IELTS test; this includes the registration room, waiting room and test room. Candidates should leave their mobile phones, electronic equipment (including laptops and tablets) at home. All other personal belongings will be put into safe storage for the duration of the test. Mayflower College does not accept responsibility for these items and they will be left in safe storage at the venue at the owner's risk. • How long does it take to receive the results of my test? Your Test Report Forms will be available 13 days after your test date (the second Friday following your test). These will be sent to the address given on the front page of your application by first class post. We are unable to give out any results by email, fax or telephone. All candidates will be emailed their personal test details 24 hours (the 12th day) before results are due to be released on the 13th day - these details will allow you to access the results online. • Can I collect my results from the test centre? Test Report Forms can also be collected from the Mayflower College (1 Radford Road, Plymouth), but you will have to show the same identification document used on the test day. You must telephone need the test centre and inform them that you wish to collect your results in person. All results will be posted after 12pm on the 13th day after the test. • What if I am not happy with my results? If you would like any module to be remarked by The British Council then please complete this form. Email the completed form along with a copy of your passport to ieltsenquires@maycoll.co.uk. The fee is £110: please pay here: Please note we can only process a remark if we receive all documentation less than 6 weeks from your IELTS test date. Your details will then be sent to The British Council. It can take 2-21 days for a remark and for you to receive your results. If your original mark changes we will return your payment; however, if the mark remains unchanged you do not receive a refund. If you wish to take the IELTS test again you cannot sit only one module - you must take the entire IELTS test again. • Can Mayflower College arrange accommodation for me in Plymouth while I am taking my IELTS Preparation Course Yes, subject to availability, we can arrange accommodation with a host family who will provide you with the following: • Single room • Breakfast, packed lunch and dinner on Saturday and Sunday • Breakfast and dinner from Monday to Friday We may also be able to arrange University accommodation between July and August. Please give a minimum of two weeks’ notice during the summer (June- August), and one week's notice for the rest of the year