The Speaking component of the IELTS exam is often considered one of the toughest aspects of the exam. This is because during this part of the test you are asked to produce coherent and fluent answers in your second language with little to no time to prepare before you hear the questions. Even students from Singapore, where English is an official language, find the speaking test quite daunting. Many students are confused about booking their speaking test on a separate day as the other three components of the test. If you are unsure about when to book your speaking test, then read on to find out more about the best date to schedule your speaking test.
The IELTS Speaking Test
The IELTS Speaking module consists of three parts. and lasts for about 11 – 13 minutes. Just the candidate and the IELTS examiner are present during the face to face interview. It’s important to note that there are no separate marks for each part, and you will be graded as a whole based on your performance for the entire test. The speaking test is the same for both the Academic Module and the General Training module. There is also no difference between the paper-based and the computer-based tests.
When Are The IELTS Speaking Test Dates Offered?
The IELTS Paper-Based tests are offered up to four times a month. The General Training test occurs about 24 times a year while the Academic test occurs on 48 pre-determined dates. The Computer-Based tests are available 3 times a day for the entire year. The IELTS registration process is quite simple and can be easily completed online on the official test website.
The speaking test can be booked up to a week before or after your initial assessment (listening, reading and writing tests
When Should I Book My IELTS Speaking Test?
The decision on whether to take the speaking test on the same day as the other 3 components depends on your circumstances and preferences. Some candidates travel great distances to take the IELTS exam, and therefore booking the speaking test on a separate day would not be practical.
However, if you are fortunate enough to live close to your test venue, I suggest that you book the speaking test on another day. This is because during the IELTS Exam you will be under pressure for around 2 hours and 40 minutes, and this can be exhausting. It would be better to get some rest and then take your speaking test interview on a day when you are more composed and better prepared.
If there are no test centres nearby, then I suggest that you research the nearby areas surrounding your IELTS test centre to find a spot where you can relax and unwind, and maybe get a bite to eat before you take the speaking test.
If you are absent on the test day with no prior notice, you will lose your full fee. It would be better to contact your IDP or British Council test centre beforehand and let them know that you wish to postpone or prepone your scheduled speaking test interview. There might be a minimal postponement fee, depending on the circumstance and time at which you decide to reschedule your test.