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The Exam

Notification of test date and time (including Speaking Test)

You will receive information about the test venue and the starting time with your letter of confirmation which is sent two weeks before the test date. All candidates will receive this information via email. Please add ielts@maltachamber.org.mt to your contact list to ensure you receive the above information in your Inbox.

The written test starts at 9am but we ask all candidates to arrive by 8am. Please note that if you arrive late, you will not be allowed to sit for the test.

Secure Cloakroom

On arrival we will ask you to, switch off your mobile phone, as well as any other electronic equipment, and place your belongings in a secure cloakroom. You will only be allowed to take your identification document and a transparent bottle of water into the test room. IELTS invigilators have the right to ask candidates to empty their pockets and/or remove loose/bulky jackets and other outerwear where unauthorised articles may be concealed. Spectacle cases for prescription glasses are prohibited too. Please refrain from bringing any valuables to the Test Centre. All stationery requirements are provided.

Test Day Registration and Verification

  • Upon arrival you will be asked to join a queue to assist the registration process.
  • You will be asked to present your identification document (listed on your application form) to an IELTS Invigilator. If you do not have your identification document, you cannot take the test. Your name, document number and personal details will be verified. You will be asked to sign the IELTS attendance register. Your image will be compared and verified with the photograph kept on file.
  • Once the verification and registration process has been completed, an Invigilator will show you to your seat.
  • Please note that once you enter the test room, no talking or hand gestures are allowed.
  • Listen carefully to the instructions provided by the IELTS invigilation team. If you have any questions on the day, please ask for assistance.

There are no breaks between tests

It is important to note that there are no breaks between tests. We advise candidates to go to the bathroom before the test begins. Candidates are not permitted to go to the bathroom or leave the room:

  • Whilst Invigilators are giving instructions
  • During the Listening Test
  • In the last 10 minutes of each test
  • Whilst test papers are being collected

What does the IELTS Test consist of?

There are four parts to the IELTS Test (Academic / General Training).

  • The first part is the Listening Test; this takes 30 minutes and you will need to answer 40 questions. The recording will be played only once. At the end of the listening test you will be given 10 minutes to transfer yours answers from the question booklet to the answer sheet.
  • The second part is the Reading Test; you will be given 60 minutes to answer 40 questions and to transfer your answers onto the answer sheet.
  • The third part is the Writing Test; you will be required to write two short essays (of at least 150 and 250 words respectively) in one hour. You should spend 20 minutes on the first and 40 minutes on the second task.
  • The Speaking Test can be held up to seven days before the nominated Test Day.