Who can ask
ielts.org lists examples: a broken arm, a long-term illness or physical condition such as diabetes, a specific learning difficulty, ADHD, being neurodivergent, or feeding an infant. Arrangements cover temporary and long-term conditions, and all requests are subject to approval (ielts.org).
Contact your test centre at least six weeks before the test; some arrangements take that long to set up. If your centre lacks the equipment or space, it should help you find one that has it.
What is available
A summary of the options on the ielts.org access arrangements page. Your centre confirms what it can offer.
| Arrangement | Typical use | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Extra time | Visual impairment, specific learning difficulty, hearing impairment (Reading and Writing) | Normally 25%, so a one-hour paper gets 15 minutes more (up to 25% for hearing impairment); more for severe learning difficulties |
| Supervised breaks | Concentration, medical needs | Stop and rest alone in another room under supervision |
| Test over two days | Test takers entitled to 100% extra time | For example Speaking and Reading on day one, Writing and Listening on day two |
| Large print or Braille papers | Visual impairment | Visual material is adapted, for example a graph given as a table |
| Extra-time Listening version | Cannot listen and write at the same time | The supervisor pauses the recording before, during and after each part |
| Lip-reading Listening version | D/deaf or hearing impaired | The supervisor reads each text aloud twice instead of playing a recording |
| Reader or scribe | Visual impairment or difficulty writing | A reader reads questions without explaining them; a scribe writes down dictated answers, including punctuation |
| Assistive technology | Visual impairment | Magnifiers, screen magnification or screen readers, Braille displays, with spellcheck and grammar tools switched off |
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Evidence you may need
The British Council asks for medical evidence six weeks before the test, written in English by a medical professional and dated no more than two years before the test date (British Council).
For a specific learning difficulty, ielts.org asks for a report prepared when you were 13 or older, confirming that the evidence came from appropriate, recognised tests and naming them (ielts.org). If yours is older or missing, talk to the centre.
Once arrangements are approved, your answers are marked in exactly the same way as everyone else's, including spelling and grammar.
Exemption from one or two skills
If arrangements are not enough, for example a hearing impairment that makes Listening or Speaking inaccessible, you can apply before the test for exemption from one or two components. You then get a band for the missing skill(s) based on your other bands, and your Test Report Form states that those bands were notionalised to accommodate an approved exemption (ielts.org).
Check that the university, employer or visa authority you are applying to accepts a TRF with a notionalised band before you choose this route.
Frequently asked questions
How much extra time can I get in IELTS?+
Normally 25% (15 minutes on a one-hour paper). More can be approved for severe needs, and 100% extra time can be split over two days.
How early do I need to request IELTS special arrangements?+
At least six weeks before the test, according to ielts.org, the British Council and IDP India.
Can I use my hearing aid in IELTS?+
Yes, if you normally use one. Tell your test centre before the test.
Can I be exempted from IELTS Listening or Speaking?+
Yes, if access arrangements are not sufficient. Apply before the test; the missing band is calculated from your other bands and noted on your TRF.
Can I get extra time for feeding a baby during IELTS?+
ielts.org lists feeding an infant among the needs covered by access arrangements. Ask your centre what it can offer.
Keep reading
Related
- IELTS test day rules
- IELTS Test Report Form (TRF) explained
- How to book IELTS
- Free IELTS mock test with band score
- All 1066 guides
Verified against the linked official sources on 11 October 2026. Rules change: confirm on the official page before you book or apply.
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