What are the IELTS test day rules?

Only water, in a transparent bottle with no label, goes into the room. All electronic devices, including smartphones and smartwatches, are switched off and left outside with your belongings (British Council). Watches are not allowed, but every test room has a wall clock, and food is not allowed (ielts.org).

Stationery: in Writing on Paper the centre provides black ink pens; pencils and your own stationery are not allowed (British Council). There is no dress code (British Council).

Listening, Reading and Writing are taken in one sitting of 2 hours 40 minutes with no breaks, so use the toilet first (ielts.org). The whole test is about 2 hours 45 minutes including Speaking (11–14 minutes).

Speaking can be on the same day or a different day, up to one week before or after the other sections (British Council).

Raise your hand for help or the bathroom; do not call out. Check you can hear the Listening recording clearly before it starts. Stay seated until an invigilator lets you leave, report anything that affected you straight away, and use a Test Day Incident form for complaints (British Council).

IELTS Online at home: you need a phone or tablet camera for a room scan, then switch it off (ielts.org). One screen only, no headphones, and one 5-minute break between sections (ielts.org).