Rules, comparisons and data

Why does IELTS take your photo and fingerprint on test day?

To prove the person who sits the test is the person on the result. IDP's IELTS terms say identity checks may include a photograph, a signature sample and a finger scan. The photo appears on your Test Report Form and is shared with organisations that check your result; refuse it and you cannot sit, with no refund. Finger-scan data is not shared outside the IELTS partners.
  • Guide updated · 30 October 2026
  • 3 sections
  • IELTS
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Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 30 October 2026

What is collected

IDP's terms say you consent to identity checks at registration and on test day, which may include having your photo taken, giving a signature sample and having your finger scan taken. IDP Australia says identity is checked before Speaking and before the other sections, and capturing your photo and finger scan is part of that (IDP Australia). You do not need to bring passport photos.

DataUsed forShared with
PhotographPrinted on your TRF; identity checksOrganisations and governments you send results to, for verification
Finger scan (where taken)Identity checksOnly the IELTS Test Partners
Signature sampleIdentity checksNot stated separately

Face coverings and refusing

The terms say you will be asked to remove any covering from your face temporarily for the photograph. A candidate who refuses to be photographed will not be allowed to sit the test and is not entitled to a refund. Without a centre photo, no result will be issued (IDP terms).

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Who sees it

The photo is provided to universities, employers and governments (including visa authorities) that you apply to, so they can verify the result or investigate possible malpractice. Finger-scan data is not disclosed to anyone except the IELTS Test Partners; a copy can be requested, for a fee, only as a binary file (IDP terms). ielts.org describes ID checks as part of its wider test security, so that institutions know it was you who took the test (ielts.org).

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to bring passport photos to IELTS?+

No. IDP Australia says the centre takes your photo at registration on test day.

Do I have to remove my hijab or veil for the IELTS photo?+

The terms say you must temporarily remove any covering from your face for the photograph.

Can I refuse the IELTS finger scan?+

The terms make identity checks a condition of sitting. Ask your centre before test day if you have concerns.

Does the university see my IELTS fingerprint?+

No. Only the photo is shared with organisations; finger-scan data stays with the IELTS Test Partners.

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Related

Guide updated on 30 October 2026. Individual prices and policies may have earlier observation dates. Confirm current details on the linked official pages before you book or apply.

© 2026 BandLadder. Written and checked by the BandLadder team. You may quote or cite this page with credit to BandLadder and a link to it; republishing it in full needs our written permission. Content use policy

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