How to find the test centre
The location of your IELTS test will depend on whether it is an IELTS on paper or on computer test.
All test takers will receive full instructions via email approximately five days before the test date (including full location details).
Unless otherwise specified:
- IELTS on paper tests take place at our London Road Campus, Building L22.
- IELTS on computer tests take place at the Whiteknights Campus, Edith Morley Building.
Visit the University's general travel pages
View a map of the London Road campus (PDF)
View a map of the Whiteknights campus (PDF)
Public Transport
For all rail information, please visit the National Rail website.
Once you arrive at the train station you can take a bus, taxi or walk to the London Road campus.
Buses that run from the train station to either London Road or Whiteknights Campus include the number 21 or 21a. For further bus information, please visit the Reading buses website.
Car
IELTS on paper - London Road Campus - Sat nav postcode: RG1 5AQ
The London Road campus is in the centre of Reading, a couple of miles from the M4 motorway. Parking on this campus is restricted to staff and students Monday to Friday between 8am and 5pm (no permits are required for Saturday tests). Car parking is also available in the town centre.
IELTS on computer - Whiteknights campus- Sat nav postcode: RG6 6UR
Parking on the campus is generally restricted to staff and students Monday to Friday between 8am and 5pm, but there are pay and display options available on the Whiteknights campus in the car parks located near the University Sports Park (Car Park 1 /1a).
Arriving at the Test Centre
For IELTS on paper
Please allow yourself plenty of time for travelling and arrive at the test centre at least one hour before the test is due to start.
IELTS on paper tests begin at 9:00am. Registration for the test will close 30 minutes before the test begins. If you arrive after this time, you will not be allowed to sit the test and you will not receive a refund of the test fee.
For IELTS on computer
IELTS on computer tests typically begin at 1pm (although other test sitting times may be available, please make sure you check timings when registering).
Please allow yourself plenty of time for travelling and arrive at the test centre at least half an hour before the test is due to start. Registration for the test will close 15 minutes before the test begins. If you arrive after this time, you will not be allowed to sit the test and you will not receive a refund of the test fee.
If you are unable to attend your test
For either IELTS on paper or on computer tests should you be unable to attend on the test day due to illness or some other unforeseen event please contact the IELTS Administration Office as soon as possible. The IELTS office will be able to advise if you are eligible for a refund or test date transfer. You must complete a form and supply appropriate supporting documentation (for example a medical certificate) within five days following the test date).
Personal Belongings
Before you register, you will be able to leave your personal belongings in a locked room. You will either be instructed to place your belongings in a personally labelled area or be given a ticket number to show when you are your collecting items after the test.
We advise you not to bring valuable or unnecessary items to the test centre. Please ensure you only arrive with minimal belongings whilst every effort will be made to ensure security, we cannot accept responsibility for your stored items.
What can you take into the exam room?
- Valid ID document
- Pencil
- Eraser
- Water in a clear, plastic bottle with no label.
You will NOT be allowed the following items in the exam room:
- Mobile / electronic devices
- Hats/caps
- Outdoor jackets
- Watches of any kind - a large clock is displayed in the exam room.
- Pens
- Correction fluid
- Highlighter pens
- Tissues - these will be available in the exam room.
Registration
Once you have handed in your belongings, ensure you use the toilet as you will not be able to take a toilet break until the beginning of the Reading test.
On the test day you must bring the same, valid, ID Document that you registered with. You will not be allowed to sit the test without it.
Your identity will be checked at registration against your documents. Your photograph will be taken on the test day and this will be the photograph that appears on your Test Report Form (TRF). For additional security, your finger will be scanned and your identity and finger scan will be checked every time you enter or leave a test room.
During the test
You will be shown to your desk which will have your personal desk label attached. You should place your ID document on your desk. Your identity will be checked by the invigilators during the test. Possession of a mobile phone or any other electronic device in the test room will constitute cheating and you will be expelled from the test room.
You must remain seated in the test room until you are instructed otherwise. If you need to use the toilet during the test, put your hand up to attract the invigilator’s attention. You are not permitted to use the toilet during the instructions or during the Listening test.
If you have any issues, concerns with the way your test has been conducted or wish to make a complaint please talk to the Test Day Supervisor at the test venue. Alternatively, you can send a letter or email to IELTS Administration Office detailing your complaint (we respond to all complaints within 48 hours). All Complaints will be dealt with in line with our IELTS Complaints Policy.
Feedback
If you would like to provide feedback about your IELTS experience at the University of Reading then we would love to hear from you. Please email IELTS@reading.ac.uk.
