English is the most spoken language in the world. If you are looking to work, live or study abroad then you must be able to demonstrate you level of English Language ability and test reflects how you will use English to study or work and live in an English speaking environment
The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is one of the world’s most widely recognized English Language skills tests which is designed to assess the language skills of individuals wishing to work or study where English is used as a native language. This includes countries such as Australia, Canada, New Zealand, UK, USA and many other countries.
Immigration authorities and other professional bodies around the globe accept the qualification.
Why take IELTS with HCBT?
- Classes and the exam at the same venue.
- Group classes with individual attention
- Exclusive pack of learning materials
- More than 16 practice reading and listening tests
- Well qualified & experienced lecture panel
- Academic / General and UKVI preparation
- Flexible class schedule
- Listening,Speaking,Reading and Writing components will be covered with practise on each skill
- Fast track option
Physical class – Rs. 20,000/-
Online class – Rs. 20,000/-
Individual class – Rs. 40,000/-
Test preparation outline
This course is designed to prepare students to achieve success on the IELTS exam through instructions and guided practice. Upon completion of this program the successful applicants will be able to achieve their IELTS score goals by having developed language skills useful to taking a language test as well as by getting familiar with the expectations, format and content of the IELTS exam.
Physical class conducts on Sundays
Key contents of the physical class
- The course consists of 24 learning hours and all four modules will be covered in 4 weeks
- Students learn through physical lectures including lesson notes
- 2 Physical Mock Tests of listening, reading, writing at our exam centre.
- 2 Speaking tests (30 min. individual on WhatsApp on a weekday)
- Students will get feedback on their essay writings
- Students will learn through a variety of activities and practice exercises that will help them prepare for the four sections of the test: Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking.
- Ability to answer all questions in reading and listening components through online reading tests and 16 listening tests which will be shared on WhatsApp group
- Students will be provided with reading question-types booklet and PDF version of Cambridge book 13 & 16 which will be shared on the WhatsApp group every Monday morning.
Class Schedule
TIME | DAY 1 & DAY 3 |
9-10 AM | LESSON |
10-11 AM | LISTENING TEST |
11-12 PM | LESSON |
12-12.30 PM | BREAK |
1.30- 3 PM | WRITING LESSON & TEST |
TIME | DAY 1 & DAY 2 |
9 – 11.30 AM | LESSON |
11.30- 12 PM | BREAK |
12 – 3 PM | MOCK TEST |
This course covers practice material from Cambridge 11-17 books
TO GET THE BEST OUTCOME, IT IS ADVISABLE FOR THE STUDENTS TO ATTEND ALL 4 PHYSICAL LESSONS CONSECUTIVELY!
Test preparation outline
This course is designed to prepare students to achieve success on the IELTS exam through instructions and guided practice on an online platform. Upon completion of this program the successful applicants will be able to achieve their IELTS score goals by having developed language skills useful to taking a language test as well as by getting familiar with the expectations, format and content of the IELTS exam
Online lesson schedule
please contact programme coordinator for the schedule
Key contents of the online class
- All four modules will be covered in the online lectures with lecture notes, practice tests, videos and PPT presentations
- Will be given 4 mock tests ( 3hours for each test)
- 2 individual speaking practice sessions through What’s App
- 16 Reading and listening mock practices
- Practice on essay writing ( 8 essays) and feedback will be provided
This course covers practice material from Cambridge 11-17 books
TO GET THE BEST OUTCOME, IT IS ADVISABLE FOR THE STUDENTS TO ATTEND ALL 8 ONLINE LESSONS CONSECUTIVELY!
Test preparation outline
This course is designed for students who seek critical attention throughout the course in order to prepare oneself to achieve success on the IELTS exam through instructions and guided practice in an individual manner. Upon completion of this program the successful applicant will be able to achieve their IELTS score goals by having developed language skills useful to taking a language test as well as by getting familiar with the expectations, format and content of the IELTS exam
How much does the IELTS test cost?
- IELTS / CD & PB Test Fee – LKR 50,000
- UKVI / CD & PB Test Fee – LKR 59,000
- UKVI Life Skills Fee – LKR 41,000
IELTS test result
Your IELTS test results are available 13 days after your test date. You can either view your IELTS results online or contact your test center.- There is no pass or fail in IELTS. Scores are graded on the 9-band system. Each educational university or school sets its own minimum IELTS scores to meet its individual requirements.
- IELTS test results for all four sections – reading, writing, listening and speaking, are provided separately. Mostly, an average of 6.5, with a band score above or equal to 6 in each of the 4 sections, is welcomed by most universities and schools.
On your Test Day
- Stay calm before the test day
- Refresh all test rules and IELTS format to ensure you haven’t missed anything out.
- Ensure that you carry your relevant ID proofs (passport). Carry the same identification document as used at the time of test application.
- Be attentive when the supervisor is giving instructions; ask again if you have any doubts.
- Try to attempt all questions as there is no negative marking.
- Have proper meals and sleep well before the test to keep fresh and active during the exam.
- leave a little early to avoid any traffic on the way to your test centre.
The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) with more than three million tests taken in the past year. To ensure you score well in the exam, it is crucial to start your IELTS preparation well in time. It is a three hour test that evaluates you on all four language skills – listening, reading, writing, and speaking.
Here are some pointers to help you score well in your IELTS exam:
1. Understand the test format
Make yourself familiar with the IELTS test format.
There are two modules of IELTS:
IELTS Academic – If you are planning to study at undergraduate or postgraduate level or join a professional organisation in an English speaking country, IELTS Academic is for you.
IELTS General Training – If you wish to migrate or train/study below degree level, opt for this module.
For both the IELTS tests, speaking and listening sections remain the same but reading and writing sections are different.
2. Practice IELTS sample questions
Use the IELTS preparation books provided at the time of test registration. You can either download the books online or get them at the IDP registration centres.
Analyse each question well, take notes, underline keywords and plan your answers accordingly. Follow this simple activity throughout your practice sessions to score well.
Ask your mentors for feedback and improve upon areas you lack.
Take sample mock tests to time yourself.
3. Enhance your English language skills
Improving on a language takes time, and so it is important that you start working on your skills ahead of time. Make use of these handy tips:
- Read, write and speak in English as much as possible. Make it a part of your daily life.
- Create a group of friends and practice speaking in English.
- Read English newspapers and listen to English news channels or radio.
- Try listening to a variety of English accents – British, Australian, American, British, New Zealand and Canadian.
- Watch English movies with subtitles.
- Read extensively to develop your reading speed.
- Learn to understand context to be able to scan the available content for answers.
- Start paying attention to your grammar, spelling and vocabulary.
- Learn to be precise, relevant and within the required word count.
IELTS Scoring system
There is no pass or fail in IELTS. Scores are graded on the 9-band system. Each educational university or school sets its own minimum IELTS scores to meet its individual requirements.
IELTS test results for all sections are provided separately. Mostly, an average of 6.5, with a band score above or equal to 6 in each of the 4 sections, is welcomed in most universities and schools.
Test Report Form (TRF)
A copy of your IELTS result is known as the Test Report Form (TRF). Each candidate is issued only one IELTS test report form, which is valid for two years. You will only receive one copy of your TRF, unless you are applying to Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC), or the United Kingdom Border Agency (UKBA) – in this case, you can receive two. Proof of application to CIC and UKBA must be provided.
Up to five copies of your ATRF will be posted to the relevant institution(s) you have listed on your IELTS application form. Regular postage is free of charge. Charges for courier services and/or overseas postage will be passed onto you.
Additional Test Report Form (ATRF)
Additional TRFs beyond the first five TRFs can be requested from the test centre which issued the results. Please note, an administration fee may be charged for additional TRFs. If you have lost your TRF, please contact the test centre which issued your results.
Universities and schools, which are subscribed to receive the IELTS scores, do not require original copies of TRFs. They can directly view your scores online.
Enquiry on Results (EOR)
You can apply for a re-mark, known as an Enquiry on Results (EOR), at your test centre within six weeks of the test date. You must pay an enquiry fee, which will be fully refunded if your band scores change. The review request is separately made for the different sections of the exam, directly from the website. Re-evaluation results may take up to ten days. Note that IELTS examiners and markers follow strict assessment guidelines and are regularly monitored. The IELTS testing process has the highest quality control procedures.
Re-sitting the test
There is no time limit on re-sitting the test. However, we strongly recommend you do additional study before taking the test again. You can also refer to our free study material for
Ask your counsellor / adviser for more information.
Band score | Skill level | Description |
9 | Expert user | The test taker has fully operational command of the language. Their use of English is appropriate, accurate and fluent, and shows complete understanding. |
8 |
Very good user |
The test taker has fully operational command of the language with only occasional unsystematic inaccuracies and inappropriate usage. They may misunderstand some things in unfamiliar situations. They handle complex and detailed argumentation well. |
7 | Good user | The test taker has operational command of the language, though with occasional inaccuracies, inappropriate usage and misunderstandings in some situations. They generally handle complex language well and understand detailed reasoning. |
6 |
Competent user |
The test taker has an effective command of the language despite some inaccuracies, inappropriate usage and misunderstandings. They can use and understand fairly complex language, particularly in familiar situations. |
5 | Modest user | The test taker has a partial command of the language and copes with overall meaning in most situations, although they are likely to make many mistakes. They should be able to handle basic communication in their own field. |
4 | Limited user | The test taker’s basic competence is limited to familiar situations. They frequently show problems in understanding and expression. They are not able to use complex language. |
3 | Extremely limited user | The test taker conveys and understands only general meaning in very familiar situations. There are frequent breakdowns in communication. |
2 | Intermittent user | The test taker has great difficulty understanding spoken and written English. |
1 | Non-user | The test taker has no ability to use the language except a few isolated words. |
0 | Did not attempt the test | The test taker did not answer the questions. |
The network of IELTS test centres managed by IDP is vast. If you are looking for a location in Colombo Horizon is the ideal place.
2. How do I book/register for the test?
Your IDP Education student counsellor can assist you in choosing a test date and location. Click here for information about booking your test.
3. What if I need to postpone or cancel my IELTS test?
Please contact the test centre where you booked your IELTS test from. If you postpone or cancel your application more than 5 weeks before the test date, you will receive a refund minus an administration charge.
If you postpone or cancel within 5 weeks of the test date, you will be charged the full fee unless you have a medical reason. If you are unable to attend due to a serious medical condition and provide a medical certificate within 5 days of the test date, you will receive a refund minus the local administrative cost.
If you are delayed by circumstances beyond your control (e.g. a transport strike) the test centre may offer you a test on the next available test date.
4. Do I take all parts of the test on the same day? Which part do I take first?
The Listening, Reading and Writing components of the test are always completed immediately after each other and with no break. You will take the Speaking test up to 7 days either before or after the test date, depending on the test centre.
Many of our test centres will allow you to choose if you wish to complete all four components on the test day itself or if you wish to complete the Speaking component on a different day, depending on what suits you best. You will do the Listening component first followed by the Reading and Writing components of the test. Depending on the test centre, the Speaking test may be taken up to 7 days either before or after the test date.
5. What are the test rules?
Test rules and guidelines can be found on the ‘Notice to Candidates’ provided in the IELTS Application Form. You are also advised to read the ‘ Information for Candidates’ booklet carefully so that you understand the test format and know what to expect on the test day. IDP Education offers practical advice for the test day on https://ielts.idp.com/srilanka/
6. What can I take into the examination room?
Only pens, pencils and erasers.
You must bring the passport/national identity card you used on the IELTS Application Form to the test. You must leave everything else outside the examination room.
Mobile phones and pagers must be switched off and placed with personal belongings in the area designated by the supervisor. If you do not switch off your phone/pager or if you keep it with you, you will be disqualified.
7. What is the Speaking test?
The Speaking test is a discussion over 11-14 minutes with a certified and highly qualified IELTS Examiner. The Speaking test is made up of three sections. It is recorded on an audio cassette or a digital recorder.
8. What do I need for the Speaking test?
You must bring the same passport/national identity card you mentioned on your IELTS Application Form and continue to use the same identity documents for each part of the test. Your identity will be checked before you enter the interview room.
9. What kinds of accents can be heard in the Listening and Speaking tests?
As IELTS is an international test, a variety of English accents is used in both of these tests.
10. Can I write in capital letters?
Yes, you can use all capital letters in the IELTS Reading and Listening components and also in the Writing component.
11. How are the tests marked?
IELTS uses a 9-band scoring system to report test scores in a consistent manner. You receive individual band scores for Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking and an Overall Band Score on a band scale from one to nine.
12. Can I write in pencil?
You must write in pencil for the Listening and Reading components. In the Writing test, a pen or pencil may be used.
13. Can I make notes on the Listening and Reading question papers?
Yes. The examiners marking your answers to the Listening and Reading questions will not see your question paper.
14. Who sets the ‘pass mark’ for the IELTS test?
There is no pass or fail in IELTS. Scores are graded on the 9-band system. Each educational university or school sets its own minimum IELTS scores to meet its individual requirements. To find out more, search the list of organisations accepting IELTS scores.
15. When will I receive my test results?
Your Test Report Form (TRF) will be available to you 13 calendar days after your test date. You will only receive one copy of your TRF, unless you are applying to Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC), or the United Kingdom Border Agency (UKBA) – in this case, you can receive two. Proof of application to CIC and UKBA must be provided.
16. How many Test Report Forms (TRFs) am I entitled to?
You will only receive one copy of your TRF, unless you are applying to Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC), or the United Kingdom Border Agency (UKBA) – in this case, you can receive two. Proof of application to CIC and UKBA must be provided. Up to five copies of your TRF will be posted to the relevant institution(s) you have listed on your IELTS application form. Regular postage is free of charge. Charges for courier services and/or overseas postage will be passed onto you. Additional TRFs beyond these five can be requested from the test centre which issued the results. Please note, an administration fee may be charged for additional TRFs. If you have lost your TRF, please contact the test centre which issued your results.
17. How can I order more TRFs if my test centre has closed since I took the test?
If the test centre where your test was taken has closed, we can still send a copy of your TRF to organisations for two years after your test. Check IDP list for contact details.
To request a TRF, you will need to complete an Additional TRF application form. It is important to fill your family and given names exactly as they appear on your identification document. Submit the form by clicking the ‘Submit’ button at the end of the form.
Include a scanned copy of the passport or identification document that you used when you took the test (this is done after you click the submit button on the Additional TRF application form). TRFs can only be sent to institutions and organisations. Additional copies will not be sent to students, their families or friends. There is no charge for this service.
19. How soon can I re-sit the test?
There is no time limit on re-sitting the test. However, we strongly recommend you do additional study before taking the test again. Some test centres offer preparatory courses and language classes. Ask your IDP counsellor or contact your local test centre for more information.
19. What if I am not happy with my result?
You can apply for a re-mark, known as an Enquiry on Results (EOR), at your test centre within six weeks of the test date. You must pay an enquiry fee, which will be fully refunded if your band score changes. Note that IELTS examiners and markers follow strict assessment guidelines and are regularly monitored. The IELTS testing process has the highest quality control procedures.
By taking an online MOCK TEST, you can progress more efficiently. This involves applying teacher feedback to assist in achieving your desired Ielts band score.
Test fees
- Full test (covering all four components) Rs. 5,000/=
- Reading test only – Rs.1,000/=
- Listing test only – Rs.1,000=
- Speeking test only – Rs.2,500/=
- Writing test only – Rs. 1,000/=