Proficiency Test On-site
The IELTS (International English Language Testing System) is recognized in Canada and abroad by numerous academic institutions, governments, and immigrant services.
CECL offers the computer-delivered IELTS test in two different versions: Academic and General Training. The Academic is essentially for students and professionals for whom English is a requirement. The General Training is destined for those who need a linguistic evaluation for immigration purposes.
To find and reserve a period to take the IELTS test, go directly to the British Council website. After you have made your reservation, you need to make a payment through our online payment form in order to validate your reservation. Your reservation will be automatically cancelled if there is no payment within 72 hours of receiving your confirmation.
Test Description and Duration
Test format |
Duration |
Listening |
30 min. |
Reading |
60 min. |
Writing |
60 min. |
Speaking |
11-14 min. |
The four tests together take 2 hours 44 minutes. However, this time does not take into account the 45-minute welcome period, identity validation and explanations of instructions. In addition, these times could be longer in the event of a technical problem during the test.
In general, you should allow for half a day for the Listening, Reading, and Writing tests. The Speaking test is held in a private session in front of a certified examiner and can last from 11 to 14 minutes. This test is usually scheduled in the morning (or in the afternoon if the Listening, Reading, and Writing tests are held in the morning), but could also be held on another date.
Rate and Registration
$305.00
Non-refundable – see our Regulations information page here.
Registration and payment: you must first book your test on the British Council website. At the end of your booking, you will be asked to make your payment using our online payment form. When making your payment, you must indicate your Payment reference (e.g. A3-CA089-S-999999) provided by the British Council, otherwise your registration cannot be validated. Your booking will be automatically cancelled if no payment is received within 72 hours of confirmation.
Important Information for the Day of the Test
Punctuality: remember to arrive early for your IELTS test. Do not forget to bring the Confirmation of completion of IELTS registration and acceptance of application (sent by email by CECL and also available on the British Council Test Taker Portal). This invitation contains all the information about the test schedule and procedure. You may be refused your access to the test if you arrive late.
Candidate identification: Please remember to bring your permanent resident card or the passport you used to make your reservation when you arrive at the CECL. If you bring a different piece of identification than the one used to validate your registration, you will not be allowed to take the test. Please note that we will also take your fingerprint (right index finger) and a passport photo to issue your Test Report Form (TRF).
Minors: a parental consent form must be completed and signed by a parent/legal guardian.
Personal effects and electronic devices: No personal effects (including phones, watches, headphones, etc.) will be allowed in the test room. Only the following personal items will be allowed: eyeglasses (eyeglasses cases are not allowed) and a clear water bottle (without label).
Food: Remember to eat and drink beforehand. You will not be allowed to bring food into the test room. You will only be allowed to bring water in a clear bottle.
Special needs due to a disability or other difficulty: please send us your request by email at least six (6) weeks in advance so that we can provide you with test-taking conditions adapted to your needs.
Test Results
Please allow 5-7 calendar days after you have taken your IELTS for the temporary results to be available on the British Council Test Taker Portal. However, only the Test Report Form (TRF) is the official confirmation. CECL will automatically mail you a hard copy of your TRF. However, you can request to receive it by Xpresspost™ with tracking number (for a flat fee of $25.00) or request to pick it up in person at our office by writing to ielts-cecl@uqam.ca
If you feel that your results are not representative of your level, you can send us an Enquiry on Results (EOR) within six (6) weeks of your exam. Your request will be processed by a senior examiner at the British Council headquarters. To do this, download and complete the form below and return it by email with your payment1.
1A fee of $275.00 will be charged for processing your request. This amount will be refunded to you (minus a $25.00 administrative fee) if the correction results in a change of score in your favor.
Cancelling or Modifying Your IELTS Test Date
If you need to cancel or reschedule your test due to a force majeure, please contact us immediately by email.
When you book your IELTS test online, you confirm that you have read, understood, and agree to abide by the IELTS Terms and Conditions and the IELTS cancellation and refund policy.