This article will address where to take the IELTS exam in Ottawa, among other things, such as:
- What it the IELTS exam;
- How it can help with a Canadian immigration application;
- How to prepare for the IELTS test on GlobalExam’s platform.
Let’s get right into it!
Short Presentation and Introduction of the IELTS Exam
The International English Language Testing System – IELTS is an exam designed to test a person’s proficiency in the English language. It is one of the world’s most popular English language tests.
The exam is jointly administered by Cambridge ESOL, the British Council and the IDP and it seeks to equip persons seeking to live, work or study in English-speaking countries with an official certification of their language skills.
There are two versions of the test: the IELTS Academic, aimed at students; and the IELTS General Training, aimed more generally towards immigrants. Both tests assess a person’s language skills across reading, writing, speaking, listening, however the IELTS Academic uses topics that are more suitable for university-level students.
IELTS Ottawa: Complete List of the Official Test Centers
In Canada, the IELTS is administered by the IDP. In some Canadian cities, you can sit the IELTS directly at an IDP center, otherwise, you can find another examination center offering the test independently. Wherever you take your test, any version of the IELTS comes approved by the IDP.
There are seven examination centers where you can sit the IELTS Ottawa and you can find their addresses and contact information right here:
Algonquin College | 1385 Woodroffe Avenue B453. Ottawa, Ontario K2G 1V8 | Paper based test | Tel: +1 613 727 4723 Mail: [email protected] |
Algonquin College | 700 Sussex Drive, Second floor, Ottawa, ON, K1N 1K4 | Paper based test | Tel: 613 727 4723 X2912 Email: [email protected] |
British Council - Saint Paul University | 223 Main Street, Ottawa, Ontario, K1S 1C5, Canada | Paper based test | Tel: +1 416 946 3942 Email: [email protected] |
British Council - Carleton University | 1125 Colonel By Drive, University Centre, Ottawa ON K1S 5B6 | Paper based test | Email: [email protected] |
Canada College Gatineau - Canada College | Canada College-Gatineau Campus, 93 Boulevard Greber, Gatineau, Ontario, J8T 3R1 | Paper based test | Tel: 514-994-7974 Email: [email protected] |
Canada College, La Cité, Centre Ottawa | 1118 Sainte-Catherine West - 4th Floor Ottawa, Ontario K1K 4R3 | Paper based and computer based tests | Tel: +1 (514) 868-0869 Email: [email protected] |
Conestoga College | University of Ottawa 299 Doon Valley Drive, Kitchener, Ontario N2G 4M4 | Paper based and computer based tests | Tel: 519-748-3516 Email: [email protected] |
Once you’ve worked out which one is the most convenient location for you, all you need to do is register online on the IDP website, specifying your chosen examination center.
Official IELTS Test Centers Nearby Ottawa and in Ontario
Here are some addresses of test centers near Ottawa:
Algonquin College | Language Institute IELTS Test Centre, Room B453 1385 Woodroffe Avenue | Paper based and computer based test | Tel: +61 3727 4723 ext 2912 Email: [email protected] |
Concordia University IELTS Test Centre | 1250 Rue Guy FB-Building Montreal | Paper based and computer based test | Tel: 514-848-2424 ext.3609 Email: [email protected] |
ILSC Montreal - IELTS Test Centre with British Council | 550 Rue Sherbrooke West 8th floor, East Tower, Montreal, Quebec H3A 1B9 | Paper based and computer based test | Tel: 514-876-7856 Email: [email protected] |
Canada College - Montreal IELTS test centre | 1118 Sainte-Catherine West - 4th Floor H3B 1H5 Montreal, QC | Paper based and computer based test | Tel: +1 (514) 868-0869 Email: [email protected] |
Canada College - Montreal IELTS test centre | 1118 Sainte-Catherine West - 4th Floor H3B 1H5, Sherbrooke, QC | Paper based test | Tel: +1 (514) 868-0869 Email: [email protected] |
Some More IELTS Test Centers in Canada
Here is a list of the cities locations where you can sit for the IELTS test in Canada:
- IELTS test center in Toronto
- IELTS test center in Calgary
- IELTS test center in Edmonton
- IELTS test center in Montreal
- IELTS test center in Winnipeg
- IELTS test center in Vancouver
- IELTS test center in Saskatoon
- IELTS test center in Halifax
- IELTS test center in Victoria
What Features Do the IELTS Test Centers Offer in Ottawa?
You will be provided with a piece of a paper to take notes and draft your ideas. You should leave the paper on the table at the end of the exam.
For the paper based test, you will be provided with answering sheets.
For the listening section, you will be provided with headphones. All headphones are tested right before the test to make sure they work fine.
How Are You Supposed to Register for the IELTS in Ottawa?
Registration for the IELTS in Canada goes through the IDP (“International Development Program”). You can register for the test on the IDP website and it’s a simple procedure.
When you access the IDP registration platform, you will be asked to input your country, city, and test type. The platform will show you the available examination centers and their next test sessions.
Once you’ve selected your session, you will be asked to create an account on the IDP website. Next, you must download an application form to print, complete and submit to your chosen IELTS examination center and required test dates. Lastly, you will be asked to pay the registration fee online.
When Do Test Takers Receive Their IELTS Test Results?
The test results will be available 13 days after taking the paper-based version, or 3 to 5 days after taking the computer-delivered version.
How Much Do You Have to Pay for the IELTS in Ottawa?
The IELTS costs approximately $300 CAD in Canada. The registration fee can vary depending on the examination center, according to the province it is located in.
This is because different Canadian provinces charge a different amount of tax. Taxes in Ontario are higher than in Alberta, for example, so the IELTS Ottawa is likely to cost around $339 CAD, whereas in Alberta, it’s around $315 CAD.
The IELTS Exam Fee Scholarship
The IELTS recently launched a scholarship award to help students cover the costs of the registration fee. To be considered for the scholarship, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Less than 32 years old
- High School grades of at least 75%
- Undergraduate degree with a minimum of 3.0 GPA
- Family incomes of less than $250 USD
- First time sitting the IELTS
- Teacher recommendation
If you’re eligible for the scholarship, you can apply directly on the IELTS website. Please note that you will be asked to upload supporting documents that support your eligibility against the above criteria.
Important Reasons for Taking the IELTS Test in Canada
The IELTS is recognized by over 10,000 organizations all over the world as a reliable certification of a person’s English language abilities. All Canadian universities and colleges accept the IELTS band scores, and it can be an essential part of the immigration and citizenship processes.
There are several ways to immigrate to Canada as an economic migrant. Two of the available options are:
- The Express Entry program
- Provincial Nominee Programs
Canada has two official languages – English and French – and the immigration and citizenship processes require proficiency in at least one. For English speakers, the IELTS General Training is the only international test accepted by the Canadian government.
Immigrating Through Express Entry
Express Entry is a system used by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for processing applications to Canada’s immigration programs for skilled workers. It is a competitive pathway to immigration, whereby candidates are ranked according to criteria such as education, age, and language proficiency. The best candidates are invited to apply for Canadian permanent resident status.
To gain access to the Express Entry pool, all candidates (including native speakers) must demonstrate their proficiency in either French or English.
What Do You Have to Bring With You on the Day of the Exam?
Everything you will need will be provided to you on the day of the exam apart from your writing materials.
You should bring
- An ID card or passport (copies are not allowed)
- Pencil and pen (you will need it if you take the paper based exam and also during the computer based exam, speaking section to draft your answers)
- An eraser
We also recommend that you bring a clear bottle of water (other beverages and food are not allowed)
You should not bring your belongings (including your bag) with you in the secure area. The British Council cannot be held responsible for loss or damage. Therefore, it is recommended that you leave your valuables, including cell phones and computers, at home.
Upgrade Your Training for the IELTS With GlobalExam
If you’re still not sure whether the IELTS is for you, why not try out some of the test material yourself before you make a decision?
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If you’re not sure what language level you currently have, you can begin with an Assessment test that will put you through your paces in English to give you an idea of where you’re starting from.
As the test gets closer, you can take mock IELTS tests under real conditions to prepare for the real thing.
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