The IELTS test is one of the most commonly accepted and recognized tests of English proficiency in the world. More than 3 million people take the IELTS test every year. It’s a great reference to include on your CV for job or school applications and is even a requirement for certain stay and study visas.
This post will discuss what you should expect from the IELTS, where you can sit the test in and around the Charlotte area, and we’ll give you our advice on how to best train for the IELTS and earn top results.
You’ll get all the information you need at a glance about how to register and prepare for the IELTS test in Charlotte, so let’s jump into it!
What Is the IELTS Exam and What Are Its General Features?
The International English Testing System, as its name suggests, is an international test that is produced and dispatched by the British Council. IELTS scores are accepted by more than 3,400 institutions and programs in the United States and are even required if you plan on studying in or moving to other English-speaking countries. Testing is administered all over the US, including a center in Charlotte.
There are two versions of the IELTS: Academic and General. Naturally, the Academic IELTS focuses on educational scenarios while the General Training IELTS focuses more on everyday, social situations.
Various institutions require either one or the other version, so be sure to check which test you need with the organization that needs your IELTS score. Then, be sure that the version you need to take is offered at the testing center in Charlotte on the date you need it! This and all registration details will be verified when you register with the British Council.
IELTS Charlotte: Are There Any Exam Centers in the City?
Currently, there is only one location authorized to administer the IELTS in Charlotte by the British Council, so the choice should be an easy one!
Email: [email protected] |
The ELS branch in Charlotte is located on the campus of Johnson & Wales University in the heart of Charlotte.
Other Exam Centers Located Nearby Charlotte and North Carolina
Outside of Charlotte, there are also testing centers in Washington, D.C. and Atlanta, which are more or less the same distance from the city of Charlotte. Again, the British Council website will indicate which testing locations offer which IELTS tests depending on the date. The IELTS is a standardized test, so the contents will be the same no matter where you choose to take it.
The closest testing center from Charlotte and North Carolina is in Fayetteville. Find the information below:
| University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR | 97 N. Razorback Rd, Fayetteville, AR 72701 | IELTS (paper-based) | Tel: 479 575 3948 Email: [email protected] |
Other Cities Offering the IELTS Test in the United States
We made a list of other numerous cities for the IELTS USA where you can take the test:
- NYC
- Seattle
- Boston
- Dallas
- Atlanta
- Denver
- Tampa
- Houston
- San Francisco
- San Diego
- Indianapolis
- Pittsburg
- Phoenix
- Arizona
- Newark
- Chicago
- Austin
- Portland
Small Guide on How to Register for the IELTS in Charlotte
On the British Council test-takers’ homepage, select “Take an exam,” then choose “IELTS,” and choose the date and location, in this case, Charlotte. Afterwards you will be able to see which version of the IELTS is available.
Both versions of the IELTS will test you on the four basic language skills: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. You’ll find that material covers a wide variety of English dialects and accents, so you’ll be prepared to travel to and study or work in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, or of course, the United Kingdom.
In general, the IELTS test is given biweekly on Saturdays in Charlotte. Choose which test dates and location are best suited to your needs, but be aware that space is limited and the offer is usually determined by demand, so make sure you sign up for the IELTS version you need at the testing location you want as soon as you can. If you prefer, you may also schedule the Speaking portion of the IELTS, a one-on-one interview with an IELTS evaluator, apart from the other sections.
You have to create an account with them and book your test at the selected testing center locally.
IELTS Charlotte: What Is the Current Price of the Exam?
The test fee is set by the testing center, and currently ranges between $215 and $310. Note that your registration will only be finalized once the fee is received. Of course, you can register to retake the test as often as you want if you don’t reach your target score the first time, but given the expense and time required for this, it is highly recommended that you prepare for the IELTS test effectively the first time.
You’ll get your IELTS test results and you will receive one copy of your Test Report Form 13 days after your test. The computer-delivered test’s results take 3 to 5 days to arrive. They can be collected directly from the test center or received through the mail.
You can pay online with your credit card if the option is available when you register for the test. If you are required to pay offline, you will be guided through the steps to follow in order to pay the exam fee to the test center.
How Can You Get the Most Out of Your IELTS Preparation?
Training before D-Day is vital if you want to pass your IELTS, even if you already have a good level of English. In addition, knowing the exam format, the time allotted for each test and the type of question asked will help you feel confident on test day and enter the exam room without apprehension.
Before starting to prepare for IELTS, it is essential to assess your level of English. This will make it easier for you to estimate how far you have to go to reach your goal. Remember that many internationally renowned universities require a minimum score in the IELTS, failing which, they will refuse your application. During your preparation, keep tracking your progress so you know what weakness to focus on.
It is important to familiarize yourself with the English language and the accent that goes with it, as your speaking, writing, reading and listening skills will be put to the test.
What should you do next?
Once you are perfectly aware of the structure of the exam, the type questions and the time you will have to answer them, you can start practicing more in depth. It’s now time to choose if you feel more comfortable working with books, videos or subscribe to an online program for example. No solution is better than the other, it really depends on what feels like the most suitable option for you in order to achieve the training and the test with success.
Either way, you will find great resources from renowned universities or institutions specialized in IELTS to help you practice efficiently months before the exam. Do remember that training a bit everyday is necessary, you don’t want to ingest too much information at once as it might be too overwhelming. The result of this would be to not remember anything, so start practicing in advance, step by step and methodically.
With a little preparation and practice, you will put the odds in your favor, and you will get the best result possible. And above all, you will feel more confident on the day of the test! Confidence is the key to success. Start your preparation today!
What Are You Allowed to Bring on the Day of the Exam?
The day of the exam, you must bring:
- your ID card
- a pencil and a pen (the pencil will be used for the listening and reading tests)
- an eraser
We also advise you to bring:
- a transparent water bottle
You will not be able to take anything else into the testing room.
Turn off your cell phone and any other electronic device. You will be asked to place these devices with your other personal effects outside the testing room.
You will be able to leave all your personal belongings in a secure space. The examination center cannot be held responsible for loss or damage to your personal effects at the test site. Therefore, we strongly recommend that you leave your valuables, including cell phones and computers, at home.
Just bring what is really necessary for the exam in order to avoid any risk of loss!
GlobalExam Will Help You Easily Prepare for the Exam
It’s entirely possible that you’ll find it more convenient and affordable to prepare for the IELTS test online with GlobalExam. We’ll provide access to our complete platform of dozens of exercises to practice for the IELTS, more than 45 hours of training, and over 1,200 practice questions arranged in order of difficulty so you can focus on the areas you need the most help with.
Indeed, you’ll get personal statistics so you can track your progress and find out where your weaknesses lie. And the best part is, GlobalExam has prepared five full-length mock IELTS tests so you can experience the format, timing, and subject matter you can expect on the real IELTS following the actual testing conditions.
In the end, training to earn a top score on the IELTS is a personal process and requires some time and effort, but with the right tools from GlobalExam, you are on your way to improve your English level overall. Fine-tune your vocabulary and grammar within the IELTS context and get real-life tips and strategies for the IELTS. Your international adventure starts in Charlotte with GlobalExam!
