Across the United States, there are dozens testing centers that administer the IELTS test. In this article, we’ll choose the best IELTS testing site in the USA.
You’ll find a full list of US testing locations, an overview of the IELTS test and its purpose, plus our tips and strategies on the best way to prepare for your IELTS in the best conditions.
Buckle up, settle in, and read this information carefully to find out everything you’ll need to know about the IELTS in America!
What Is the IELTS Test and Why Should You Take It?
No matter why you’re in the USA at the moment, if you’re planning on moving to another English-speaking country for academic, professional, or migration purposes, the IELTS test is a necessary step you’ll need to accomplish to prove your proficiency in English.
The International English Testing System is one of the most widely recognized language assessment tests in the world. It is a proof of English proficiency. It measures your language abilities in Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking – all the skills needed to master the English language! In addition to migration, the IELTS is a requirement for application to thousands of universities, businesses, and various government institutions all over the world, even in the USA.
There are two forms of the test: the Academic version and the General Training version. If you are planning on moving abroad for higher education, the Academic version is probably the one you should register for, but if you are moving for professional or immigration reasons, the General Training version is the one right for you.
IELTS USA: How and Where Can You Find the Test Centers?
There are 68 test centers (paper-based or computer-delivered) in The United States. You might need to take your IELTS test at the nearest language center to you, or depending on which IELTS is available, you may have to travel considerably.
We have written articles on each of the main cities in the US regarding IELTS test centers for your reference:
- IELTS New York: Where Are The Examination Centers Located?
- IELTS Houston: Where Can You Register And Find The Exam Centers?
- IELTS Seattle: Examination Centers, Addresses And Registration
- IELTS Boston: What Are The Adresses For The Test Centers?
- IELTS Dallas: Where Can You Expect To Find Test Centers?
- IELTS Atlanta: What Are The Examination Centers Locations?
- IELTS Denver: Complete List Of Test Centers With Addresses
- IELTS Tampa: Where Can You Find The Available Test Centers?
- IELTS Charlotte: Where Can You Find Examination Centers?
- IELTS San Francisco: How To Register And Find Test Centers
- IELTS San Diego: Where Are The Official Test Centers Located
- IELTS Indianapolis: Find Nearest Test Centers And Prices
- IELTS Pittsburgh: Find The Nearest Official Test Center
- IELTS Phoenix: Where Can You Take The Exam And How To Register
- IELTS Arizona: List Of The Official Test Venues In The State
- IELTS Newark: Accredited Test Centers In And Nearby The City
- IELTS Chicago: How To Register And Find An Official Test Center
- IELTS Austin: Registration And Complete List Of Test Venues
- IELTS Portland: Registration, Prices And Official Test Venues
When deciding where to take your IELTS test anywhere in America, you should keep in mind that the IELTS is designed to be the same no matter where the testing location is.
West
| Global Village, Honolulu | Academic / General training | 1440 Kapiolani Blvd. Suite 1100, Honolulu Hawaii 96814 | Tel: + 1 808 943 9223 Email: [email protected] Website: http://www.gvhawaiienglish.com/ |
| University of Arizona | Academic / General training | 220 West 6th Street, Building B, Tuscon Arizona 85721 | Tel: + 1 520 621 7589 Email: [email protected] Website: www.testing.arizona.edu |
| University of Arizona (Phoenix off-site test) | Academic / General training | Testing Office 1600 East First St. | Tel: + 1 520 621 7589 Email: [email protected] Website: www.testing.arizona.edu |
| BridgeEnglish, Denver | Academic / General training | Metropolitan State University of Denver, West Classroom Building, 1050 10th Street Mall, Denver Colorado 80204 | Tel: + 1 303 777 7783 Email: [email protected] Website: http://www.bridgeenglish.com/IELTS |
| ILSC San Francisco | Academic / General training | 1 Embarcadero Center, Lobby Level, San Francisco CA 94111 | Tel: +1 415 677 9961 Email: [email protected] Website: http://www.ilsc.com/language-tests/ielts#san-francisco |
| ELS Language Centers San Francisco | Academic / General training | 300 Montgomery St #200, San Francisco, CA 94105, USA | Tel: + 1 415 796 5347 Email: [email protected] Website: http://www.els.edu/IELTSPrep |
| Eurocentres - San Diego | Academic / General training | 415 Broadway, San Diego, CA 92101, USA | Tel: +1 619 233 0355 Email: [email protected] Website: http://www.eurocentrescanam.com/ |
| ELS Language Centers San Diego | Academic / General training | 110 W C St Suite 1600, San Diego, CA 92101, USA | Tel: + 1 619 557 0148 Email: [email protected] Website: http://www.els.edu/IELTSPrep |
| Eurocentres Long Beach City College - Concordia Offsite | Academic / General training | 4901 E Carson Street, Long Beach California 90808 | Tel: 949-870-0723 Email: [email protected] Website: http://www.eurocentrescanam.com/registration-information-long-beach/ |
| Fullerton (Eurocentres Concordia offsite) | Academic / General training | 5400 Trabuco Rd., Suite 130 Office # 6 | Tel: + 1 903-746-4150 Email: [email protected] Website: http://www.eurocentrescanam.com/ielts/ |
| Los Angeles (ELS Language Santa Monica) | Academic / General training | 1315 Third Street, 3rd Floor, Santa Monica Los Angeles 90401 | Tel: + 1 310 526 5195 Email: [email protected] Website: http://www.els.edu/IELTSPrep |
| Eurocentres - Concordia University Irvine | Academic / General training | 1530 Concordia West, Irvine California 92612 | Tel: + 1 903-746-4150 Email: [email protected] Website: http://www.eurocentrescanam.com/ielts/ |
| English Language Center Los Angeles | Academic / General training | 10850 Wilshire Blvd, Suite 210, Los Angeles California 90024 | Tel: +1 310 470 3019 Email: [email protected] Website: https://www.elc.edu/english-courses/english-test-preparation-courses/ielts-test-center/ |
| California State University, East Bay-Hayward | Academic / General training | 25800 Carlos Bee Blvd, Hayward California 94542 | Tel: + 1 510 885 7434 Email: [email protected] Website: http://www20.csueastbay.edu/alp/ielts/index.html |
| Pomona (Eurocentres Concordia offsite) | Academic / General training | 5400 Trabuco Rd., Suite 130 Office # 6 | Tel: + 1 903-746-4150 Email: [email protected] Website: http://www.eurocentrescanam.com/ielts/ |
| ELC, Santa Barbara | Academic / General training | 1100 Santa Barbara St, Santa Barbara California 93101 | Tel: + 1 805 845 9097 Email: [email protected] Website: http://www.elc.edu |
| ELS Language Centers La Verne | Academic / General training | 1886 Third Street, La Verne California 91750 | Tel: + 1 909 596 3865 Email: [email protected] Website: http://www.els.edu/IELTSPrep |
| Cal State Northridge - CSUN | Academic / General training | 18111 Nordhoff St, Northridge California 91330 | Email: [email protected] |
| ELS Language Centers Portland | Academic / General training | 3002 NE Ainsworth St., Portland Oregon 97211 | Tel: + 1 503 517 8229 Email: [email protected] Website: http://www.els.edu/IELTSPrep |
| Portland English Language Academy (PELA) | Academic / General training | 2007 Lloyd Center, Portland, OR 97232, USA | Tel: + 1 503 226 1656 Email: [email protected] Website: http://portlandenglish.edu/student-resources/ielts-test-center/ |
| ELS Language Centers Seattle | Academic / General training | 400 E Pine St #100, Seattle, WA 98122, USA | Tel: + 1 206 329 1079 Email: [email protected] Website: http://www.els.edu/IELTSPrep |
Midwest
| ELS, Cincinnati | Academic / General training | 60 W. Charlton St. Suite 150, Cincinnati Ohio 45221 | Tel: + 1 513 556 0657 Email: [email protected] Website: http://www.els.edu/IELTSPrep |
| ELS Language Centers Cleveland | Academic / General training | 11321 Juniper Road, Stone Commons #109, Cleveland OH 44106 | Tel: + 1 216 368 5495 Email: [email protected] Website: http://www.els.edu/IELTSPrep |
| Eurocentres Ohio Dominican | Academic / General training | Ashland University Columbus Center 1900 E. Dublin Granville Rd. Columbus Ohio 43229 | Tel: +1 412 927 7448 Email: [email protected] |
| ELS Language Centers Indianapolis | Academic / General training | 151 W Ohio St Suite 120, Indianapolis, IN 46204, USA | Tel: + 1 317 274 2371 Email: [email protected] Website: http://www.els.edu/IELTSPrep |
| University of Wisconsin-Madison | Academic / General training | 600 N Park St. 5114 Helen C White Hall, Madison Wisconsin 53706 | Tel: + 1 608 262 2560 Email: [email protected] Website: https://english.wisc.edu/esl/ |
| ELS Language Centers DeKalb | Academic / General training | 385 Wirtz Drive, Wirtz Hall, DeKalb IL 60115 | Tel: + 1 815 753 4611 Email: [email protected] Website: http://www.els.edu/IELTSPrep |
| ELS Language Centers Chicago | Academic / General training | 7200 West Division St, River Forest, IL 60305, USA | Tel: + 1 708 714 9317 Email: [email protected] Website: http://www.els.edu/en/DiscoverELS/IELTS |
| Grand Valley State University | Academic / General training | 1150 AU SABLE HALL, 1 Campus Drive, ALLENDALE Michigan 49401 | Tel: + 1 616 331 9228 Email: [email protected] Website: http://www.els.edu/IELTSPrep |
| Eastern Michigan University IELTS Center | Academic / General training | Eastern Michigan University, Pray Harrold, Room 213, Ypsilanti, Michigan 48197 | Tel: +1 734 487 3431 Email: [email protected] Website: emich.edu/esl/ielts.php |
| ELS Language Centers St. Paul | Academic / General training | 2115 Summit Ave, Murray-Herrick Building, 3rd Floor, St Paul, MN 55105, USA | Tel: + 1 651 962 5995 Email: [email protected] Website: http://www.els.edu/IELTSPrep |
| Eurocentres - Donnelly College | Academic / General training | 608 N 18th St, Kansas City, KS 66102, USA | Tel: + 1 903 261 4066 Email: [email protected] Website: www.eurocentrescanam.com |
South
| University of the Incarnate Word | Academic / General training | 847 East Hildebrand, San Antonio Texas 78212 | Tel: + 1 210 805 3023 Email: [email protected] Website: http://www.uiwtx.edu |
| ELS Language Centers Houston | Academic / General training | 2990 Richmond Ave #600, Houston, TX 77098, USA | Tel: + 1 713 527 8556 Email: [email protected] Website: http://www.els.edu/IELTSPrep |
| Eurocentres Austin | Academic / General training | 14205 N Mopac Expwy, Ste 500, Austin TX 78728 | Tel: + 1 619 530 3415 Email: [email protected] |
| Le Tourneau University | Academic / General training | 7920 Belt Line Rd #630, Dallas, TX 75254, USA | Tel: + 1 817 522 3423 Email: [email protected] Website: http://www.letu.edu/everynation/Global-Initiatives/english/ |
| Eurocentres El Paso | Academic / General training | Southwest University, 1414 Geronimo Drive, El Paso TX 79925 | Tel: + 1 619 233 0355 Email: [email protected] |
| Oklahoma City University ELS Harris Hall | Academic / General training | 1915 N W 24th St, Oklahoma City, OK 73106, USA | Tel: + 1 405 525 3738 Email: [email protected] Website: http://www.els.edu/IELTSPrep |
| University of Arkansas | Academic / General training | 97 N. Razorback Road 1 University of Arkansas Fayetteville AR 72701 United States of America | Tel: + 1 479 575 3948 Email: [email protected] Website: http://test.uark.edu/ielts/ |
| University of Arkansas (Searcy off-site test at Harding University) | Academic / General training | 97 N Razorback Road 1 University of Arkansas | Tel: + 1 479 575 3948 Email: [email protected] Website: http://test.uark.edu/ielts/ |
| Eurocentres Jackson | Academic / General training | Millsaps College, 1701 N State Street, Jackson MS 39210 | Tel: + 1 619 233 0355 Email: [email protected] Website: http://www.eurocentrescanam.com/ielts/ |
| Auburn University at Montgomery | Academic / General training | 7430 East Drive, Montgomery AL 36117 | Tel: + 1 334 244 3129 Email: [email protected] Website: http://www.outreach.aum.edu/english-second-language#IELTS |
| TALK Atlanta | Academic / General training | 1447 Peachtree St, Suite 100, Atlanta GA 30309 | Tel: + 1 470-355-7922 Email: [email protected] Website: http://www.talk.edu |
| Talk International Davie | Academic / General training | 3501 South University Drive Suite 3 Davie, Florida. 33328 | Tel: + 1 954 533 4546 Email: [email protected] Website: http://www.talk.edu/ielts/ |
| ELS, Tampa | Academic / General training | 110 N. Brevard Street, Tampa Florida 33606 | Tel: + 1 813 257 6328 Email: [email protected] Website: http://www.els.edu/IELTSPrep |
| TALK Miami Beach | Academic / General training | 1000 5th Street, # 101, Miami Beach Florida 33139 | Tel: + 1 954 533 4546 Email: [email protected] |
| ELS Language Centers Charlotte | Academic / General training | Gateway Center, 901 West Trade Street #500, Charlotte, NC 28202, USA | Tel: + 1 704 527 4172 Email: [email protected] Website: http://www.els.edu/IELTSPrep |
| ELS Language Centers Clemson-Greenville | Academic / General training | 225 S Pleasantburg Dr, Greenville, SC 29607, USA | Tel: + 1 864 233 1025 Email: [email protected] Website: http://www.els.edu/IELTSPrep |
| ELS Language Centers Nashville-Murfreesboro | Academic / General training | 820 Fairview Ave, Murfreesboro, TN 37130, USA | Tel: + 1 615 898 2637 Email: [email protected] Website: http://www.els.edu/IELTSPrep |
| Inlingua, Arlington | Academic / General training | Strayer University, 2121 15th Street N, Arlington Virginia 22201 | Tel: + 1 703 294 6012 Email: [email protected] |
Northeast
| ILSC New York | Academic / General training | 26 Broadway, Suite 1101, c/o Manhattan Language, New York New York 10004 | Tel: +1 313 870 8936 Email: [email protected] Website: http://www.ilsc.com/language-tests/ielts |
| ELS Language Centers Manhattan | Academic / General training | 17 Battery Place, 9th Floor, New York New York 10004 | Tel: + 1 212 431 7015 Email: [email protected] Website: http://www.els.edu/IELTSPrep |
| Eurocentres LIM College | Academic / General training | 216 East 45th Street, New York NY 10017 | Tel: +1 619 233 0355 Email: [email protected] |
| ILSC New York, Pace University | Academic / General training | 157 William Street, New York New York 10038 | Tel: +1 313 870 8936 Email: [email protected] |
| ELS Language Centers Brockport (Rochester off-site test) | Academic / General training | c/o Fairleigh Dickinson University 1000 River Rd., Robison Hall 4th Floor | Tel: 1 201 907 0004 Email: [email protected] Website: http://www.els.edu/IELTSPrep |
| Eurocentres Manhattanville College | Academic / General training | 2900 Purchase St, Purchase New York 10577 | Tel: +1 619 233 0355 Email: [email protected] |
| ELS Language Centers Boston | Academic / General training | 125 Tremont St, Boston, MA 02108, USA | Tel: + 1 617 574 4820 Email: [email protected] Website: http://www.els.edu/IELTSPrep |
| English Language Center Boston | Academic / General training | 11 Beacon St, Boston, MA 02108, USA | Tel: +1 617 536 9788 Email: [email protected] |
| Oxford International Boston | Academic / General training | Cambridge College, 500 Rutherford Ave., Boston MA 02129 | Tel: (857) 244-1303 Email: [email protected] |
| ELS Language Centers Philadelphia | Academic / General training | 5414 Overbrook Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19131, USA | Tel: + 1 610 660 2133 Email: [email protected] Website: http://www.els.edu/IELTSPrep |
| Drexel University | Academic / General training | 229 North 33rd Street Philadelphia, PA 19104 | Tel: + 1 215 895 6138 Email: [email protected] Website: http://drexel.edu/elc/resources/testing_services/IELTS/ |
| Eurocentres Pittsburgh | Academic / General training | Point Park University, 14 Wood Street, West Penn Building, Pittsburgh Pennsylvania 15222 | Tel: + 1 412 927 7448 Email: [email protected] |
Note that for UK Visas, only the testing center in Newark, NJ is authorized to administer the IELTS for that purpose.
Given the fact that the IELTS is such a popular language test, you have the advantage of being able to pass it almost anywhere in the world : be it in the UK, in Ireland, in China, in Canada, in Germany, in Nigeria, in India, in Belgium, in the Netherlands, in Australia, in Hong Kong, in Switzerland or even in Tehran; all while benefitting from the same advantages!
IELTS USA: Step-by-Step Guide on How to Register for the Exam
Depending on where you are coming from, the first step is to check for the IELTS version (Academic or General Training) you need and for seat availability, depending on the date.
Contact information for each IELTS testing center can be found on the official website.
Remember, each testing center handles registration individually, so you need to contact them directly to check for availability. However, seats can fill up fast, so allow for plenty of time before your planned testing date.
Furthermore, each center is free to charge the test fee, and prices can vary considerably between centers. It’s a very good idea to shop around and compare prices before choosing a testing location.
After you pick the right test center for you, follow this step-by-step guide when registering:
Step one:
Click on Register and choose the IELTS test you are interested in and book it.
Step Two:
Fill in the country/territory name where you will be having the test.
Step Three:
You can pick the IELTS format and the date of the test. 
Step Four:
Next, fill out the following form to create your account.
Step Five:
You can now choose the date and time for your speaking test.
And now your account will be ready.
Step Six:
After creating your account, you’ll find a countdown for your test with all the information you need.
Step Seven:
Follow the provided menu till the final step, which is payment.
You will be helped through the entire process.
P.S: Make sure to bring the ID or passport you registered with on the day of the test or you may not be allowed to take the test.
Step Eight:
Finally, you have to pay for your IELTS test online.
You will receive a confirmation email approximately 5-10 days before the test date with the start time of your test and the address.
IELTS Fees in the USA: What Is the Price of the Exam?
The prices for the IELTS test varies depending on which type you are interested to take:
- IELTS (Academic & General Training): USD 215 – USD 310 depending on the location.
- IELTS for UK Visas and Immigration: USD 295.
- IELTS Life Skills: USD 195.
What Are the Payment Methods?
The only available payment method for IELTS USA is online. As explained above, before you officially book your test, you have to pay by choosing MasterCard, Visa, American Express, etc.
Can the Exam Be Refunded in Case of Cancellation?
- IELTS on computer: The cancellation requests must be received three weeks or more before the test date. You will receive a refund minus 25% of the administrative fee.
- IELTS on paper: The cancellation requests must be received more than five weeks before the test date. You will receive a refund minus 25% of the administrative fee.
- IELTS on computer & paper: In case the travel restrictions affected your ability to attent the test, your registration will be cancelled and you will receive a 50% refund, but only of you notified the test center with proof prior the test date.
- If the cancellation requests were received less than than the provided period of time, you will NOT receive a refund.
Is It Possible to Change the Date of the Exam?
Yes, it is indeed possible to change the date. However, the same rules of cancellation apply on transfers. So, make sure you make the transfer request 5 weeks (paper-based) or 3 weeks (computer-delivered) prior to the test date.
- You will be charged 25% in case your transfer request is accepted by your test center.
- Transfer request from Paper test to Computer test must be received more than five weeks before the test date and you will be charged a transfer fee up to 10%.
- Transfer request from Computer test to Paper test must be received more than three weeks before the test date and you will be charged a transfer fee up to 10%.
- A second transfer request due to exposure to COVID-19 or a medical condition will lead to a cancellation and a 50% refund.
When and How Are You Going to Receive Your Test Results?
| Estimated time | ||||
| Receive the Test Report Form (TRF) | ||||
| Online Results |
Get the Best Results on Your IELTS Test With GlobalExam
Now that you’ve chosen where you will sit the IELTS test and registered well in advance, take advantage of the time before your test to prepare. Even if you feel you are already proficient in English, it is recommended to follow a complete IELTS preparation program to become familiar with the format of the test, make sure your test-taking strategies and skills are up to par, and improve your general English language abilities to have the best chance at success.
It’s crucial to take a simulated mock IELTS test at least once to get a feel for how the timing works on each of the four IELTS sections. Many language academies, schools, universities – and most of the above testing centers – offer in-person courses, but you may find it much more convenient to take a preparation course online with GlobalExam.
We offer comprehensive revision, preparation, training materials and of course, tips for a full mock IELTS exam to practice with. In addition, you’ll have access to a variety of vocabulary and grammar files to boost your overall English language proficiency and skills as well as your IELTS band score, and because it’s all online, you can practice whenever and wherever you want, even on the road!
