How to Cancel IELTS Exam? A Complete Procedure

The International English Language Testing System, popularly known as IELTS, is a widely accepted English language competency test created to evaluate the language skills of non-native English speakers who wish to study, work, or reside in an environment where English is the primary language. The British Council, IDP: IELTS Australia, and Cambridge English Language Assessment jointly operate IELTS. The exam is designed to assess a candidate’s proficiency in the English language in four key areas: speaking, reading, listening and writing. Countries that recognize IELTS include- The United States, Canada, Australia, The United Kingdom, New Zealand, and Germany.

Types-
Based on an individual’s requirements, IELTS is of two types. Although the Speaking and the Listening sections are the same, the Writing and Reading modules differ slightly in both the variants.

• Academic version- The Academic version is intended for people who want to pursue higher education or professional registration in an English-speaking country.
  
• General Training- the General Training version is better suited for people who want to immigrate to such countries and those looking for work experience or secondary education.

Understanding the format

Modes of IELTS exam-

Designed to suit the convenience of test takers, one can take IELTS in 2 ways-

• Computer-delivered IELTS: During the COVID outbreak, this method was introduced to stay up with the times. This choice allows applicants to take the Listening, Reading, and Writing exams in a legitimate IELTS testing center. Nevertheless, the Speaking test is given face-to-face with an IELTS examiner. Individuals prefer the computer delivered approach since there are more available dates, and the results are open five days after the exam is administered.  
  
  
• Paper-based IELTS: The paper-based exam is the traditional way of taking the IELTS test. It involves applicants writing the Listening, Reading, and Writing sections physically. The Speaking section is conducted face-to-face with a trained IELTS examiner.

Cancelling IELTS-

Deciding to cancel one’s IELTS exam is a serious decision which one must not take lightly. The behind-the-scenes of giving the IELTS exam are not usually talked about. It involves a considerable amount of investment of money, numerous hours of hard work and dedication and a lot of preparation and sacrifice. After all, the IELTS exam is a significant stepping stone towards studying, working or living in English-speaking countries, and cancelling can seem like a setback. But that’s what life is! Unanticipated things show up, and sometimes the best-laid plans must be revised.

There might be an unprecedented personal emergency or a health concern that one must address. One might have specific other necessary commitments or have merely changed their mind about studying abroad. The possibilities are endless, but whatever the reason, the decision to cancel the IELTS exam is as important as the decision to take it in the first place.

Knowing there is a formal process to follow after the choice has been taken is crucial. Like the exam itself, the cancellation procedure is carried out following regulations. There are specific procedures to follow, deadlines to observe, and significant financial repercussions to think about. Understanding the IELTS cancellation procedure is essential to navigating it confidently and effectively and preventing further inconvenience from this change of plans.

Here are a few steps to keep in mind and follow-

Step 1- Contact the test center
As soon as a candidate decides to postpone the IELTS test, one must contact the testing facility where one has registered. To prevent any issues, completing this as quickly as feasible is essential. Each test center has its distinct regulations and procedures. Visiting the test centre is necessary for receiving the most accurate and valuable information based on individual circumstances. One can revoke the IELTS test registration any time before the test by notifying the test center.

Step 2- Cancellation form
Test takers might need to send a written cancellation request or complete a cancellation form. The test center guides individuals through this procedure and provides the required paperwork or templates. One must complete this step precisely for the cancellation to be processed.

Step 3- Refund Policy
A refund minus the administrative fee is usually initiated if a person cancels their test more than five weeks before the planned date. However, once the period of 5 weeks is crossed, refunds are not processed unless in case of medical issues.

Step 4- Think about Scheduling
Students can consider delaying rather than cancelling their IELTS test if their circumstances have changed, but they still intend to take it. Check the test centre’s policy on this and be aware that a transfer fee might be involved.

Step 5- Transfers
Before the test, Applicants have plenty of time to change their test date. However, it can be considered a cancellation depending on how close to the exam day one submits their transfer request.

If a different test date becomes available, one must choose it within three months of their initial test date. An individual’s transfer will be considered a cancellation if one’s preferred test date falls more than three months after the initial test date. Test takers can only transfer the same booking once. One may only transfer the same booking once.

Rare Circumstances
In unusual circumstances, candidates might not be eligible for a regular cancellation, refund, or transfer close to the test date if they cannot take the exam or are otherwise disadvantageous on the test day due to illness, injury, or another extraordinary incident beyond their control. Individuals may submit an application to their specific test centre for additional consideration owing to exceptional circumstances, including grief, personal difficulty or the like.

Re-sits-
IELTS test takers who want to raise their scores frequently retake the exam. One can retake the IELTS as often as one likes because there are no limitations. There is no shame in retaking the IELTS exam, so don't feel disheartened. Many test takers need to get the score they want on their first attempt. Therefore, it's imperative to conduct some careful planning before an individual decides to repeat the test:

Examine your results: One must analyze their Test Report Form (TRF) to understand which sections they did well in and which need to improve. Please pay special attention to the areas where one scored lower than expected.

Identify your areas of weakness: Work to understand why you didn't do as well as you had hoped once you are aware of these areas. Did you need more preparation or find some question types challenging?

Hard work and Practice: Before opting for a re-sit, practice a lot, especially in areas one scored less in initially. Use IELTS practice exams, study guides, and, if necessary, sign up for an IELTS preparation course.

Registration for a Re-sit: Follow the same steps to register for the IELTS exam again. Depending on convenience, one can select the same test center or a different one. The fees also remain the same.

Take Professional help: there is no harm in seeking professional guidance to ace the test. IELTS prep classes, instructors, and internet resources can offer advice and ideas to help you raise your scores.

Conclusion
IELTS test cancellation can be a complex process, but by being aware of the process and acting quickly, the process can go much more smoothly. Always stay in touch with your test center, and don't hesitate to ask questions. Remember, preparation is vital, whether for taking the IELTS test or cancelling it!