IELTS Pretesting Information (General Training GT) only
2019 Pretest dates have not been scheduled yet. Check for the next date and sign up at the pretest website
IELTS Pretesting is an opportunity to take an IELTS practice test under exam conditions at our test centre. You will receive unofficial scores within 1 week and have a chance to check your readiness for the real IELTS test, familiarize yourself with IELTS test questions and test day procedures. Get to know your centre’s location and staff, and receive valuable advice in preparing for a real IELTS test.
Have a question about IELTS Pretesting?
Please check our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) below. If your question is not answered, please contact us.
- 01. Who can take a Pretest?
Anyone who is at least IELTS band 4 now.
It is not necessary to have done an IELTS test before, but you need to be capable of A2 (Elementary) English to take the pretest.
If you are not sure, you can take a quick quiz online.
- 02. How do I sign up?
Sign up at the pretest website (only active when signup is open).
- 03. How much does it cost?
-$20 for 3 tests (Listening, GT Reading, GT Writing)
-Please note pretest fees are non-refundable
- 04. Where is the Pretest?
Pretests are at our centre:
Kaplan Vancouver
300-755 Burrard Street
Vancouver, V6Z 1X6
- 05. What are the benefits?
-Practice under test conditions
-Find out what an IELTS test is like, and the types of questions that are asked
-Pretest scores can help you focus on weaknesses and choose a test date
-Practice your timekeeping skills
- 06. How long does the Pretest take?
The entire pretest (Listening, Reading, Writing) will take about 3 hours.
- 07. When will I get the results?
Results will be available within 1 week.
- 08. How will I get the results?
Your results will be sent to you via email directly from the test centre.
- 09. What kind of results will I get?
–You will receive a raw score (the number of correct answers) for both Listening and Reading. You will not be given an IELTS Band Score, but the raw score will give you some idea of your ability in these skills. (Your teacher may be able to calculate an equivalent Band Score for your raw score, but this will be very approximate and cannot be used as an official IELTS result.)
–For the Writing pretest, you will receive a Band Score, but again this cannot be used as an official IELTS result.
- 10. Is this an official IELTS score?
An IELTS Pretest is not an official IELTS score. It cannot be used as proof of English ability for institutions or governments. Pretests assist IELTS in producing future test questions and help test takers to prepare for their test.
- 11. Is this a full IELTS test?
Yes, except for Speaking, which is not part of pretesting.
- 12. Can I take just 1 or 2 tests, or do I need to do all 3?
You must take all 3 tests (Listening, GT Reading, GT Writing) in 1 sitting.
- 13. What Pretests are available?
-Listening pretest (about 45 minutes)
-GT Reading pretest (1 hour 15 minutes)
-GT Writing pretest (1 hour)
*Speaking tests are not part of pretesting.
- 14. Can I take an Academic Pretest?
At this time, we are not offering Academic Pretests. Please note that the Listening is the same for Academic and General, and that, even if you are doing Academic, you may benefit from a General Training pretest.
- 15. Can I take a Pretest more than once?
Yes, you can pretest as often as you wish, but you may get the same test again as the number of different versions is limited.
- 16. How often is Pretesting available?
Pretesting is offered about once a month. You can check our website regularly or follow us on Facebook to find out when pretesting will be held.
- 17. How similar are Pretests to real IELTS tests?
Pretests are very similar to real IELTS tests but differ in a few small ways:
-The Listening pretest has a few more more questions
-The Reading pretest has a few more questions, and is 15 minutes longer
-The answer sheets may look a little different
- 18. How similar is a Pretest to a real test day?
It is very similar to a real test day, but there are some things that are not done for a Pretest:
-No ID required
-No finger scan/photo capture
- 19. What do I need to bring?
You do not need to bring anything. We will provide pens, pencils, erasers, etc
- 20. What time should I arrive?
-Please arrive at the time shown on the pretest signup website
-You must be on time. If you are late you may not be able to take the test.
For more information, visit: ielts.ca