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How we ensure test security

IELTS is a globally recognised test for English language proficiency. Its success is heavily reliant on the accuracy of the test, as well as confidence in the legitimacy of test takers scores.

For this reason, IELTS test security is of the utmost importance. British Council work closely with the teams on the ground at test centres to maintain strict security measures including:

strict regulations regarding the test papers and testing computers
test taker registration and confirmation systems
test centre staff are trained to identify imposters, fraudulent behaviour, and cheating
tests are undertaken in rigorous conditions
routine inspection of test results prior to release
a free and secure online service to verify test taker results
a Test Report Form that has many security features, including security-enhanced paper, authenticated by an IELTS validation stamp. To verify identity, a high-resolution photograph of the test taker is included.

Protecting organisations against fraudulent documents

Recognising organisations are given access to an online portal that can be used to verify test takers results. This safeguards organisations against fraudulent Test Report forms with the ability to easily cross check the results on the IELTS database. Test Report Forms on the IELTS database can be downloaded in batches, making it easy to check the validity of multiple applicants at the same time.

Organisations can question or report results that do not match those on the Verification Service by emailing the British Council investigations team on

IELTS.Verification@britishcouncil.org.