The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is a globally recognized English proficiency exam, often required for study, work, and migration purposes. In Nigeria, the British Council and MOD IELTS (Morgan International Community School) are the main authorized bodies for administering the IELTS. Here’s a guide on how to register for the IELTS exam in Nigeria, including key details and costs associated with the process.
Types of IELTS Exams Available in Nigeria
There are two primary types of IELTS exams in Nigeria:
- IELTS Academic: This format is designed for individuals applying to study at higher education institutions or seeking professional registration.
- IELTS General Training: This version is tailored for those intending to migrate to English-speaking countries or work where English is the primary language.
IELTS Exam Format
The IELTS exam consists of four parts, each assessing different language skills:
- Listening (30 minutes):
- This section includes four recorded audio clips of native English speakers.
- Candidates listen to the recordings and answer questions based on what they hear, testing their ability to understand spoken English in various contexts.
- Reading (60 minutes):
- The Reading section varies depending on whether you take the Academic or General Training test.
- Academic: Contains three long texts, which may be descriptive, factual, or discursive. Questions are designed to test reading comprehension.
- General Training: Features extracts from books, magazines, and newspapers. It focuses on everyday language and workplace contexts.
- Writing (60 minutes):
- Similar to the Reading section, the Writing part also differs based on the test type.
- Academic: Candidates write a report based on a graph, table, or diagram and respond to an opinion or argument essay.
- General Training: Involves writing a letter and a short essay in response to a given topic.
- Speaking (11-14 minutes):
- This section is conducted in a face-to-face interview with an examiner.
- It consists of three parts:
- Part 1: Introduction and general questions about familiar topics.
- Part 2: A long-turn where candidates speak for 1-2 minutes on a given topic after one minute of preparation.
- Part 3: A discussion with the examiner on more abstract topics related to the Part 2 discussion.
Steps to Apply for the IELTS Exam in Nigeria
Follow these steps to successfully register for the IELTS exam in Nigeria:
- Choose Your Test Type and Location: Decide on the exam format (Academic or General Training) based on your purpose. Select a convenient location. The British Council and MOD IELTS offer test centers across Nigeria, including in Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Ibadan, and Kano.
- Register for the IELTS Exam: Visit the official websites of the British Council or MOD IELTS Nigeria. Create an account to begin your registration and choose your test date and preferred test center.
- Fill in Your Personal Information: Provide your name, contact details, and identification information as required. Ensure the details match your government-issued ID, as discrepancies can lead to complications on test day.
- Upload Required Documents: Upload a valid government-issued ID, such as a passport or national ID, to verify your identity.
- Make the Payment: Complete the payment online via debit card, bank transfer, or pay at a designated bank branch if allowed by the test center.
- Confirmation and Test Preparation: Once registered, you’ll receive a confirmation email with your exam details and instructions. Prepare by studying for the test. The British Council provides free preparation materials upon registration, and additional resources are available on both the British Council and IELTS websites.
What Minimum Score is Required for IELTS?
The minimum score required on the IELTS exam can vary depending on the institution or organization you are applying to. Generally, most universities and colleges require a score between 6.0 and 7.5 for undergraduate and postgraduate programs. However, it is crucial to check the specific requirements of the institution you are interested in, as each may have different benchmarks for admission.
Book Your Test at an Official IELTS Test Centre
Book your exam online and access free preparation materials today. When you book an IELTS test with the British Council, you also get included in your test fee:
- Exclusive, free access to the popular online preparation course “IELTS Ready Premium.”
- Five extra Test Report Forms for free that we send to institutions you’re applying to (e.g., immigration offices, universities, etc.).
You can take your test on paper or on a computer at one of the official test centers. All you need is a valid identification document and a bank card if you want to pay online.
Tests Offered and Fees
| Tests Offered | Fee |
|---|---|
| IELTS on Computer Academic and General Training | ₦266,000 |
| IELTS on Paper Academic and General Training | ₦277,000 |
| IELTS Academic for UKVI on computer | ₦285,000 |
| IELTS General Training for UKVI on computer | ₦285,000 |
| IELTS Life Skills (A1 and B1) | ₦249,000 |
What You Need to Book
- A valid identification document: When you register, you’ll need to upload a scan of your ID. The ID document should be:
- A passport or NIN card (with a microchip embedded, not the temporary slip) for Nigerians.
- A valid passport for non-Nigerians.
- ID must be valid at the time of booking and on the test day. Any other identity document will not be accepted.
- If you’re under 18, your parents will need to complete the Parent Consent form. IELTS is not recommended for anyone under 16.
- A bank card (Credit/Debit) to pay through the online booking system or bank transfer.
After You Have Booked Your Test
You will receive emails confirming:
- The start time of your test and the venue address.
- Your Speaking Test date.
- Your access codes to the free online preparation course: IELTS Ready: Premium.
IELTS Exam Day Tips
- Arrive early with your identification document.
- Avoid bringing personal items into the test room, as lockers may not be provided.
- Ensure your ID matches the one used during registration, or you may be disqualified.
Useful Resources for IELTS Exam Preparation
- The British Council Nigeria offers free IELTS practice materials and online courses.
- The IELTS Official Website provides sample questions, study guides, and practice tests.
Which Countries are Exempted from IELTS?
If required by the school or organization in the UK, Nigerian students would have to write the IELTS exam. However, Nigerians applying to study in Canada, Australia, or the United States do not need to write the IELTS or TOEFL exams. This is because these countries recognize Nigeria, along with several other nations not acknowledged by the UK Government, as English-speaking countries.
The UK Government exempts the following countries from taking the IELTS:
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Australia
- The Bahamas
- Barbados
- Belize
- British Overseas Territories
- Dominica
- Grenada
- Guyana
- Ireland
- Jamaica
- Malta
- New Zealand
- St Kitts and Nevis
- St Lucia
- St Vincent and the Grenadines
- Trinidad and Tobago
- The UK
- The USA
Alternatives to IELTS
If you are looking for alternatives to the IELTS exam, several other English proficiency tests are widely accepted:
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
- The Pearson Test of English (PTE)
- Pearson English Language Test
- Cambridge English Assessment
- Duolingo English Test
- Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP)
- SAT English Test
- Canadian Academic English Language Assessment (CAEL)
These alternatives may be useful depending on the specific requirements of your target institution or country.
Important Points to Remember
- Early registration is advised, as test slots fill up quickly.
- The test fee is non-refundable in most cases, so ensure you’re ready before booking.
- Familiarize yourself with the test format, as this can improve your confidence and performance.
By following these steps and utilizing the available resources, candidates can efficiently register for the IELTS exam in Nigeria and increase their chances of success. For further information, visit the IELTS Official Website.
