Covid-19 updates for test takers

Testing schedule 

Hong Kong

Paper-based IELTS

The governmert new measures is impacting on our testing schedule. For Paper-based IELTS test,  we will then contact directly all test-takers who have registered for tests and exams scheduled on 30April or 2May to confirm or re-confirm their test status. 

Computer-delivered IELTS

The current situation for computer-delivered IELTS tests* is that tests will run as scheduled. Test takers should read the test taker special measures (in the expandable section below) and be fully prepared to comply.

*Computer-delivered IELTS tests centers with restrictions in place that meet the current Hong Kong government regulations on gatherings and social distancing (at a distance of 1.5m apart).

Please do not attend your test if: 

• you are currently in a country or place that would face quarantine on arrival in Hong Kong, and are therefore are unable to travel to Hong Kong for the test
• you are under a 14-day compulsory quarantine, stay-at-home order, medical surveillance or a self-quarantine order, as specified by the Hong Kong Government 
• you have a high temperature, persistent cough, difficulty breathing or other flu-like symptoms.

Macau

Paper-based IELTS tests are suspended until further notice
Computer-delivered IELTS tests will resume normal from 25 July 2020

Re-scheduling and refunds

IELTS Test takers who have registered for a test can request to re-schedule their test date or take a refund through sending us email request (an administration fee will be deducted).

For more information, please refer to: https://www.britishcouncil.hk/en/exam/ielts/cancellation-refund-policy

Should you have further enquiries, please contact  examinations@britishcouncil.org.hk. 

The list below shows the status of our professional and other exams (TBC). Test takers should read the test taker special measures (in the expandable section below) and be fully prepared to comply.

Cambridge English exams will resume on Thursday 1 July, with strict hygiene and social distancing measures in place.

Please do not attend your exam if:

• you are under a 14-day compulsory quarantine, stay-at-home order, medical surveillance or a self-quarantine order, as specified by the Hong Kong government

• you have a high temperature, persistent cough, difficulty breathing or other flu-like symptoms. Re-scheduling and refunds If your exam is cancelled or you are unable to attend your exam, please contact your exam board directly, so that they can manage any refunds or re-scheduling with you.

Self-declaration form:

All test takers must sign a declaration form at the entrance of the exams area on test day to declare that they are eligible to attend the test session. 

Please do not attend your test if: 

• you are under a 14-day compulsory quarantine, stay-at-home order, medical surveillance or a self-quarantine order, as specified by the Hong Kong Government 
• you have a high temperature, persistent cough, difficulty breathing or other flu-like symptoms.

Under 18s

Test takers under 18 years of age are strongly recommended to be accompanied by an adult until the necessary checks at the entrance of the test venue have been completed. If you are then excluded from the test, you and your accompanying adult must leave immediately. If you have not been given permission to leave the test venue unaccompanied, you will be escorted to a holding area until an adult comes to pick you up. Our staff will follow the British Council child protection policy and procedures when they proceed with this arrangement.

On test day: 

• We advise you to report an additional 30 minutes prior to the previously specified arrival time of the test  
• We are implementing temperature screening in the test venue before test takers enter the exams area. Test takers with symptoms of fever will not be able to take the test
• Please follow basic hygiene practices such as using hand-sanitiser provided on test day and regularly washing your hands
• Please maintain a one metre distance from other test takers or staff wherever possible
• You should wear a face mask that covers your mouth and nose. For speaking tests, staff and examiners should also wear a face mask. You may be requested to remove your mask for identification or other purposes.
• All test venues will be thoroughly cleaned prior to the start of the test. For computer delivered tests, equipment will be cleaned between sessions
• You will be asked to take any stationery you use at the venue away with you except scratch paper, notes or workings sheets.

After your test:

If you are diagnosed with Covid-19 within 14 days after you take your test, please report this to your test centre by email. This will help ensure we can communicate with other test takers and follow local health authority and government advice.