Available locations and notice periods:

  • Berlin, Cologne, Hamburg, and Heidelberg: On paper tests are available. Other locations might be possible depending on the specific disability and requirements.
  • Notice period: Special arrangements require 6-8 weeks' notice to ensure all necessary accommodations are made.

Booking special arrangements

Currently, tests with special arrangements in Berlin (on paper only) cannot be booked online. If you need special arrangements in Berlin, please contact our customer support with your preferred test date(s), medical documentation, and details of your requirements. We will provide further instructions on how to proceed with your booking.

Special arrangements overview

Our official IELTS test centres offer support for candidates with visual, hearing, speaking, or learning difficulties. These arrangements are tailored to individual needs and may include, but are not limited to, the examples listed below:

  • Modified test versions: If you require a modified version of the IELTS test, please give the test centre two- three months' notice.
  • Additional accommodations: If you need extra time or a separate room, these arrangements can be made in Berlin, Cologne, and possibly Hamburg or Heidelberg.

Your English language ability will be assessed objectively, regardless of any disability or special needs that you may have.

What do modified versions include?

  • Braille papers
  • special Listening CD with necessary stops and pauses
  • lip-reading version of the Listening test
  • enlarged print or Speaking Task cards in Braille.

What sort of help can I get?

If you have a visual impairment, we can provide:

  • enlarged print
  • Braille test papers
  • an amanuensis to write the answers for you.

If you have hearing difficulties, we can offer:

  • special amplification equipment
  • a lip-reading version of the Listening module.

If you have dyslexia, we can arrange:

  • extra time for the Reading and Writing tests.

Please contact us (selecting 'IELTS registration') if you require special arrangements and require a modified IELTS test version. 

Please contact us at least three months before the test date if you require test paper adaptation. 

If you require administrative changes (e.g. extra examination time), please contact us at least six weeks before the test date.

The medical evidence should meet the following criteria:

  • The medical evidence should be legible and either in English or in German.
  • The medical evidence should be an original document on headed paper and bearing the name, relevant qualification(s) and signature of a recognised practitioner.
  • The medical evidence should give a clear statement of the candidate's disability.
  • The medical evidence should make it clear how the disability justifies Special Arrangements.

Additional criteria apply in the case of applications for special arrangements with candidates with specific learning difficulties such as dyslexia:

  • The report must include details of the degree of the disability.
  • The report must include an assurance that the evidence of the specific difficulties was obtained through the result of appropriate and recognised tests.
  • The report must be provided by a fully qualified educational, clinical or chartered psychologist.
  • The medical evidence must be in the form of a report prepared when you were 13 years of age or older.
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