Covid-19 updates for test takers

(Update on 1 September 2022)

Following the announcement from the Korean Government as of 25 April 2022, you do not have to present any document in order to take the tests.

IELTS tests run as scheduled. Test takers should read the special measures for test takers below and be fully prepared to comply.

Please do not attend your test if: 

• you are confirmed with Covid-19
• you did not receive any PCR test within one day after your entrance to Korea
• you have a high temperature, persistent cough, difficulty breathing or other flu-like symptoms (you will be requested to submit medical certificates)

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.

Re-scheduling and refunds

We have made the following exceptions for test takers who can request to re-schedule their test date by up to three months or take a full refund without a deduction:

• are confirmed with Covid-19
• are currently in a country or place that would face quarantine on arrival in Korea, and are therefore are unable to travel to Korea for the test
• are under amy compulsory quarantine order, medical surveillance or other self-quarantine order, as required by the Korean government
• submit medical certificates to prove that you have a high temperature, persistent cough, difficulty breathing or other flu-like symptoms.

If any of the above apply to you, please contact us at exams@britishcouncil.or.kr with your test information(your name, test type, date, and test venue). We will send you rescheduling guidelines within five working days.

On test day: 

• We advise you to report an additional 30 minutes prior to the previously specified arrival time of the test  
• Please follow basic hygiene practices such as using hand-sanitiser provided on test day and regularly washing your hands
• Please keep your distance from other test takers or staff in accordance with the government's social distancing guidelines wherever possible
• You should bring with you a face mask that covers your mouth and nose. You may be requested to remove this for identification or other purposes. 
• For speaking tests, staff and examiners will also wear a face mask. Neither the test taker nor the examiner can insist that the other remove or put on a mask for the purpose of the interview
• All test venues will be thoroughly cleaned prior to the start of the test. For computer delivered tests, equipment will be cleaned between sessions

(Update on 1 September 2022)

Following the announcement from the Korean Government as of 25 April 2022, you do not have to present any document in order to take the tests.

Please do not attend your exam if: 

• you are confirmed with Covid-19
• you did not receive any PCR test within one day after your entrance to Korea
• you have a high temperature, persistent cough, difficulty breathing or other flu-like symptoms (you will be requested to submit medical certificates)

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.