Provision for IELTS Test Takers with Special Requirements (Special Arrangements)

Some test takers have special requirements which make it difficult for them to demonstrate their ability in English. Some may have a permanent or long-term disability, such as hearing or sight impairment, dyslexia or a speech impediment. Others may have short-term difficulties such as a broken arm.

GEOS Languages Plus Calgary is able to make Special Arrangements for these IELTS test takers so that, as far as possible, they are able to take the test on an equal footing with other test takers.

Applications for Special Arrangements

There are two kinds of Special Arrangements:

1. modified test materials
2. administrative arrangements (e.g. extra time and supervised breaks; assistance with reading or writing)

Applications for Modified Test Materials

Applications for modified test materials must reach the centre at least three and half months before the test date. If the application is received after this, it is unlikely that the requested modified materials will be supplied.

Applications for Administrative Arrangements

Applications which only involve administrative arrangements such as extra time, supervised breaks or assistance with reading or writing, are authorised at the centre. Test takers should give at least six weeks’ notice of their requirement for these arrangements to allow us time to check medical evidence where appropriate, and to organise additional logistics as required. We may accept applications after the six-week deadline if we are able to make the necessary arrangements in time.

Medical Evidence

Unless it is obvious that a test taker has a disability requiring Special Arrangements, applications must be supported by medical evidence, which should meet the following criteria:

1. The medical evidence should be accessible to the Administrator in terms of language and legibility.
2. The medical evidence should be an original document on headed paper, and bearing the name, relevant qualification/s and signature of a recognised practitioner.
3. The medical evidence should give a clear statement of the test taker’s disability.
4. The medical evidence should make it clear how the disability justifies Special Arrangements.

Additional criteria apply in the case of applications for Special Arrangements for test takers with specific learning difficulties:

1. The medical evidence must be in the form of a report prepared in a period no more than two years before the test date.
2. The report must include details of the degree of disability.
3. The report must include an assurance that the evidence of specific difficulties was obtained through the results of appropriate and recognised tests.
4. The report must be provided by a fully qualified educational, clinical or chartered psychologist. 

Centre Hours

For IELTS enquiries please email ielts(at)geoscalgary.com, visit in-person Monday to Friday 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, or call 403-266-5152.

IELTS is jointly owned by the British Council, IDP IELTS: Australia and Cambridge Language Assessment.