Special Consideration Owing to Exceptional Circumstances (Emergency Policy)

This policy is for test-takers that are not eligible under our regular policy and have a reason out of their control for being unable to attend their IELTS test.

On rare occasions, there may be instances where you are unable to attend your test or are disadvantaged on test day owing to illness, injury, or another exceptional event outside your control. In these cases, you may make an application to your test centre for special consideration due to exceptional circumstances. If approved, your test booking will be transferred to the next suitable date.

Exceptional reasons may include, but are not limited to,

• Unavoidable legal or military obligation;
• Bereavement, trauma, or other forms of significant hardship
• Serious medical conditions which prevent you from attending or performing normally on test day

You can apply for special consideration before the test, and up to 2 calendar days after the test date. All applications must include supporting evidence from an official source or qualified medical practitioner. We do not accept requests made for personal reasons (for example, a sudden change in your work schedule). 

Emergency requests must be submitted in full up to 2 calendar days after the test date. (Except for IRCC/passport issues, which you must tell us about before your test date). A full application includes both the request form and supporting evidence (see instructions below under 'How to apply for special consideration').

We will inform you if your application has been approved within 5 days after you submit it. Please do not follow up with the office if the 5 days have not passed yet. If approved, you will be granted a transfer to a suitable new test date. There is an $80.00 administrative fee (please be sure to complete the second page of the form, the 'Transfer Payment Form').

1. Download the Transfer Request Form.
2. Complete with Adobe Reader and save to your device. If you do not have access to a computer or Adobe Reader, you can print and scan a copy.
3. Email us the form as an attachment. Attach copies of all supporting evidence that will help us make a decision.

Click here for a step-by-step guide if you need help completing the Transfer Request Form.

You might also be eligible to cancel or change your test if you inform us within 24 hours. Click here for more information. 

What supporting evidence is accepted?

We accept most evidence from an official source or registered practitioner. Unofficial documents such as photos and screenshots will be considered based on the situation and on a case-by-case basis. Our team cannot confirm in advance if your evidence will be accepted until you submit your application and an evaluation is made. Therefore, please submit all evidence that supports your application. 

We do not accept notes from Maple (www.getmaple.ca) or any similar online sick note services.