The British Council aims to ensure that every candidate is treated fairly and objectively and that they are given optimum conditions to take their exams. We can make arrangements to accommodate special circumstances or requirements to enable test takers to attend a test centre, to understand questions and to give their exam answers.
If you require special arrangements to undertake your exam, please follow the instructions for each exam below. The special arrangements available depend on the examination board and in some cases you may be exempt from a part of an examination because of a disability or difficulty. Please note, no documents regarding special arrangements will be accepted after registration has closed.
SPECIAL ARRANGEMENTS CAN BE PROVIDED FOR:
IELTS
If you require a modified version of the test please contact us with at least three months' before your test date. This notice period is necessary for the modified test version to be prepared.
If your circumstances require special administrative arrangements to be made, e.g. extra time, you must contact us with at least six weeks' notice. You will need to provide a medical certificate issued within the last two years at the time of registration to the office.
CAMBRIDGE ENGLISH EXAMS
If you have a disability or special need, contact us at least three months before your test date. You will need to provide a medical certificate issued within the last two years when registering for the exam.
You can apply for special arrangements for Cambridge English paper-based exams only.
IGCSE/INTERNATIONAL GCSE AND SCHOOL EXAMS
Access arrangements must be based on evidence of the candidate’s barrier to assessment and need for the requested arrangements. The evidence must meet the following criteria:
- Evidence of Need: Clearly outline how the disability, illness, or learning difficulty presents a barrier to the assessment.
- Date and Verification: Evidence must be dated within four years of the exam and verified by a suitable professional.
- Professional Verification: The professional must sign and date the evidence and include details of their relevant qualifications.
- Language: Supporting evidence must be in English. Any translated evidence must be signed by the original author.
Please note that letters or confirmations from teachers and/or the Ministry of Education are not accepted.
Submit the evidence before the registration deadline. Send us the evidence as soon as you complete the registration of your candidate. Late evidence may not be accepted by the examination board.
PROFESSIONAL AND UNIVERSITY EXAMS
In most cases you will need to contact your examining board or university directly for a special need request. The examining board will contact the British Council about the arrangements and will inform you about the approval of your request.
You can contact us for a special need request if you have registered with us for your exam. You will need to provide a medical certificate issued within the last two years at the time of registration.