Preparing for the IELTS for study abroad or pursuing dream jobs is a common goal for many students and graduates. After an extended period of IELTS preparation, individuals often seek the right time to take the test, aiming to prepare for difficult questions and increase their chances of successful admission. So, should you take the IELTS in May?
When is the best day and month to take the IELTS? Is May not recommended for the IELTS test?
1. When is the best time to take the IELTS?
2. What is the suitable month to take the IELTS?
1. When is the best time to take the IELTS?
To answer the question about the best time to take the IELTS, readers need to understand some information about the regulations for studying and taking the IELTS in Vietnam, as follows:
- IELTS is an exam that assesses the 4 skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing.
- The IELTS exam content changes every quarter: meaning the content changes at the beginning of May, September, and January.
- The IELTS certificate is issued within 15 days from the last exam date and is valid for 2 years.
Based on the aforementioned regulations, it can be seen that the best months for taking the English test are late April, late August, and late December. This is explained by the fact that the IELTS exam content changes every 4 months. Therefore, choosing to take the exam at the end of a quarter allows students to familiarize themselves, prepare, and score high in the Speaking and Writing sections. However, January, May, and September are considered unfavorable times to take the IELTS.
However, due to the end-of-year period, late August, and late December usually have a considerable number of students taking the IELTS, making the exam more challenging. Therefore, experiences from those who have taken the IELTS suggest that April is the best month to take the IELTS. This is because in April, the number of test-takers is lower, and the exam content is generally easier, making it easier to prepare and succeed.
When to take the IELTS to avoid difficult questions and ensure success
- See more: Experiences for achieving a high score in the IELTS
2. Is May a Suitable Time for Taking the IELTS?
The perspective that May is the ideal month for taking the IELTS is solely a personal opinion and has not been verified or confirmed by BC or IDP. Therefore, to determine the most suitable month to take the IELTS, test-takers should consider their individual study and IELTS goals.
For example, if your purpose for taking the IELTS is to study abroad after high school graduation, you can choose to take the IELTS at any time. However, it's advisable to avoid taking the test at the end of the semester to avoid academic pressure.
In cases where obtaining the IELTS certificate is urgently needed for immigration or job applications, you may not have many options regarding the test date. You need to register for the exam before visa interviews, job interviews, etc.
In summary, the answer to the question of whether to take the IELTS in May depends on the purpose of taking the IELTS and the test-taker's readiness in terms of knowledge and skills. To successfully pass the IELTS exam, you need to review all the material and consider your personal study and work schedule to register for the exam at the right time. Additionally, it's advisable to register at least 3 months in advance to be prepared for studying, stay motivated, and secure your spot, avoiding situations where you want to register but there are no available slots. If you're unsure about which level your child should take the IELTS, parents can refer to the article Which Level to Take the IELTS here.