Are you in Australia wishing to apply for a further visa for which you must provide English test results? Lodging a valid application is essential to enable you to remain in the country. The suspension of many tests across Australian test centres due to COVID19 safety precautions may affect your ability to make your preferred application.

Due to Covid-19, IELTS and PTE test availability has been reduced as a health precaution. Where tests are being conducted, additional hygiene protocols and social distancing measures have been introduced to ensure the health and safety of test takers and staff.

If you’re concerned about missing your test and what it will mean for your visa application – we are here to help.

We understand this process is already stressful – let alone when a spanner is thrown in the works and your test needs to be rescheduled.

You don’t have to navigate through this alone – we are here to support you during this time. Get in touch if you’re concerned about your application, how you’re going to meet the English requirements and alternative options available to you (we love thinking outside the square!).

Here is an update in relation to the IELTS and PTE tests:

Pearson VUE – PTE Academic English Language Test

Test delivery is currently suspended at all Pearson VUE-owned and operated Pearson Professional Centres (PPCs) in Australia.

The company is continuing to monitor the global situation daily and are actively following advice from governments and healthcare authorities.

Exam delivery services at their locations will resume when it is determined safe to do so.

Pearson VUE has advised affected candidates will receive email cancellations, and they can attempt to reschedule exams at a later date. Candidates with cancelled exams will either receive a refund (if paid to Pearson VUE) or an extension as determined by the exam sponsor.

The company will continue to deliver exams to any independent third-party test centres (PVTC and PVTC Selects) who still have the ability to operate within these regions. Due to the unpredictability of test centre availability at this time, they encourage you to confirm your appointment with the scheduled test centre in advance.

As part of a support to test takers during this period, they are providing access to digital preparation products, to help you stay prepared for your exam.

 

IELTS

IELTS Australia is closely monitoring the evolving COVID-19 pandemic and still has some test centres operating in Australia.

The following changes have been implemented, in response to the situation.

  • All test takers in Australia are required to sign a declaration form regarding travel and quarantine before sitting their IELTS test
  • Space between test takers in computer-delivered and paper-based testing has been increased, as well as the space between test takers and Speaking examiners.
  • IELTS Australia is maintaining the cleanliness of their test centres and computer-delivered IELTS labs, including computers, desks and headphones
  • Test takers are permitted to wear face masks during their IELTS test
  • Speaking examiners are permitted to wear masks during the Speaking test

To find an available test centre, head to the ‘centres’ page on their website.

 

Here to help

Aspire Australia is here to guide you on your migration journey. This article is a guide, to give you information about some of the assessing bodies for the English test.

For the latest and most up to date information, we advise you contact the company you are registered to test with.

If you need any assistance with your next step – or if you are unable to do your test and you’re wondering what it means for your application, please contact us.

We understand this is a stressful and confusing time – we want to support you.