There may be occasions when you are unable to attend your test, and you no longer qualify for a standard cancellation, refund or transfer because it is too close to the test date. In these cases, including instances such as bereavement, civil unrest or domestic crisis, you may make an application to your test centre for special consideration due to exceptional circumstances. You can find more information about this process at the .
We define exceptional circumstances as:
- serious medical conditions which prevent you from attending or performing normally on test day; such conditions require supporting evidence of a medical certificate from a qualified medical practitioner
- evidence of bereavement, trauma or other forms of significant hardship
- military service.
You may make a case for exceptional circumstances by emailing ielts@reading.ac.uk before the test and up to five working days after the test date (if you did not attend the test). We will respond to you within seven working days of receiving your case in writing once we have assessed your case for exceptional circumstances.
All cases for exceptional circumstances and supporting evidence must be received by your test centre no later than five working days after the scheduled test date.
If your test centre approves your case, you will receive a full refund less an administration fee of no more than 25% of the test fee or a test date transfer (fee of £45 will be applicable).