Does the test center affect the band score in the IELTS?

A piece of news has been doing the round where it is told that a test center affects one’s IELTS band score. The IELTS test center selection is generally based on the candidate’s requirement and also closeness to their residence. Whereas, the IELTS band score is a different factor that measures the performance level of the candidates. The IELTS band score is measured on a range of 0 to 9. It is a complete myth that the test center can affect the band score of a candidate since it totally depends on the preparation level. If a candidate has proper preparation where they have scored a band score of 7 or 8 in their practice tests, they are likely to score around the same in the actual exam. The selection of the test center will not matter since the candidate has a good knowledge of the IELTS syllabus.

There is no possible way of the IELTS band score being affected by test centers. The IELTS questions follow a stringent manner of checking and surveillance that restricts any sort of disclosure. All the thousands of IELTS test centers spread across the world are trained in a uniform way of examining the IELTS answers. The IELTS exam follows a meticulous manner of checking for which it is trusted by maximum academic institutions as well as corporate places across the world. Below are some of the measures followed by IELTS:

• Follows a rigid process of checking results as well as test-takers identity
• Test takers never sit for the same exam twice
• It follows double marking procedure
• The IELTS TRF is marked on security-enhanced papers
• They follow a Results Verification Service to examine if any test report form is duplicate

IELTS Marking Criteria

IELTS test centers can never affect the band score since the examiners are trained in a distinct way to assess the IELTS syllabus sections. For IELTS writing and speaking sections the following measures are followed:

1. IELTS writing and speaking sections are evaluated by certified examiners
2. By certified it means - accomplished language experts, having extensive teaching experience, abides by quality control measures
3. Each IELTS writing and the speaking answer is marked by the IELTS principal examiner/assistant principal examiner. They then deliver the modifications(if any) to the subordinate examiners
4. Though there is a massive difference between the writing and IELTS speaking, and listening and reading scores, double marking is still carried out
5. Consistent evaluation of each test version for a thorough analysis of the test taker’s performance, test materials, and also the examiner.
6. IELTS also offers the candidates who are dissatisfied with their score may apply for re-marking of their answers by senior examiners

Talking about IELTS listening and reading sections, each of its answers is predefined which makes it clear that the selection of test centers doesn’t matter. Each of the IELTS test centers and examiners is trained in a rigorous manner so that every measure is followed. The IELTS band score is marked according to the performance of the candidates in each of these sections. The selection of IELTS test center has no relation with the marking of band score.

Every IELTS test center regulates certain strict measures to ensure fairness. These measures are formed to protect the interest of the organizations that approve the IELTS exam. At the same time, it supports authentic test takers. Below are some of the measures followed:

• Every IELTS test paper is enclosed with rigid regulations
• Every test center follows biometric registration and verification of the candidates
• The test center staffs are trained in a way they can recognize imposters and any kind of fraudulent activities
• The IELTS test environment is a strict one
• The IELTS test results are thoroughly checked before they are released

Every IELTS test center takes every measure to restrict cheating. The conducting bodies also offer online report forms to report any sort of scam that occurred in the test center. IELTS also has a result verification service for organizations that help in identifying any fraudulent IELTS test report form. It enables organizations to understand if the test taker has submitted an authentic test report form. The IELTS test center is arranged with numerous guidelines.