IELTS with IDP or British Council? What should you know before choosing a test centre
Date of the last update: 25.11.2025
Planning to take the IELTS exam and discovered that in Poland you can choose between two official test providers: IDP and the British Council? If you’re wondering which one to go with, this article will help you make an informed decision.
Table of contents:
- IELTS – One test, two organisers
- IELTS Scoring – consistent and standardised
- IELTS Results and certificates – same timelines
- What to consider when choosing IELTS test centre
- Summary
You can read this article in 4 minutes.
IELTS – One test, two organisers
The IELTS exam is jointly owned by three partners: British Council, IDP, and Cambridge English. While Cambridge is responsible for developing the test content, IDP and the British Council manage the delivery and administration of the test worldwide, ensuring it meets the same high standards of quality and security everywhere.
This means that regardless of which provider you choose, the test format, difficulty level, task types, and time limits are exactly the same.
IELTS Scoring – Consistent and standardised
Whether you register for the test through the British Council or IDP, the scoring process follows the same strict standards.
The Listening and Reading sections are marked based on an official answer key, while Writing and Speaking are assessed by trained IELTS examiners using clearly defined and unified scoring criteria.rict standards.
Thanks to these procedures, candidates can be confident that their results are objective, fair, and comparable across all centres.
IELTS Results and certificates – Same timelines
The timeframe for receiving results is also consistent between providers. For computer-delivered IELTS, the Test Report Form (TRF) is usually available within 1–5 days after the test date. For the paper-based version, the results are issued 13 days after the test.
Both IDP and the British Council are required to follow these official timelines. days after the test date. For the paper-based version, the results are issued 13 days after the test.
What to consider when choosing IELTS test centre
Although the test content is the same, other practical aspects may influence your decision. Here’s what to check before booking your IELTS:
1. Candidate reviews
Check Google reviews. While the test itself is identical, the experience may vary based on customer service, atmosphere, and how candidates are supported.
2. Test date availability
Each centre offers a different schedule. Pay attention to the day of the week (weekday or weekend) and time of day (morning or afternoon) that best fits your availability.
3. Same-day Speaking test
Some centres schedule the Speaking test on a different day from the other components. If you’re travelling or prefer to complete everything on the same day, confirm whether the centre offers that option.
4. Certificate collection method
Find out if the centre allows in-person collection of your TRF or if it only sends certificates by mail. If you’re in a hurry, being able to collect your certificate yourself might save valuable time.
5. Test Centre Location
Choose a location that’s easy to reach from your home, ideally well-connected by public transport. A convenient location can help reduce stress on test day.
Summary
The IELTS exam itself is standardised and identical whether you take it with IDP or the British Council. The main differences lie in organisation, service, and availability—not in test content or assessment.
So, the decision should be based on your personal preferences and practical needs.
