British Council reopens IELTS testing in Kuwait
KUWAIT: The British Council has reopened its IELTS testing centers in Kuwait from 9 July 2020. This follows local health authority and government guidance and will see the testing centers adhere to a number of health and safety precautions to protect both staff and candidates.
Test takers and staff may not attend the test if they are under a quarantine, self-quarantine, stay-at-home or medical surveillance order, as specified by the Kuwait Government. They will also not be able to attend if they have a high temperature, persistent cough, difficulty breathing or other flu-like symptoms. Precautionary measures in place include temperature screening at the test venue, ensuring staff and test takers stay two meters apart, and the use of face masks and gloves, which must be worn by both staff and candidates.
Speaking ahead of the reopening, Michal Gordon, Country Director of British Council Kuwait said: “Our top priority is the health and safety of both our candidates and staff, and we’ve adjusted our operations in Kuwait to exceed the recommended government guidelines. “We have carried out an intensive risk assessment and have considered how social distancing measures can be adhered to, ensuring there is additional cleaning and hygiene facilities in place to minimize the risk of contamination. These precautions will be continuously kept under review and we will remain vigilant to the developing Coronavirus situation.
“I am delighted that we are once again able to offer English language certification via IELTS. Computer Delivered IELTS testing will take place at the British Council office in Mansouriya for now with strict adherence to social distancing guidelines. This together with the reopening of the UK Visa Application Centre means that students wishing to study in the UK can now continue their learning journey. Our English language summer courses are in progress now, and our learners have discovered the benefits of joining classes from home.”
Candidates can access Road to IELTS - British Council’s most popular online preparation course which provides advice and tutorials, 100 interactive activities and two practice tests for each of the four skills - Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking. For those looking to complete their Computer Delivered IELTS test online, they can also try out the free online IELTS familiarisation test ahead of the real examination. For candidates wishing to book their IELTS test in Kuwait or find out more information please visit the British Council website: https://www.britishcouncil.com.kw/en.