IDP IELTS is open for business in China! Test takers can now register for and take the IELTS through IDP Education. The British Council no longer has a monopoly on IELTS testing in this country. Apparently all the test spots between now and the end of the year sold out in a matter of days. Remember how I mentioned that it is hard to book seats to take the IELTS (and TOEFL) in China?
A few notes, culled from the Chinese blogosphere:
- The fee is 2170 RMB, which is about $298 USD. That’s the exact same price as taking the test through the British Council.
- Testing is currently available in 14 cities across 10 provinces.
- There is no interaction with the NEEA when it comes to registering for the test.
- IDP apparently offers students one free reschedule. People like that a lot.
- Testing is done all in one day, for the most part. People like that a lot as well.
The overall reaction seems extremely positive. Tutoring center staff I’ve talked to report that they’ve already sent dozens of students to register for an IDP-administered IELTS. Good for IDP. I think this is a big win for that firm. Just what they need after a challenging year (for the whole industry).
I haven’t been able to track down the name of the test center operator that IDP has partnered with.