Vaccination requirements

Updated on 21/12/21

As part of our ongoing response to the pandemic and to minimise the risk of COVID 19 to our community, IDP IELTS strongly supports the government's vaccine mandate. In some states it's no longer mandatory to check the vaccination status of customers, but because rules can quickly change, we encourage you to check the official requirements regularly. You can also check with your test centre before you book a test, or get in touch with IELTS Customer Support .

Important information: Answers To All Your Questions

Exemptions

If you have a medical reason as to why you cannot receive a vaccination, you need to obtain a medical contraindication from a medical practitioner (such as your GP). We recommend you get this approved by the test centre prior to test day. Check your state government's coronavirus information page for more information.

How to get your proof of vaccination

If you are required to show proof of vaccination, you can get access to an official document if you have been vaccinated in Australia. Please follow these instructions in your preferred language to get your proof of vaccination. These documents should be available online within 72 hours of receiving your dose.
Some people have reported experiencing delays in getting access to their documents or finding that their IHI records are duplicated or missing information. Please call the AIR Internet Helpdesk on 1300 650 039 or contact Services Australia:

if you’re having difficulty getting access to your vaccine documentation

resolving an issue with your IHI

If you need to present your vaccine document on test day, you can simply show us a digital copy on your phone or a hard copy, and we’ll compare it to your passport.

Any documentation that is unclear, inconsistent with the standard format or otherwise cannot be verified cannot be accepted.

If you’ve changed your name

Please also check whether your names on your vaccine document match your passport. It’s alright if your vaccine document abbreviates or excludes your middle name(s), as long as your first name, surname and date of birth match. If your first name or surname do not match, you will need to provide further documentation prior to test day.

If you were vaccinated overseas

We generally don't accept overseas vaccination documents. However, if you’ve received an approved COVID-19 vaccine while overseas, you can have it recorded on the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR). This will allow you to get an official immunisation history statement or COVID-19 digital certificate which can be used to sit your test. Please see more information and instructions here.

Where and how to get vaccinated

If you’re unvaccinated and haven’t booked your vaccination, please check your state's latest government vaccination advice.

If your state requires you to be vaccinated and you cannot provide proof of vaccination

You may not be allowed into the test venue:

If you are not vaccinated and not exempt, or

if you are vaccinated but cannot provide the required documentation

If you have already booked your test, you can choose to reschedule to a later date when you can meet the requirements or choose to have a full refund.

Other COVID risk factors

Even if you’re vaccinated, you cannot sit the test or appear at a test venue if any of the following risk factors apply to you:

You have any potential cold/flu/COVID-19 symptoms (even if your symptoms are mild); or

You have been in contact with any person suspected to have been exposed to COVID-19; or

You are required to be in quarantine or isolation as requested by a government or health authority

Retention of your vaccine status and supporting documents

A record that your vaccine document has been sighted as well as any supporting document you send us will be kept for 28 days from the date of your test. If you book multiple tests more than 28 days apart, any relevant supporting documentation such as for medical exemptions or name changes will need to be resubmitted.

If you need assistance

If you’re having difficulty getting access to your vaccine documentation or resolving an issue with your IHI, please call the AIR Internet Helpdesk on 1300 650 039 or contact Services Australia. If you have any other questions about this policy, please contact your test centre.