Covid-19 Update (25 April 2022):

British Council Singapore is implementing revised safe management measures that are in line with the Singapore government advisory to ensure the health and safety of all test takers, staff, and community at large. Our exam sessions will proceed in line with our exam policies and the latest Safe Measurement Measures (SMMs) from the local authorities.

In alignment with the latest SMMs, British Council Singapore will implement the following adjustments from 26 April 2022:

  1. Mask-Wearing: Mask-wearing will continue to be required in indoor settings, while remain optional in outdoor settings. However, we encourage test-takers to exercise precaution. For example, in crowded outdoor areas, it will still be a good idea to wear a mask.
  2. Safe Distancing: As group size limits are lifted, safe distancing will no longer be required between individuals or between groups.
  3. Capacity Limits: Previously, larger exams/events with >1,000 pax and that are mask-on were subject to a capacity limit of 75%. We will now remove this capacity limit for such settings.
  4. Vaccination-Differentiated SMMs (VDS): VDS will be removed from all settings, except for exams/events with >500 participants at any one time.

For more details on the latest Covid-19 updates, please refer to Ministry of Health’s website at https://www.moh.gov.sg/covid-19

Test-taker Exclusions

Test takers will not be allowed to take their tests under the following circumstances:

  • tested positive for Covid-19; or
  • under any stay-home/quarantine order issued according to local guidelines; or
  • unable to show proof of vaccination, where applicable; or
  • unable to show a negative Antigen Rapid Test (ART) or Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test result, where applicable as per Ministry of Health (MOH) guidelines; or
  • unwell, having a high temperature, cough, breathing difficulty or other flu-like symptoms.

For more information, please call our office mainline or contact our customer service representatives at +65 6807 1599 during office hours. To find out more details on the latest national health protocols for Covid-19, please visit https://www.gov.sg/article/updates-to-health-protocols.

Health and safety measures on test days

Pre-test checks:

  • you should arrive for your exam no later than your scheduled time so that we can complete our pre-test checks and start the exam on time
  • you must wear a mask in indoor settings

Test takers under 18 years old

Test takers under 18 years of age are strongly recommended to be accompanied by an adult until necessary checks at the entrance of the exams area have been completed. If they are not allowed to sit by the test, they can be escorted immediately by the accompanying adult or by our staff to an isolated area until they are picked up. Test takers under 18 years old in these cases are not allowed to leave the exam venue unaccompanied.

Test day measures:

  • the test venue and any equipment used will be thoroughly cleaned before the test
  • hand sanitiser will be provided at the venue
  • you must wear a mask during the test; you may need to remove this for identification or other purposes
  • you will be asked to take any stationery you use away with you (excluding any notes or workings sheets)
  • you can take the following inside the test room with you:
    -  a face mask / face shield
    -  protective gloves
    -  water in a transparent bottle

After your test:

If you are diagnosed with Covid-19 in the 14-day period after your test, please inform our Customer Service team at SGExamTeam@britishcouncil.org.sg. This will enable us to fulfil the relevant notification or tracing requirements.

Special deferral policy for IELTS

Test takers can request to defer their test dates by up to 3 months free of charge if:

  • Test positive for Covid-19; or
  • Are issued a quarantine order according to local guidelines; or
  • Are unwell; have a high temperature, persistent cough, difficulty breathing or other flu like symptoms.

This deferral request must be made in writing with relevant supporting documentation at least 3 days before their test date via email to sgexamteam@britishcouncil.org.sg where applicable. 

For more information or assistance, please contact our customer services team at sgexamteam@britishcouncil.org.sg. Note that due to a high volume of enquiries, we may take several days to reply.