Hala Rozeik, manager of Centennial College’s International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Test Centre, still remembers a particular couple that came to take their exam at the college. While they had prepared together, the wife preferred to take the paper-based delivery option, while her husband was registered for the computer delivered IELTS. Thanks to the availability of both options at Centennial’s Progress campus, they were able to complete their examinations — in their preferred formats — at the same location, on the same day.
Centennial IELTS Test Centre offers more options
At Centennial, such responsive customer service is a top priority. That’s why the Centre has expanded its services in several ways. To start, Ashtonbee Campus now offers both paper-based and computer delivered IELTS. Additionally, Centennial recently opened two additional centres, one at Downsview Campus in North York (Sheppard Avenue and Allen Road) and the second at the Community Employment Services facility on Ellesmere Road and Midland Avenue in Scarborough.
That brings the total number of IELTS examination locations at Centennial facilities to six. The other two facilities are Markham Elite Alliance Service Inc., located at First Markham Place, and Metro International Secondary Academy on the intersection of Don Mills Road and Steeles Avenue.
“Progress Campus was the first location in the Americas to offer computer delivered IELTS testing,” says Rozeik. “We want to continue this tradition of giving our clients options to accommodate their evolving needs. Adding the computer delivery option at Ashtonbee, and opening two convenient locations for those looking to take their IELTS in Scarborough and those who want to take their IELTS in North York, helps to do that.”
Wireless headphones for listening component
Beyond Ashtonbee’s two delivery options, this location — along with Progress Campus, Downsview, and Community Employment Services — is now providing headphones for the Listening portion. Traditionally, this aspect is conducted over loudspeakers. However, in response to feedback, Centennial has opted for headphones to both personalize the experience and to allow candidates more control of the process.
“With these noise-cancellation headphones, people can adjust the volume on their own,” Rozeik explains. “While our loud speakers are fantastic, we have been told that people sometimes find they feel more in control when they can choose their own volume, which may increase their overall confidence. We are eager to provide our test takers with the tools they need to succeed.”
Easy access to various locations
Centennial’s IELTS test centre locations also thoughtfully consider candidates’ commute. For example, the Downsview Campus, which offers IELTS on paper, has free parking. This parking perk extends to the Employment centre and both Markham locations. All of Centennial’s testing locations are also extremely accessible by public transit. In fact, facilities such as Ashtonbee, Progress, and Community Employment Services are within a three-minute walk of the nearest Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) bus stop and near GO transit options.
“Having such TTC-accessible locations is truly an asset here in Canada — especially in the winter,” says Rozeik. “Test takers can also take a virtual tour of every Centennial campus where the IELTS test is offered to get a sense of what to expect when they arrive. Knowing what a location looks like, and feeling more familiar with it before you arrive, can hopefully help put people more at ease. Our goal is to make the process smooth and comfortable for everyone.”
Take advantage of Centennial’s newest options for completing the IELTS in North York or in Scarborough. To register, visit https://www.centennialcollege.ca/about-centennial/centres-and-institutes/ielts-test-centre/test-dates-and-locations.
Written By: Izabela Shubair