How to Fill Out the IDP Consent Form for 2026: A Step-by-Step Guide

The IELTS exam is a major milestone in any student’s academic and personal development journey. However, for candidates under 18 registering with IDP, there is a mandatory form that often causes confusion: the IDP Consent Form. This is more than just an administrative hurdle; it is a vital legal bridge that ensures the rights and safety of young test-takers.

In this guide, ECE provides a comprehensive, A-to-Z walkthrough on how to fill out the IDP Consent Form accurately. Beyond the basics, we will dive into the legal significance, key considerations, and special scenarios so that both you and your parents can approach your IELTS exam with complete confidence.

What is the IDP Consent Form and why is it required?

The IDP Consent Form, also known as the parental consent form for minors, is a mandatory legal document required by IDP Education (a co-owner and administrator of the IELTS exam). It is a document signed by a parent or legal guardian, confirming their consent and authorization for their child (under 18) to take the IELTS exam.

Why the Consent Form is so important:

• Legal protection and child rights: As an international testing organization, IDP must strictly adhere to legal regulations regarding child protection and personal data (such as the GDPR – the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation, which, while not directly applicable in Vietnam, sets a global standard for data security). This form ensures that underage candidates have proper supervision and protection throughout the registration and testing process.
• Confirmation of responsibility: The form clearly defines the responsibilities of the parent/guardian toward the candidate during the exam, especially in emergencies or situations requiring decision-making.
• Ensuring accurate information: By having a parent/guardian confirm the candidate’s details, IDP maintains an accurate and complete database, which helps provide a fair testing environment and the best possible support for candidates.

Who needs to fill out the IDP Consent Form?

According to IDP Vietnam’s regulations, all candidates under 18 years of age (as of the test date) are MANDATED to complete and submit the Consent Form when registering for IELTS. If you are 18 or older on the day of the test, you do not need to submit this form.

Structure of the IDP Consent Form: Two key sections

The IDP Consent Form is straightforward and divided into two main parts:

• Part A: “To be completed by parent/legal guardian”

This section must be completed and signed by an adult (a parent or a legally recognized guardian).

• Part B: “To be completed by IELTS candidate”

This section is to be completed and signed by the test-taker themselves.

Both sections require basic information such as full name, signature, and date to validate the document.

Detailed guide on how to fill out the IDP Consent Form

To ensure a smooth registration process, follow these steps carefully.

Step 1: Download the official IDP Consent Form

Visit the official IDP Vietnam website to download the latest version of the Consent Form. You can usually find it under the “Prepare for your test” or “Downloadable forms” section. Reference link: https://ielts.idp.com/vietnam/prepare/downloadable-form/en-gb (always check the official IDP website to ensure you have the most up-to-date version).

Step 2: Complete Part A – Parent/Legal Guardian Information

• FULL NAME (Write in CAPITAL LETTERS): Enter the full name of the parent or legal guardian.
  • Example: NGUYEN VAN A
• Signed: The parent or legal guardian must sign directly in this field.
• Date: Clearly write the day, month, and year the signature was made.
• Guardian Arrangement for Minors: This is a critical section where the parent/guardian must check one of two boxes:
  1. “I agree for the test centre to arrange an accompanying adult for the candidate named in Part B.”
     • Select this option if you want IDP to provide an adult to accompany and support the candidate on the test day.
  2. “The candidate meets the conditions in Section 2, and I do not require the test centre to arrange an accompanying adult for the candidate named in Part B.”
     • Section 2 conditions: If you choose this option, the candidate must be at least 15 years old on the test day. The parent/legal guardian must submit the completed Consent Form to the center at least 7 days before the test date to allow IDP time to process and confirm.

Step 3: Complete Part B – Candidate Information

• FULL NAME (Write in CAPITAL LETTERS): Enter the candidate’s full name.
  • Example: LE THI B
• Signed: The candidate must sign directly in this field.
• Date: Clearly write the day, month, and year the signature was made.
• Age on Test Day: Enter the candidate’s exact age (years and months) as of the IELTS test date.
  • Example: If the candidate was born on 01/01/2008 and the test date is 15/05/2024, the age is 16 years and 4 months.

Special note on choosing an accompanying adult:

• Age and responsibility: The decision to have an accompanying adult depends on the candidate’s age and the parent/guardian’s confidence in the child’s independence.
• Deadline importance: If you choose option 2 (candidate is over 15 and does not need an escort), submitting the Consent Form at least 7 days in advance is crucial. Failure to do so may result in IDP requiring an escort or could impact your ability to take the test.

Submission process and required documents

Once the Consent Form is complete, submitting it correctly and on time is the final step.

Submission deadlines

• Ideally: Submit the Consent Form at the same time as, or immediately after, registering for the IELTS exam.
• Mandatory for candidates over 15 (choosing no escort): Must be submitted at least 7 days before the test date.
• Other cases: Should be submitted before or on the test day. Never leave it until after the test, as this may lead to delayed results or the test being invalidated.

Submission methods

You can submit the IDP Consent Form in one of the following ways:

1. In-person: Visit your nearest IDP office to submit a hard copy.
2. Via email: Scan the fully completed and signed Consent Form and send it to the email address of the IDP center in your test city.
   • Example for HCMC: ielts.hcmc@idp.com (Always check the official email on the IDP website for updates).

Proof of relationship and legal guardianship

This is an important detail often overlooked. IDP may require parents/guardians to provide documents to verify the relationship and guardianship status, especially if there is any ambiguity or if the candidate is not accompanied by a biological parent:

• Candidate’s birth certificate: To prove the parent-child relationship.
• Parent/Guardian’s ID card/Citizen ID/Passport: To verify identity.
• Legal guardianship documents: (If not a biological parent) E.g., court orders, notarized power of attorney (in cases where parents are not in Vietnam or have delegated guardianship to someone else).

Tip: Keep copies of these documents ready to submit or present upon request.

Common mistakes and how to fix them

Filling out the Consent Form incorrectly can cause unnecessary trouble. Here are common errors and how to fix them:

• Missing signatures or information: This is the most basic error. Ensure both the candidate and the parent/guardian have signed in all required fields.
• Information mismatch: E.g., spelling errors in names or incorrect dates of birth.
• Incorrect format: While the form usually only asks for names, adhering to the CAPITAL LETTERS rule is necessary.
• Late submission, especially for option 2 (candidates over 15). Contact the IDP center immediately for advice. You may be required to change your option or face certain risks.
• Missing guardianship proof (if requested).

Helpful tips:

• Always double-check all information on the form at least twice before submitting.
• Keep a copy (photo or scan) of the completed Consent Form for your records.
• If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact your nearest IDP office for support.

Checklist before submitting the Consent Form

To ensure you haven’t missed any details, use this checklist:

• Downloaded the latest version of the IDP Consent Form.
• Part A (Parent/Guardian) is fully and accurately completed (CAPITAL LETTERS, signature, date).
• Selected one of the two options regarding an accompanying adult.
• If choosing no escort, verified the candidate is at least 15 on the test day.
• Part B (Candidate) is fully and accurately completed (CAPITAL LETTERS, signature, date, age on test day).
• All information on the form has been thoroughly checked against identification documents.
• Prepared copies of relationship/guardianship proof (birth certificate, parent’s ID/Passport) to submit if requested.
• Aware of the submission deadline and method.
• Kept a copy of the completed Consent Form.

Related article: Guide to registering for the IELTS exam

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: How long is the IDP Consent Form valid for?

A1: The Consent Form is generally valid until the exam is completed and results are issued. IDP typically stores this form in their system for up to 2 years, corresponding to the validity period of IELTS scores.

Q2: If the parent/guardian is not in Vietnam, how can they sign the Consent Form?

A2: This is a situation where you should contact IDP directly for specific guidance. Solutions may include notarized power of attorney for another adult in Vietnam to act as a temporary guardian, or using a legally valid electronic signature service (if accepted by IDP). However, the safest approach is to contact the center directly to ensure validity.

Q3: Can I submit the Consent Form after the test day?

A3: This is strongly discouraged. The Consent Form must be submitted before or on the test day. Late submission may result in the candidate being unable to take the test or having their results delayed or invalidated.

Q4: Besides the Consent Form, what other documents do candidates under 18 need to submit when registering for IELTS?

A4: You need to submit:

• IELTS application form (fully completed).
• Consent form (if applicable, often integrated into the main application).
• Copy of the candidate’s valid ID (Citizen ID/Passport).
• (If applicable) Copy of documents proving the parent/guardian’s relationship or guardianship status.

Q5: What should I do if I fill in the wrong information on the Consent Form?

A5: Immediately contact the IDP center where you registered (via phone or email) to report the error. They will guide you on how to correct the information or fill out and submit a new form.

Conclusion: The IDP Consent Form may just be a piece of paper, but it carries significant legal and protective weight for IELTS candidates under 18. Filling it out accurately and submitting it on time will help eliminate one source of stress, ensuring your registration and testing process go as smoothly as possible.

Consider this a serious first step in your journey to conquering IELTS. Do not hesitate to seek support from IDP if you have any questions. We wish all candidates great success in your upcoming exam!