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1. What is IELTS?
IELTS is the world’s proven English test. Over 1.4 million candidates take the test each year to start their journeys into international education and employment. IELTS is recognized by more than 6000 institutions in over 135 countries. You can rely on IELTS - the test that sets the standard. IELTS is the International English Language Testing System. It tests your ability to communicate in English. IELTS results are used by organizations to assess your language skills when you want to study, work or live in an English-speaking country.
IELTS tests are held in over 500 centers with tests up to four times a month. IELTS respects international diversity and is fair to anyone who sits the test, regardless of nationality.
You can choose from two types of IELTS test: Academic or General Training, depending on whether you want to study, work or migrate. Both modules are made up of four parts - Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking. IELTS results are graded on the unique IELTS 9-band scale. To help you prepare, IELTS provides samples and practice tests. The test covers the full range of ability from non-user to expert user. You are not limited in how many times you can sit the test. You can trust the quality and security of IELTS because it is managed by three reputable, international organizations: British Council, IDP: IELTS Australia and the University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations (Cambridge ESOL). For more information, see frequently asked questions or download the Information for candidate’s booklet
http://bandscore.ielts.org/
2. Why choose IELTS?
The IELTS scoring system is recognized globally, giving you a truly international result.
For more information, see frequently asked queIELTS is different to other English language tests. It is a communicative test. This means it assesses how you communicate. Other tests may assess your ability to memories English vocabulary but IELTS checks how you use it in context. IELTS tests all four language skills – Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking. The Speaking test is a face-to-face interview with a certified Examiner. It is interactive and as close to a real-life situation as a test can get. Research shows that IELTS motivates test-takers to develop real and well-rounded English rather than learning by rote. This means your understanding of English is improved and valid for real life in an English-speaking country. IELTS is owned by three reputable, international organizations. It has the highest quality control andsecurity procedures. More than 6000 organizations, including many government departments and universities, rely on IELTS.
3. Test Format?
The IELTS test has four parts – Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking. You must do all four parts to receive an IELTS result.
The total test time is 2 hours and 45 minutes.
IELTS is available in two test formats:
Academic or General Training. All candidates take the same Listening and Speaking modules but different Reading and Writing modules. Listening, Reading and Writing must be completed in one day. Depending on your test centre, the Speaking test may be offered on the same day or up to a week before or after the other parts. See below for a diagram of the test format.
4. Academic or General Training
IELTS is available in two formats – Academic and General Training. All candidates take the same Listening and Speaking modules but different Reading and Writing modules.
Academic – for tertiary study purposes
The Academic format is for those who want to study or train in an English-speaking university or tertiary institution. Admission to undergraduate and postgraduate courses is based on the results of the Academic test.
General training – for school, work or migration
The General Training format focuses on basic survival skills in a broad social and educational context. It is for those who are going to English-speaking countries to do secondary education, work experience or training programs. People migrating to Australia, Canada and New Zealand must sit the General Training test. Check with your organization. You must check with your institution or organization which test format it requires. You may also find this information on the IELTS Global Recognition System.
For more information, see frequently asked questions or download the Information for candidate’s booklet.
5. A reliable, secure test
When you take an IELTS test, you can be assured that the test will be consistent around the world. IELTS has the highest quality controls, cutting-edge security and rigorous management and marking practices.
The IELTS nine (9) band score system grades scores consistently. It is secure, benchmarked and understood worldwide. Test materials are designed carefully so that every version of the test is of a comparable level of difficulty.
IELTS Examiners are fully qualified and follow the IELTS standardized testing around the world. IELTS has a quality-controlled system of recruitment, training, benchmarking, certification and monitoring. IELTS markers are regularly monitored and tested every two years to retain their certification. Our test centers are managed by the British Council, IDP: IELTS Australia or by independent organizations that meet strict standards of quality, security and customer service.
The free IELTS Test Report Form Verification Service enables universities and employers to authenticate test report forms and safeguards against fraudulent report forms.
6. Special needs
IELTS is a fair test for everyone. Our test centers provide assistance to people with special circumstances or requirements.
If you have a disability or condition which might require special arrangements, you should discuss it with your test centre as soon as possible. Each case is considered individually and you will need a medical certificate. Test centers need three months to put arrangements into place.
Special arrangements include the following:
1. Enlarged print and Brailled test papers, an amanuensis to write answers, a Braille word-processor – for those with visual difficulties.
2. Special amplification equipment, lip-reading version of the Listening module – for those with hearing difficulties.
3. Extra time for the Reading and Writing modules, use of a word processor – for those with learning difficulties (e.g.: dyslexia) Please contact your local test centre about your special needs
http://www.ielts.org/default.aspx
What is IELTS?
IELTS is the International English Language Testing System which tests English proficiency across the globe. Conducting 1.5 million tests in 2010 globally, IELTS is the world’s most popular high stakes English language proficiency test.
Which organisations accept IELTS?
IELTS is accepted by more than 6000 organisations worldwide. These include universities, immigration departments,government agencies, professional bodies and multinational companies. To search for a recognising institution, use the IELTS Global Recognition System.
Who owns IELTS and who writes the test?
IELTS is jointly owned by British Council, IDP: IELTS Australia and the University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations (Cambridge ESOL) and offered through over 800 test centres and locations in over 130 countries. International teams of writers contribute to IELTS test materials. Ongoing research ensures that IELTS remains fair and unbiased. Test writers from different English-speaking countries develop IELTS content so it reflects real-life situations.
Why are there two versions of the test?
IELTS has two versions – Academic and General Training. The Academic test is for those who want to study at a tertiary level in an English-speaking country. The General Training test is for those who want to do work experience or training programs, secondary school or migrate to an English-speaking country. All candidates take the same Listening and Speaking tests but different Reading and Writing tests.
Which version should I do?
Read the explanation of the Academic and General Training tests, then contact the organisation or institution to which you are applying to find out what it requires. Note that you must know which version to take when you complete the IELTS Application Form (PDF, 273KB).
What is the test format and how long will it take?
IELTS has four parts – Listening (30 minutes), Reading (60 minutes), Writing (60 minutes) and Speaking (11–14 minutes). The total test time is 2 hours and 45 minutes. The Listening, Reading and Writing tests are done in one sitting. The Speaking test may be on the same day or up to seven days before or after the other tests.
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