What is IELTS?
The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is designed to help you work, study or migrate to a country where English is the native language. This includes countries such as Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the UK and USA. Your ability to listen, read, write and speak in English will be assessed during the test. IELTS is graded on a scale of 1-9. IELTS is jointly owned by the British Council, IDP: IELTS Australia and Cambridge Assessment English.
IELTS Test Type
IELTS has two types: IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training. Both tests assess your English language skills in listening, reading, writing and speaking. All test takers take the same Listening and Speaking tests but different Reading and Writing tests. Make sure that you prepare for the correct test type.
IELTS Test Format
IELTS test assess your English language skills in listening, reading, writing and speaking. The Listening, Reading and Writing sections of all IELTS tests are completed on the same day, with no breaks in between them.
Ways to take IELTS
IELTS Academic and General Training testing provide more options to our test takers and stakeholders, while retaining all of the test’s current security, trust and integrity.
- IELTS on Paper
- IELTS on Computer
Ways to take IELTS
With IELTS on Computer, there are more test dates available, test takers can choose IELTS at a time convenient for them, and they will receive their results in three to five days. The Test Report Form, content, timing and structure of the test is the same whether you take the test on paper or on computer and the Speaking test is always face-to-face with a certified IELTS Examiner. If you choose to take IELTS on Computer, you will take the Listening, Reading and Writing test using a computer.
All aspects of the test are identical to IELTS on paper, including:
- Question types
- Content
- Timings*
- Marking
In the IELTS on Computer Listening test, the timings are slightly different from IELTS on paper. This is because IELTS on paper requires users to transfer answers to an answer sheet. This step becomes redundant when answering directly on a computer.
- Before the start of each part of the Listening test you will have some time to read the questions.
- After the end of each part of the Listening test you will have some time to review your answers.
- At the end of the Listening test, you will have 2 minutes to check your answers.
The timing of the Listening test is between 30 – 34 minutes.
Different IELTS Test Types
IELTS General
The IELTS General Training test is suitable for those applying to study below degree level. This includes an English-speaking school or college. It can also be taken for work experience or other employment training.
IELTS Academic
The IELTS Academic test is suitable for those wanting to study in an English-speaking environment or university (higher education). You can also take IELTS Academic for professional registration purposes.