What is IELTS?

The International English Language Testing System tests the four language skills: listening, reading, writing and speaking. You can choose from two types of IELTS test: Academic or General Training, depending on whether you want to study, work or migrate.

IELTS is jointly managed by British Council, IDP: IELTS Australia and the University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations (Cambridge ESOL) and delivered through more than 500 locations in 120 countries.

Who accepts IELTS?

IELTS is accepted by more than 6000 organizations worldwide. These include universities, immigration departments, government agencies, professional bodies and multinational companies. To search for a recognizing institution, please visit: Bandscore IELTS and select your country and institution.

Where and when can I take IELTS?

Search for your nearest test center on the IELTS Worldwide Search at IELTS

IELTS is available on 48 fixed dates a year. To check all dates available, go to IELTS

How do I apply for IELTS?

To apply for IELTS, please follow these instructions

• Find your nearest IELTS centre at IELTS and check the test dates to find two options that suit you. Note the deadline for registering for each test date.
• Check with your organization or on the Global Recognition System at Bandscore IELTS whether you need to sit an Academic or General Training test.
• Print out the IELTS Application Form available at IELTS, or ask your test center for a copy. Read the information for candidates terms and conditions, complete the form and sign it. Please make sure you have a valid postal address and use the same name as on your passport.
• Organize two passport - sized photographs, less than six months old, and sign the back of each. Take a photocopy of your current passport - this must be valid and not expired. (Some centers will accept a national identity card.)
• If you want your results to be sent automatically to a university or educational institution, include the correct details in the section on the IELTS Application Form.
• Take your application into your IELTS test centre with your money. If you send it by mail, please talk to your centre about the method of payment.

How are scores reported?

Students are graded on the range of 1 to 9 bands. Band 1 denotes that the student is a non-user of English language; band 2 states that the student is an intermittent user of the English language. Band 3 denotes that the student is an extremely limited user of the language. If the student secures 4 bands in his IELTS test then it tells that he is a limited user of the English language. Securing 5 bands denotes that the student is a modest user and band 6 tells that he is a competent user. If the student gets band 7 in the IELTS test it means that he is a good user of the English language. Band 9, that is the highest band in the IELTS test depicts that the student is an expert user of the English language. You can also receive half scores such as 6.5. Universities often demand an IELTS score of 6 or 7. They may also demand a minimum score in each of the 4 sections.

How much does IELTS cost?

To find out the test fee in your local currency, visit IELTS

What documents do I need on the day of the test?

On the test day, you must bring the same passport or national identity card that you entered on the Application Form.

When will I receive my test results?

You will receive your Test Report Form in the mail 13 days after your test date. Some test centers also provide SMS alerts and an Online Results Service. You can have copies of your Test Report Form automatically sent to five institutions free of charge.

How long is IELTS score valid?

Test Report Forms are valid for two years.

Where can I find additional information on IELTS?

a) IELTS Homepage: IELTS

Which is better to take: TOEFL or IELTS?

According to Inside Higher Ed “The most significant difference between the two tests is how they test for speaking ability. With the IELTS, the test taker actually speaks with a human being who is trained to evaluate fluency and conversational ability. With TOEFL the test-taker essentially speaks to a computer, the conversation is taped, and then six reviewers grade the session. IELTS maintains that its test is more realistic, and TOEFL claims that because it has only one tester/grader during this section of the exam, the IELTS is more prone to manipulation and has inadequate quality control."

What is the content of IELTS?

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. To find out more and see a test sample, go to IELTS

What is the difference between the Academic and the General Training IELTS?

a. Academic – Institutions of Higher and Further Education

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. All candidates take the same Listening and Speaking tests but different Reading and Writing tests.