About IELTS
- What is IELTS?
- Who takes IELTS?
- What skills are tested in IELTS?
- Where can I take IELTS?
- What level can I get in IELTS?
- How are IELTS scores calculated?
- What IELTS score do I need to get?
- How can I prepare for IELTS?
- How are speaking and writing assessed in IELTS?
- How are reading and listening assessed in IELTS?
What is IELTS?
The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is designed to assess your ability to communicate in English-speaking countries and is taken by over
IELTS is recognised by:
- universities and employers in countries such as Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the UK and the USA
- government agencies in Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the UK
Who takes IELTS?
There are two versions of the test: Academic and General Training.
IELTS Academic is taken by:
- candidates who want to take an undergraduate or postgraduate course at a university in an English-speaking country
- candidates who want to register as a doctor or nurse in an English-speaking country
- candidates who want a focus to their study, helping them improve their English language skills and providing a record of their achievement
IELTS General Training is taken by:
- candidates who want to work in, or immigrate to, an English-speaking country
- candidates who want a focus to their study, helping them improve their English language skills and providing a record of their achievement
What skills are tested in IELTS?
Both versions of IELTS test a candidate’s reading, listening, writing and speaking skills.
The Academic modules test a candidate’s ability to:
- read articles and extracts from magazines, journals, books and newspapers
- listen to people talking about subjects related to social needs, e.g. travel arrangements, and education and/or training, e.g. a research project
- write a summary of a graph, chart, table or diagram, and write a short essay
- speak about themselves and everyday topics, give a short talk on a particular topic, and discuss a contemporary issue
The General Training modules test a candidate’s ability to:
- read everyday texts such as advertisements, official documents, newspapers and instructions
- listen to people talking about subjects related to social needs, e.g. travel arrangements, and education and/or training, e.g. a research project
- write a letter requesting information or explaining a situation, and write a short essay
- speak about themselves and everyday topics, give a short talk on a particular topic, and discuss a contemporary issue
Where can I take IELTS?
IELTS is available at approved test centres in over 120 countries.
To find out more about how we can help you improve your English language skills for the IELTS test, see our IELTS tutoring options.
For more information on IELTS, visit the official IELTS website or email us.