Academic and General English
IELTS — English for International Opportunity
Educational institutions, along with employers and government immigration agencies, require proof of English language skills as part of their recruitment or admittance procedures. Increasingly, these organisations are using IELTS.
Worldwide recognition for study, work and immigration
IELTS is owned by Cambridge ESOL, the British Council and IDP: IELTS Australia. More than one million people a year are now using IELTS to open doors throughout the English-speaking world and beyond. IELTS is recognised by more than 6,000 organisations worldwide. The tests are available in more than 120 countries in over 500 locations, with test dates available up to four times a month.
Academic or General Training
The IELTS test come in two modules:
- Academic – this module is for people wishing to study in English at undergraduate or postgraduate levels, and for those seeking professional registration
- General Training – this module is for people wishing to migrate to an English–speaking country (Australia, Canada, New Zealand, UK), and for those wishing to train or study in English at below degree level
The test
Candidates are tested in Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking. All candidates take the same Listening and Speaking tests. There is a choice between Academic and General Training in the Reading and Writing tests.
The total test time is around 2 hours 45 minutes. The first three tests – Listening, Reading and Writing – must be completed in one day. The Speaking test may be taken, at the discretion of the test centre, in the period seven days before or after the other tests.
IELTS scores
The tests are designed to cover the full range of ability from non–user to expert user. Test takers receive a score of 0–9, with 0 being for those who did not attempt the test, and 9 being for the most proficient users. Most universities accept scores between 6–7 as being suitable for undergraduate study in English.
NEW Top Tips for IELTS
Top Tips for IELTS Academic and Top Tips for IELTS General Training is the essential revision guide before you take the IELTS test. It can be bought from IELTS centres, bookshops and the Cambridge ESOL eShop.
Official IELTS Practice Materials
Official IELTS Practice Materials will give you an idea of what the test is like and whether your English is at the level required to take the IELTS test. It can be bought from IELTS centres, bookshops and the Cambridge ESOL eShop.
IELTS – frequently asked questions from researchers
We frequently receive questions from researchers about IELTS with regard to its development and validation. Here are some of the more common questions with regard to the two variants of IELTS (General Training and Academic), how IELTS maps with the CEFR, IELTS use for immigration purposes and other subjects. Many of the questions have suggestions for further reading and research.
Download the frequently asked questions from researchers (PDF 68Kb)
Support for you
IELTS cares about you, your teachers and the people and organisations which will use your results. We demonstrate this through test availability and accessibility, practical support and responsive customer service. Our highly trained test centre administrators and examiners are the human face of IELTS and are there to help.
Sample and practice materials can be downloaded free of charge to help you prepare for your test, and there are additional materials you can order to help you prepare. You can trust IELTS to provide security in test delivery, test administration and test results.
Visit the IELTS website — you can find out more about IELTS and how to apply to take the test.
