IELTS

IELTS: International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is the world’s most popular English language test, recognised by over 9,000 organisations worldwide, including educational institutions, employers, governments, immigration authorities and professional bodies.

This test evaluates the proficiency level in the four language based skills Listening, Speaking, Reading, and Writing. IELTS is a test that measures the language proficiency of people who want to study or work in environments where English is used as a language of communication. An easy-to-use 9-band scale clearly identifies proficiency level, from non-user (band score 1) through to expert (band score 9).

Taking IELTS opens doors to become a citizen of globalized platform– it can help you live, study and work around the world. IELTS is the only English language test accepted for immigration purposes by all countries that require one.

IELTS Test Format

IELTS is available in two test formats: Academic and General Training. There are four parts – Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking. The total test time is 2 hours and 45 minutes.

IELTS Academics

• Study at university at undergraduate or postgraduate level; or

• Join a professional organization in an English-speaking country

IELTS General Training

• Train or study at below degree level

• Work or undertake work-related training in an English-speaking country

• Emigrate to an English-speaking country

All test takers take the same Listening and Speaking tests but different Reading and Writing tests. The distinction between IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training lies in the subject matter of the Reading and Writing components.

Listening, Reading and Writing must be completed on the same day, with no breaks in between them. The order in which these tests are taken may vary.

The Speaking test will either be after a break on the same day as the other three tests, or up to a week before or after the other tests. This will depend on your test centre.

IELTS-Academic 

• is for academic purposes. Taken by students who wish to pursue their higher studies overseas: Diploma, Under-grad courses overseas, and professional courses).

IELTS-General Training

• is for PR and work purposes.

IELTS-Life Skills

IELTS-Life skills for those who need to prove their English speaking and listening skills as part of their application to UK Visas and Immigration for Family, Spouse or Partner visa. IELTS Life Skills is a test of Speaking and Listening, available at CEFR Levels A1, A2 and B2.

Assessment criteria:

• Obtaining information.

• Conveying information

• Speaking to communicate

• Engaging in discussion.