About IELTS
The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is designed to assess the language ability of those who want to study or work where English is the language of communication. It is jointly managed by the University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations, British Council and IDP: IELTS Australia.
Who accepts IELTS ?
IELTS is now accepted by more than 9,000 educational institutions, employers, professional associations and governments in 145 countries around the world. In 2012 more than 2 million tests were taken globally.
- Universities, schools, training colleges, tertiary institutes
- Government departments and agencies
- Professional and industry bodies
- Multinational companies and employers
The IELTS Global Recognition System can tell you exactly which organisations accept IELTS and the scores they require.
Test format
There are two versions
of IELTS. Both versions cover all four language skills – listening, reading,
writing and speaking. Everyone takes the same Listening and Speaking tests.
There are different Reading and Writing tests for the Academic and General
Training versions.
- IELTS Academic is for those who want to study or train in an English-speaking university and institutions of Higher and further Education. Admission to undergraduate or postgraduate courses is based on the results of the Academic test. IELTS Academic may also be a requirement to join a professional organization in an English-speaking county.
- IELTS General Training is for those who are going to English-speaking countries to do secondary education, work experience or training programs. People migrating to Australia, Canada and New Zealand must sit the General Training test.
IELTS Structure
IELTS Test Section |
Number of questions |
Timing |
Score Range |
Reading |
40
questions |
60 minutes |
0-9 |
Listening |
40 questions |
30 minutes |
0-9 |
Speaking |
3 parts |
11- 14 minutes |
0-9 |
Writing |
2 tasks |
60 minutes |
0-9 |
The
level of the test
IELTS is designed to assess English language skills at all levels. There is no such thing as a pass or fail in IELTS. Results are reported as band scores on a scale from 1 (the lowest) to 9 (the highest).
IELTS Band Score Scale |
|
9 |
Expert user |
8 |
Very good user |
7 |
Good user |
6 |
Competent user |
5 |
Modest user |
4 |
Limited user |
3 |
Extremely
limited user |
2 |
Intermittent
user |
1 |
Non user |
Validity of IELTS score
IELTS scores have a recommended two year validity period.