There are 4 modules of IELTS.

How does IELTS work?

IELTS is aimed at people who want to study in an English-speaking environment, work in or emigrate to an English-speaking country, or get a job in your own country where English proficiency is required. 

For this reason, there are two IELTS tests to choose from: 

IELTS Academic

This test can help you secure university acceptance, student visas, and prove your English ability to professional organisations.

IELTS General Training 

This test measures your English proficiency in the workplace and is often useful to prove your level when applying for a new position in an English-speaking company or organisation.

There are one more way to categorise the IELTS test:

IELTS UKVI

IELTS UKVI is for all IELTS accepted countries along with the UK.

IELTS Standard

IELTS Standard is for all IELTS accepted countries except the UK.

There are two formats of the IELTS test:

IELTS PB (paper based)

Means that the test will be taken on paper.

IELTS CD (computer delivered)

Means that the test will be taken on computer.

IELTS test format

You can choose to take your IELTS Academic or General Training test on paper or computer at an official test centre. You may also be able to take IELTS Online, depending on where you live. IELTS assesses the four key skills outlined below:

• Listening

This section assesses how well you understand ideas, recognise opinions and follow the development of an argument.

• Reading

This section assesses how well you read for general sense, main ideas and details, and whether you understand the author's inferences and opinions.

• Writing

This section evaluates how well and how accurately you organise your ideas and write a response, along with your ability to use wide-ranging vocabulary and grammar.

• Speaking

This section assesses how well you can communicate opinions and information on everyday topics and common experiences, as well as how you express and justify your opinions.

Key facts about IELTS Academic and General Training:

• Test length: 2 hours and 45 minutes long.

• Test format: 4 sections, including Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking.

• The Listening, Reading, and Writing sections take place on the same day with no breaks in between. 

• The Speaking section may be scheduled on the same day or up to 7 days before or after the other sections.

Why should you choose IELTS?

IELTS focuses on real-world communication skills and offers a number of important benefits: 

Access new opportunities

IELTS is trusted by 12,000 organisations in over 140 countries around the world, meaning you can study abroad at the institutions of your choice.

Learn about the organisations that recognise IELTS

Advance your career

Prove your English proficiency to future employers with secure and easy-to-understand results.

Learn about the IELTS Test Report Form

Work internationally

The Listening section of IELTS includes a range of accents and the Speaking section examines the English used by people from different parts of the world. 

Learn more about the IELTS test format

Settle in an English-speaking country

IELTS helps you demonstrate to immigration authorities that your level of English meets the required standards.

Choose the test that suits you

Take the test on paper, on computer or online from the comfort of your home. With many testing dates available around the world, IELTS fits most schedules. 

Be confident in your results

IELTS is a fair and accurate test. Examiners are qualified and experienced English language specialists who focus on language skills and practical communication ability. 

IELTS is an accessible test

Modified versions of the test are provided to those who have special requirements on test day. These factors ensure fair testing for all, regardless of nationality, cultural background, gender or special needs.

How does IELTS help with visa requirements?

Immigration authorities in many English-speaking countries ask for proof of English language proficiency as a condition for being granted a visa. IELTS provides this proof. 

1. After completing an IELTS test, you will receive an official Test Report Form (TRF) that contains your IELTS score. 

2. Your TRF is valid for two years and should be submitted to visa authorities to prove your English proficiency.

3. Each visa has its own IELTS score requirements. It’s important that you confirm what score you need to secure your visa.

Visa requirements by country

The United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, the United States, and New Zealand have the following IELTS requirements:

The United Kingdom

If you want to move to the United Kingdom, the IELTS for UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) has been approved for visa applications to the UK. You can take a UKVI test in Academic or General Training.

IELTS UKVI assessments must be taken at a testing centre that has been approved by the UK government. 

The IELTS Life Skills test is available for those looking to secure a family visa, extension to family, spouse or partner visa, or a visa granting indefinite leave to remain or citizenship. 

Learn more about IELTS for UK visas and immigration.

Canada

IELTS is accepted by Citizenship and Immigration Canada  (CIC) as proof of English language proficiency. 

The Express Entry system  is the main pathway for skilled immigration and requires English or French language proficiency: If you are applying for a study permit, work visa, professional registration or permanent residence in Canada, you will probably be required to present your test result as part of your application.

Australia

For employers and the Australian immigration authority, IELTS is a preferred English language test. Student, immigration, and general skilled migration visas all require proof of English language proficiency. 

The United States of America

Many visa categories in the USA require proof of English language ability. For instance, English proficiency is a requirement for a student visa. 

Unlike countries like the UK or Australia, you do not need proof of English for some work visas – including H-1B and L1 visas. However, your IELTS score can improve the chances of your application being successful. 

New Zealand

Proof of English ability is required for work, skilled migrant, and student visas. IELTS is recognised and respected throughout New Zealand and is often the preferred test of universities and employers. 

How does IELTS compare to other popular tests? 

Comparing different test scores can be difficult, but IELTS is widely recognised as setting the standard for English language testing. To understand the advantages the test offers, let’s compare IELTS with other popular assessments.

IELTS vs. TOEFL

IELTS is widely recognised globally and not confined to UK English, making it a versatile choice for test-takers.

IELTS also provides the flexibility of taking the test on paper or on computer, catering to individual preferences.

TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) tests your ability to use North American English and is primarily computer-based.

Both tests aim to assess English language proficiency accurately and fairly, without one being inherently harder than the other.

IELTS vs. PTE

IELTS Academic assesses your English skills for academic environments, while IELTS General Training also tests for practical and everyday language. 

PTE (Pearson Test of English) has a strong focus on academic English. 

Both tests are the same level of difficulty. PTE only provides computer-based testing. IELTS lets you choose between doing the test on paper or on computer.

IELTS vs. C1 Advanced

IELTS tests all key English skills and has wider recognition, with more test availability throughout the year.

C1 Advanced is a Cambridge exam that tests all key English skills. 

Both are globally accepted.

IELTS vs. DET

IELTS testing is more comprehensive and remains the gold standard for institutions and immigration departments. 

DET (Duolingo English Test) is a newly established test that provides online, on-demand testing. 

Who develops and runs IELTS?

IELTS is run by some of the most trusted organisations in English Education:

• The British Council – The UK's international organisation for educational opportunity. 

• IDP IELTS – A leading educational organisation with roots in Australia. 

• Cambridge English – A part of the University of Cambridge that specialises in assessing English language proficiency. 

As partners, we engage in regular research and work with organisations on an ongoing basis to ensure that all IELTS test takers are setting themselves up for success by choosing us.