IELTS is an English language test which

• tests all 4 language skills (listening, reading, writing, speaking)
• tests international English (no UK or US bias)
• has wide global recognition
• delivers results in 13 days
• and tests over 1.2 million candidates each year.

There are two different modules of IELTS:

It is the candidate’s responsibility to know or find out which module the institution or organisation requires him or her to sit.

• Academic module: usually required if you intend to study at undergraduate or postgraduate degree level.
• General Training module: usually required if you plan to go to English speaking countries to complete your secondary education, to undertake work experience or a training programme, or for immigration purposes.

The test is made up of four parts:

Your language skills will be evaluated on a unique IELTS 9-band scale from 0 (non-user) to 9 (expert user). Find out more about the IELTS band score (then click on "my test score"). If you are familiar with the CEF, this document will give you an indication of your IELTS band according to your CEF level: CEF levels and IELTS bamds (PDF 80KB).

Find out more about the test and see a test sample.

IELTS is recognised by more than 6000 institutions across 120 countries.

Education
IELTS is recognised by many universities and Higher Education institutions both abroad and in Belgium.  It is used by Belgian students and institutions for

• entry to a number of university undergraduate or postgraduate degree courses taught in English (abroad or in Belgium)
• study placements with universities abroad
• and exit English language test from a university level course.

Please note that: IELTS is also widely accepted in the USA along with the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language).  Please refer to the full list of recognising institutions on the IELTS website: www.ielts.org

Immigration & work

IELTS is recognised by employers in many countries including Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the UK and the USA. It is also recognised by professional bodies, immigration authorities and other government agencies. Please refer to the full list of recognising institutions on the IELTS website: www.ielts.org

Interested in taking the IELTS test?

Where?

In Belgium and Luxemburg, you can choose from one of our two venues to sit the exam:

•British Council (Brussels - Belgium)

•Centre de Langues (Luxembourg - Grand Duché de Luxembourg).

When?

IELTS tests are run on average twice a month in Brussels. Find out more about test dates happening soon.

If your preferred date is no longer available and you need to sit the exam urgently, please note that IELTS is organised by the British Council in other cities such as Amsterdam, Lille and Cologne. You will have to register with the relevant British Council office: www.britishcouncil.nl, www.britishcouncil.fr or www.britishcouncil.de.

How?

Consult the IELTS information for candidates 2007 (PDF 490KB) and check out the IELTS website for detailed information about the two different modules of the IELTS test. Make sure you know which module to choose. Contact the organisation or institution if you are not sure.

If you wish to apply to sit the IELTS exam, see our IELTS registration procedure section and our Frequently Asked Questions.

We advise you to register at least 6 to 8 weeks before the test date.

Find out more about publications, tips, courses and useful resources in our section Preparing for IELTS.

For more information contact us at exams@britishcouncil.be

Please note that there are a limited number of places per session. It is important that you register 6 to 8 weeks in advance. Only completed forms with (a). two recent identical passport photographs, (b). a photocopy of your ID card or passport, (c). your proof of payment attached to it sent to the relevant venue will be taken into consideration for as long as there are places. If a session is full and the candidate cannot sit the test at another date at that venue, the venue will make a full refund of the fee paid.