IELTS tests a complete range of skills commonly needed by students when studying or training in English.

There are four modules - all candidates take the same Listening and Speaking modules, but they can choose to take either the General Training or Academic Reading and Writing Modules.

If you are planning to undertake academic study, it is recommended that you sit for the Academic Reading and Writing Modules.

If you are planning to undertake non-academic training, it is recommended that you sit for the General Training Reading and Writing Modules.

The Academic modules assesses the candidate's ability to use the kind of language needed to follow a course of study - for example, following complex arguments, discussing abstract ideas and concepts and dealing with information effectively.

The General Training modules assess a broader range of language skills. They are more suited to candidates wanting to take work related training courses, complete their secondary education or work in an English speaking country.

The first three modules – Listening, Reading and Writing – must be completed in one day. There is no break between the modules. The Speaking Module may be taken, at the discretion of the test centre, in the period seven days before or after the other modules.

Listening
Time: approximately 30 minutes

Candidates listen to a number of recorded texts, which increase in difficulty as the test progresses. These include a mixture of monologues and conversations and feature a variety of English accents and dialects. The recording is heard only once, but candidates are given time to read the questions and write down and check their answers.

Academic Reading
Time: 60 minutes

There are three reading passages with tasks. Texts are taken from books, magazines, journals and newspapers, all written for a nonspecialist audience. At least one of the texts contains a detailed argument.

General Training Reading
Time: 60 minutes

The texts are based on the type of material candidates would be expected to encounter on a daily basis in an English speaking country. They are taken from sources such as newspapers, advertisements, instruction manuals and books, and test the candidate’s ability to understand and use information. The test includes one longer text, which is descriptive rather than argumentative.

Academic Writing
Time: 60 minutes

For the first task, candidates write a report of around 150 words based on material found in a table or diagram, demonstrating their ability to describe and explain data. For the second task candidates write a short essay of around 250 words in response to an opinion or a problem. They are expected to demonstrate an ability to discuss issues, construct an argument and use the appropriate tone and register.

General Training Writing
Time: 60 minutes

The first task requires candidates to write a letter of around 150 words either asking for information or explaining a situation. The second task is a short essay of around 250 words, and is written in response to a given point of view or problem. Candidates are expected to be able to present their own ideas and challenge other ideas, using appropriate tone and register.

Speaking
Time: 11-14 minutes

The test takes the form of a face to face interview. Candidates are assessed on their use of spoken English to answer short questions, speak at length on a familiar topic, and also to interact with the examiner.