There is only one type of IELTS test, but it is available in two formats – Academic and General Training.

If you are planning to do an internship, finish secondary studies in English speaking institutions, request a residence visa in Australia, Canada or New Zealand, graduate from a Colombian university (please check with your university which module they require), choose the General training modality.

If you are planning to undertake academic study in a higher education institution, then choose the Academic modality.

It is the responsibility of the candidate to tell the Administrator which version they need to take.

How the test works

IELTS tests a complete range of skills commonly needed by students or professionals when studying or training in English. All candidates take the same Listening and Speaking Modules. All candidates take the same Listening and Speaking Modules, and the Reading and Writing vary according to the modality of the exam.

The Academic Reading and Writing Modules assess whether a candidate is ready to study or train in the medium of English at an undergraduate or postgraduate level.

The General Training Reading and Writing Modules are not designed to test the full range of formal language skills required for academic purposes, but emphasise basic survival skills in a broad social context.

Test Flow Chart

The Listening Module takes around 30 minutes. There are 40 questions. There are four sections. The Listening Module is recorded on a tape and is heard ONCE only. During the test, time is given for candidates to read the questions and enter and then check their answers. Answers are entered, as candidates listen, on the Question Paper. When the tape ends 10 minutes are allowed for candidates to transfer their answers to an Answer Sheet.

Sample: Look at the picture below and listen to the MP3 audio file (2.5 Mb).

The Reading Module takes 60 minutes. There are 40 questions. There are three reading passages with a total of 1,500 to 2,500 words. A variety of questions are used, chosen from the following types: multiple choice, short-answer questions, sentence completion, notes/summary/diagram/flow chart/table completion, choosing from a 'heading bank' for identified paragraphs/sections of the text, identification of writer's views/attitudes/claims-yes, no or not given classification, matching lists/phrases.

Academic Reading Sample
General Training Reading Sample

The Writing Module takes 60 minutes. There are two tasks to complete. In Task 1 candidates are asked to look at a diagram or table, and to present the information in their own words. Task 1 requires candidates to write at least 150 words. In Task 2 candidates are presented with a point of view or argument or problem. Task 2 requires at least 250 words.

Academic Writing Sample
General Training Writing Sample

The Speaking Module takes 11-14 minutes. It consists of an oral interview, a conversation, between the candidate and an examiner.

Speaking Part Two sample
Speaking Audio File (3.9 Mb)

Our centre makes every effort to cater for special needs of any disabled candidates, to enable them to best understand questions and tasks and give their answers. It is our aim for the language level of all candidates, irrespective of disability, to be assessed fairly and objectively.

Candidates who require special arrangements are asked to inform the test centre before they pay their test fees. Relevant supporting materials (medical certificates) should be submitted during registration.