IELTS covers all four language skills: Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking.

IELTS is offered in two test formats: Academic is suitable for candidates planning to undertake higher education study; General Training is suitable for candidates planning to undertake non-academic training, or for immigration or work purposes.

Candidates are given a score from 1 to 9 which shows their ability in each of the four tests, and an overall score of 1 to 9.