IELTS is designed to assess the language ability of candidates who need to study or work where English is the language of communication.
IELTS conforms to the highest international standards of language assessment, and it covers the four language skills – listening, reading, writing and speaking.
IELTS is recognised by universities and employers in many countries, including Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the UK and the USA. It is also recognised by professional bodies, immigration authorities and other government agencies. Please refer to a full list of these organisations on the IELTS website: www.britishcouncil.org/takeielts
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IELTS is not recommended for candidates under the age of 16.
IELTS is available in two modules – Academic and General Training.
The Academic Module assesses whether a candidate is ready to study or train in the medium of English at an undergraduate or postgraduate level. Admission to undergraduate and postgraduate courses may be based on the results of these Module tests; you need to check with the institution asking for the IELTS test about the required score.
The General Training Module emphasises basic survival skills in a broad social and educational context. General Training is suitable for candidates who are going to English-speaking countries to complete their secondary education, to undertake work experience or training programmes below degree level, or for immigration purposes for Australia, Canada and New Zealand.
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Candidates are tested in listening, reading, writing and speaking. All candidates take the same Listening and Speaking tests. Reading and Writing tests differs between the Academic and the General Training modules.
Candidates receive scores on a band scale from 1 to 9 for each skill test. The four individual test scores are averaged and rounded to produce an overall band score from 1 to 9.
The first three tests – Listening, Reading and Writing - must be completed in one day. No break is given between the three tests. The Speaking test may be taken at the discretion of the test centre, within seven days either before or after the other three tests.
