IELTS, the International English Language Testing System, is designed to assess the language ability of candidates who need to study or work where English is used as the language of communication. It covers the four language skills – listening, reading, writing and speaking.
IELTS has two modules: General Training and Academic. The General Training module is usually taken by people who want to emigrate, and the Academic module is taken by people who want to study abroad. It is essential that you check with the receiving country or institution to find out which module you need to take. It is your responsibility to choose the right module.
If you're planning to go abroad, to undertake further study, to undertake non-academic training or work experience, to emigrate or if you simply want to test your real English ability, then IELTS, the test of real English communicative ability, will ensure that you have the right level of English for your needs.
Candidates are tested in listening, reading, writing and speaking. All candidates take the same Listening and Speaking Modules. There is a choice between Academic and General Training in the Reading and Writing Modules.
The total test time, excluding the speaking test, is two hours and 45 minutes. Your speaking test may be on the same day as the other parts, or on a different day.
You can download the IELTS exam handbook which gives you all the information you need about the exam.
You can take the test in Istanbul, Ankara and Izmir.
Band scores are recorded on a Test Report Form, showing overall ability as well as performance in listening, reading, writing and speaking from 1 to 9. The tests are designed to cover the full range of ability from non-user to expert user. Read more about the way test scores are calculated and how to interpret them.
IELTS is recognised for course admission by universities in many countries, including Australia, New Zealand, Canada, the USA and the UK.
In the USA the IELTS Test is now recognised by more than 1400 institutions including 7 out of 8 Ivy League Schools. View complete list.
IELTS is also required as proof of your language abilities for immigration to Australia, New Zealand, Canada and the United Kingdom. Read further information on international recognition of the IELTS test.
| The CEF is a professional tool for describing a learner’s language ability at different levels. It was developed by the Council of Europe, a 45 country-strong political organisation based in Europe, hence the term Common European Framework. |
The CEF describes 3 main stages in language proficiency:
A (basic user)
B (independent user)
C (proficient user)
Each stage is divided into 2 (A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, C2). |
| Test users frequently ask how IELTS scores ‘compare’ with scores from other examinations and they also want to know how IELTS ‘maps’ onto the Common European Framework. If you know what CEF level a candidate is, you will have a good idea of what band score they should be capable of getting in the exam. |
Guided Learning HoursCEF Levels IELTS band (approximate)
Approx. 1000 – 1200 hoursC27.5+
Approx. 700 – 800 hoursC16.5/7
Approx. 500 – 600 hoursB25/5.5/6
Approx. 350 – 400 hoursB13.5/4/4.5
Approx. 180 – 200 hoursA23
Approx. 90 – 100 hoursA11/2
Source: CEF and Cambridge ESOL recommended guidelines |
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