IELTS test introduction - British Council



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	What is IELTS?

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.

		Ownership
		IELTS is jointly owned by University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations (Cambridge ESOL), British Council and IDP Education Australia: IELTS Australia.

Test Module & Format

IELTS is available in two modules: Academic and General Training

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.

		TEST SCORES
		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.

		WHO RECOGNISES IELTS?
		IELTS is recognised by educational institutions in many countries, including USA, Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the UK. It is also recognised by professional bodies, immigration authorities and other government agencies. Look at our online Global Recognition System (GRS) to find out which organisations recognise your IELTS score.