The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) measures the English language proficiency of people who want to study, work or migrate to countries where English is used for communication. IELTS is one of the world’s most widely recognised English language tests and is taken by millions of people each year.
IELTS is trusted by more than 13,500 organisations worldwide, including universities, colleges, employers, professional bodies and immigration authorities.
IELTS Test Structure
IELTS assesses four language skills: Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking. The Listening and Speaking sections are the same for IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training, while the Reading and Writing sections differ between the two test types.
Listening
The Listening section contains 40 questions and lasts approximately 30 minutes. It assesses the ability to understand main ideas, detailed information, opinions and attitudes expressed in spoken English.
Reading
The Reading section contains 40 questions and lasts 60 minutes. It measures skills such as understanding main ideas, identifying details, recognising opinions and interpreting written information.
Writing
The Writing section lasts 60 minutes and includes two tasks. The task types differ between IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training.
Speaking
The Speaking test assesses spoken English through a structured interview with a trained IELTS examiner. It includes three parts and usually lasts between 11 and 14 minutes.
IELTS Scoring
IELTS uses a band score system from 0 to 9. Candidates receive an individual band score for Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking, along with an overall band score.
IELTS Academic and General Training
IELTS Academic is generally intended for people applying for higher education or professional registration, while IELTS General Training is commonly used for migration, work and other non-academic purposes. Candidates should choose the test type required by their institution, employer or immigration authority.
Test Format and Registration
IELTS is available in computer-based formats in many locations. Test availability, fees and registration procedures vary by country and test centre, so candidates should check the official IELTS website for the latest information before registering.