Frequently Asked Questions About IELTS:
IELTS is the International English Language Testing System which tests English proficiency across the globe. Conducting one million tests globally, IELTS is the world’s most popular English testing system.
IELTS is accepted by more than 7000 organisations worldwide. These include universities, immigration departments, government agencies, professional bodies and multinational companies.
IELTS is jointly owned by British Council, IDP: IELTS Australia and the University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations (Cambridge ESOL). International teams of writers contribute to IELTS test materials. Ongoing research ensures that IELTS remains fair and unbiased. Test writers from different English-speaking countries develop IELTS content so it reflects real-life situations.
IELTS has two versions – Academic and General Training. The Academic test is for those who want to study at a tertiary level in an English-speaking country. The General Training test is for those who want work experience or training programs, secondary school or migrate to an English-speaking country. All candidates take the same Listening and Speaking tests but different Reading and Writing tests.
Read the explanation of the Academic and General Training tests, then contact the organisation or institution to which you are applying to find out what it requires. Note that you must know which version to take when you complete the online application form.
IELTS has four parts – Listening (30 minutes), Reading (60 minutes), Writing (60 minutes) and Speaking (11–14 minutes). The total test time is 2 hours and 45 minutes. The Listening, Reading and Writing tests are done in one sitting. The Speaking test may be on the same day or up to seven days before or after the other IELTS tests.
Test centres make every effort to cater for the special needs of disabled candidates. It is the aim for all candidates to be assessed fairly and objectively. If you have a special need, talk to your local test centre when registering. Centres may need three months to organise arrangements.
IELTS exam dates is available on 48 times a year – up to four times a month, depending on local demand.
IELTS has a set fee for its test. The Academic and General IELTS Training tests are the same cost. When you apply online, you will be told the fee.
The IELTS Listening, Reading and Writing components of the test are always completed immediately after each other and with no break. Depending on the test centre, the Speaking test may be taken up to 7 days either before or after the test date.
Only pens, pencils and erasers can be brought to the IELTS examination room. You must bring the passport/national identity card–you used on the IELTS Application Form–to the test. You must leave everything else outside the examination room. Mobile phones and pagers must be switched off and placed with personal belongings in the area designated by the supervisor. If you do not switch off your phone/pager or keep it on you, you will be disqualified. Do note, even wrist watches are to be kept outside the exam hall.
In the IELTS test, you take the Listening test first followed by the Reading and Writing components of the test. Depending on the test centre, the Speaking test may be taken up to 7 days either before or after the test date.
As IELTS is an international test, a variety of English accents are used in both of these tests.
Yes. At the beginning of the IELTS listening test, you hear instructions and a sample question. Then you read section 1 questions, listen to section 1 and answer the questions.
No. The IELTS Reading test is one hour, and you must write all your answers on the answer sheet in this time.
No. You must do it in pencil. The answer sheet of IELTS is scanned by a computer which cannot read pen.