Know more about IELTS

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is intended to assist you in working, studying, or migrating to a country where English is the primary language. This includes Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the United States. During the test, your ability to listen, read, write, and speak in English will be evaluated. The IELTS exam is graded on a scale of 1-9. The British Council, IDP: IELTS Australia, and Cambridge Assessment English jointly own IELTS.

Types of IELTS tests

Academic IELTS Test

If you want to study at a university or college as an undergraduate or postgraduate student, or if you want to join or gain entry into a professional institution, the IELTS Academic test is designed for you. The IELTS Academic test determines whether you have the English language proficiency required for an academic, higher education setting. It reflects some of the characteristics of the academic language and evaluates whether you're ready to commence studies or training.

General IELTS Test

The IELTS General Training test is appropriate for students who are applying to study or train below degree level. This includes a school or college that is taught in English. This is meant for professionals seeking work experience and people seeking immigration in some countries like Canada, New Zealand, Australia and the UK. The test focuses on everyday English language skills that you will need in a social and professional setting.

Duration

The total duration of the test is 2 hours and 45 minutes.

Computer-based IELTS

The test format, question types, time allocated to each test part and content is the same for both IELTS on computer test and the IELTS on paper test.
Complete the Reading, Listening, and Writing sections of the test on a computer, and the Speaking section in front of an IELTS examiner.
All answers will be typed on the screen. You can also write notes on the note sheet during the Listening test.
The results of your test will be available within 3 to 5 days.
The test slots are available up to three times a day and seven days a week.

Pen and Paper based IELTS

In this method, a person will take the test in a traditional manner- at a desk with question paper and answer sheets for Reading, Listening and Writing tests in an IELTS test centre.
Complete the Reading, Listening, and Writing sections of the test on paper, and the Speaking section in front of an IELTS examiner.
The results of your test will be available 13 days after you take it.
The test dates for paper-based IELTS are available four times a month or 48 times a year.

IELTS Exam results

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How can I check my IELTS score?

IDP IELTS results and IELTS British Council results/scores can be checked online by logging into the test taker’s portal.

When will your IELTS exam results be available?

You won't have to wait long because IELTS test results are usually available within two weeks of the test date:

If you took the paper-based IELTS test, your results will be available 13 calendar days after the test date, after 12.00 p.m.
If you took a computer-based test, your results will be published 5 – 7 days after your test date.
It will be available online for 28 days after the results are published.
If you took the test through UK Visa and Immigration (UKVI), you will not be able to view your results online. The TRF of UKVI IELTS results will be emailed to the address provided during registration.

Delayed/Withheld/Unfound IELTS Results

You may not receive your results even after 13 days if the IELTS partners believe your test needs to be rechecked or have concerns about how your test was managed. There is no time limit for the investigation. It could take up to a month to see such results.
If “irregularities” are discovered, your IELTS test may be cancelled. In some cases, you may be asked to retake only specific sections of the exam, such as Listening or Speaking. Your result may also be cancelled if the IELTS partners discover that you or your agent tampered with the TRF in any way.

A physical copy of the IELTS Result

The candidate receives a physical copy of the results, also known as the TRF (Test Result Form) or the IELTS score card 10 days after the paper-based test and 5–7 days after the computer-delivered test.

Tracking of TRF

The TRF will be delivered by courier. You will receive an SMS with the shipment tracking number, which can be used to track the shipment.
The IELTS test results will not be discussed via email, phone, or text message. It will either be displayed online or emailed to the provided address.
The TRF for IELTS IDP and IELTS British Council results will be sent directly to the institution to which the candidates have applied. The institutions will require original copies of the Test Result Forms rather than photocopies.
If you want to send 5 copies of the TRF to institutions, immigration offices, and so on, you can provide a separate address where the copies should be sent.
The full postal address of the institution must be provided so that the copy of your TRF is sent to the correct address as well. They can also check to see whether the institution to which you are sending the TRF has access to view the copy; if not, it will be mailed.
Institutions can also access candidates’ scores through the IELTS Test Report Form (TRF) Verification Service. To use this service, they must have a TRF number. The TRF number can be found on the Test Report Form in the bottom right corner

Copies of additional IELTS results

If you want to send your TRF copies to more institutions, you can get up to five extra original copies. However, in order to obtain these copies, you must first mention it during the registration process.
If you want the copies to be sent via postal address, you must fill out an additional form during registration, i.e. an Application for Test Report Form, with the relevant address where the copy has to be sent along with the demand draft and send it to the office; the copies of the TRF will be sent directly to the appropriate institutions.

What exactly is IELTS life skills?

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IELTS Life Skills is an English test intended for people who need to prove their English speaking and listening skills as part of a visa or immigration application. IELTS Life Skills is available at the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages levels A1, A2, and B1 (CEFR). The test tasks are based on daily subjects like work, transportation, and weather, and they reflect the experience of communicating within an English-speaking country. It is a single test that assesses both speaking and listening abilities.

The three levels of IELTS Life Skills:

IELTS Life Skills – A1 Speaking and Listening
IELTS Life Skills – A2 Speaking and Listening (offered in the UK only)
IELTS Life Skills – B1 Speaking and Listening.

How does the IELTS Life Skills test work?

IELTS Life Skills tests are carried out in front of an examiner and another test taker. You will need to engage in a structured conversation and demonstrate that you are able to listen and respond to a variety of tasks. These tasks are designed to simulate the type of conversational English you'll need during your stay in the United Kingdom. You will be expected to speak about everyday topics such as

personal details/experiences
family and friends
buying goods
work
health
leisure
education/training
transport
housing

IELTS Life Skills test results

Normally, test results are available within seven days of the test.

You will receive one of two outcomes:

Pass
Fail

A fail result indicates that you were not successful, and your test cannot be used to support your visa application.

Criteria for assessing IELTS Life Skills

A certified IELTS examiner evaluates your performance throughout the Speaking and Listening test based on the following criteria:

Obtaining information
Conveying information
Speaking to communicate
Engaging in discussion

IELTS for UKVI

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IELTS for UKVI' is a Secure English Language Test approved by the UK government (SELT). This means that IELTS can be used to demonstrate your English language skills as part of a UK Visa and Immigration (UKVI) application.

Academic IELTS Test

You may be required to take an IELTS Academic for the UKVI test if you wish to study in the United Kingdom or apply for professional registration. In terms of content, format, scoring, and level of difficulty, the Academic for UKVI test is identical to the Academic test. However, the UKVI test is only available at test centers who meet the UK Home Office's administrative requirements. If you take an IELTS for UKVI test, your Test Report Form (TRF) will also look slightly different

The IELTS Academic for UKVI test will evaluate your English listening, reading, writing, and speaking skills in a professional setting. You can take the IELTS paper test or the IELTS computer test. Take some time to familiarize yourself with the IELTS on computer format before taking an IELTS on computer test.

Listening

The Academic Listening test is divided into four sections and lasts 30 minutes. It will assess your ability to comprehend main ideas, detailed information, opinions, purpose, and attitudes of the speakers, as well as your ability to track the evolution of ideas.

Reading

The Academic Reading test consists of three long texts drawn from current books, journals, magazines, and newspapers. The texts are about topics that you might encounter if you study at the undergraduate or postgraduate level or apply for professional registration in an English-speaking environment. The Academic Reading test will require you to answer 40 questions. Multiple-choice questions, identifying information or a writer's point of view, matching headings, features, and sentence endings, as well as sentence, summary, note, table, and flow-chart completions, and short-answer questions, can all be included.

Writing

The Academic Writing section of the IELTS consists of two tasks: Writing Task 1 and Writing Task 2. The questions on the Academic Writing test differ from the questions on the General Training Writing test.

Speaking

The Academic Speaking test consists of three parts and lasts between 11 and 15 minutes. In Part 1, the examiner will ask you about yourself as well as general questions about work, family, education, interests, and recreation. Part 2 of the Academic Speaking test consists of giving you a card with a topic and asking you to speak about it for 2 minutes. You'll have one minute to prepare for your topic and will need a pencil and paper to write your response. Part 3 is a two-way conversation in which the examiner will ask questions about the topic covered in Part 2

IELTS UKVI General

IELTS for UKVI (General Training) is appropriate for all candidates wishing to migrate, train, or study at a lower degree level in the UK.

The Benefits of IELTS for UKVI

Anyone who is looking for a PR, can easily obtain the citizenship of the UK, if he has given an IELTS for UKVI.
A work visa is another thing to consider, which one can get very easily if you pass the test.
In order to get into different colleges and universities, it is required for the candidate to appear for the IELTS examination.

Is IELTS UKVI more difficult to pass?

The UKVI IELTS test is as difficult as the standard IELTS test. The format and procedure are the same, and the level of difficulty is the same.

IELTS test day preparation

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Get enough sleep

The total test time for the IELTS exam is 2 hours and 45 minutes, and it is critical to remain alert and aware throughout this time. Therefore, adequate sleep is recommended the day before the examination.

Identification documents

On the day of your IELTS exam, a member of the staff will ask for your ID, which should be the same one you used to book the test. The ID should be valid with clear picture of you. Prior to the start of the exam, a high-resolution photograph of yourself will be taken at the exam center and include in your Test Report Form (TRF). In some countries, a fingerprint scan will also be performed. All of this is done to shorten your wait time and expedite the registration process.

Stationery for test day

You are only permitted to bring pens, pencils, and erasers into the exam. Remember to fill out your answer sheets for the Listening and Reading tests with a pencil as the processing machine cannot read the ink.

Arrive early

Try to arrive at the testing centre at least 20 minutes early so that you don't have to rush in for the exam without having time to mentally prepare. Furthermore, if you arrive late, you may be denied entry to the examination hall.

Personal belongings must be checked in

Personal items such as your phone, wallet, bag, books, and so on must be checked in because they are not permitted inside the exam room. These items will be kept safe until you finish the test.

Before the exam, use the restroom

The exam lasts about 2 hours and 45 minutes, and while you will be allowed to use the restroom during the exam, the time you lose for that may make you nervous.

Relax

At the testing centre, try to remain calm. Take a few deep breaths to help calm yourself if you begin to feel anxious.

Think in English

If English is not your native language, one of the best ways to prepare yourself is to think in English rather than in your mother tongue. This will help you become more comfortable with the language.

Follow the instructions

Pay close attention to the supervisor and follow the test day instructions. Before you begin writing on your test papers, read the instructions on the cover page. Do not lose points for making negligent mistakes because you have not read the question carefully.

Keep track of the time

Although watches are not permitted in the examination room, a clock will be present, so keep an eye on it to keep track of the time for each test.

Provisions for exceptional circumstances

If you need special arrangements because of a disability or other condition, you may request them and they will be done on the day of your test.

What is IELTS?

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The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is designed to help you work, study or migrate to a country where English is the native language. This includes countries such as Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the UK and USA.

Your ability to listen, read, write and speak in English will be assessed during the test. IELTS is graded on a scale of 1-9.

IELTS is jointly owned by the British Council, IDP: IELTS Australia and Cambridge Assessment English.

Why take IELTS?

If you are looking to work, live or study in an English-speaking country, then you must be able to demonstrate a high level of English language ability.

English is the third most spoken language in the world, with 379 million speakers worldwide.

Being able to communicate in the native language of the country you wish to work or study in, has a wide range of benefits. It is also essential for job opportunities as well as integration into the community.

IELTS is the most popular test for those looking to migrate to Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the UK. It is globally recognized by more than 11,000 employers, universities, schools and immigration bodies including 3,400 institutions in the USA.

IELTS score scale

Band score	Skill level	Description
9	Expert user	The test taker has fully operational command of the language. Their use of English is appropriate, accurate and fluent, and shows complete understanding.
8	Very good user	The test taker has fully operational command of the language with only occasional unsystematic inaccuracies and inappropriate usage. They may misunderstand some things in unfamiliar situations. They handle complex and detailed argumentation well.
7	Good user	The test taker has operational command of the language, though with occasional inaccuracies, inappropriate usage and misunderstandings in some situations. They generally handle complex language well and understand detailed reasoning.
6	Competent user	The test taker has an effective command of the language despite some inaccuracies, inappropriate usage and misunderstandings. They can use and understand fairly complex language, particularly in familiar situations.
5	Modest user	The test taker has a partial command of the language and copes with overall meaning in most situations, although they are likely to make many mistakes. They should be able to handle basic communication in their own field.
4	Limited user	The test taker’s basic competence is limited to familiar situations. They frequently show problems in understanding and expression. They are not able to use complex language.
3	Extremely limited user	The test taker conveys and understands only general meaning in very familiar situations. There are frequent breakdowns in communication.
2	Intermittent user	The test taker has great difficulty understanding spoken and written English.
1	Non-user	The test taker has no ability to use the language except a few isolated words.
0	Did not attempt the test	The test taker did not answer the questions.

IELTS score scale

The higher you can score in your IELTS, reflects a better understanding and ability to communicate in English. Each immigration body, university, workplace or institution will have specific IELTS score requirements. The score you need will depend on what you are looking to do in the country, i.e work or study.

IELTS score scale

IELTS is developed to provide a fair and accurate assessment of English language proficiency

Test questions are developed by language specialists from Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the UK and the USA. The test covers four sections: Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking.

IELTS test content reflects everyday situations. It is unbiased and fair to all test takers from all backgrounds.