What is IELTS?

IELTS, or the International English Language Testing System, is a standardized test that measures the English language proficiency of non-native speakers. It is used for a variety of purposes such as academic admission to universities and as a requirement for immigration to countries such as Australia, Canada, and the UK.

The test consists of four sections: 

  • Reading: where candidates are given a variety of texts to read and then answer questions based on them.
  • Writing: where candidates are required to write different types of texts such as essays and letters.
  • Listening: where candidates listen to recordings and answer questions based on what they hear.
  • Speaking: where candidates have a face-to-face interview with an examiner. 

The test scores are based on a 9-band scale, with 9 being the highest level of proficiency and 1 being the lowest. Each institution or organization sets its own IELTS score requirements. 

IELTS test is available in two formats: IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training. The academic version is intended for those who want to study at the tertiary level, while the general training version is intended for those who want to migrate or train in a vocational field. 

The test is administered by the British Council, IDP: IELTS Australia and Cambridge Assessment English. It is offered in over 140 countries, with multiple test dates and locations available.