IELTS tests are held in over 500 centres with tests up to four times a month.

IELTS respects international diversity and is fair to anyone who sits the test, regardless of nationality.Choose from two types of IELTS test: Academic or General Training, depending on whether you want to study, work or migrate. Both modules are made up of four parts – Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking. IELTS results are graded on the unique IELTS 9-band scale.

To help you prepare, IELTS provides samples and practice tests. The test covers the full range of ability from non-user to expert user. You are not limited in how many times you can sit the test.

For more information, see Freq7uently asked questions or download the Information for candidates booklet (PDF, 450KB).

IELTS is available in two test formats:
Academic or General Training. All candidates take the same Listening and Speaking modules but different Reading and Writing modules.

Listening, Reading and Writing must be completed in one day. Depending on your test centre, the Speaking test may be offered on the same day or up to a week before or after the other parts. See below for a diagram of the test format.

FAQs on IELTS®

1) Is there any age limit for IELTS ?

IELTS is not recommended for candidates under the age of 16

2) Can IELTS be taken as an alternate to TOEFL ?

YES, over 2500 US institutions recognise IELTS and accept either IELTS or TOEFL for admission to award courses. For an updated list please log on to www.IELTS.org

3) Can I retest only for the module where I did not score well instead of repeating the whole test ?

IELTS provides a profile of a candidate's English proficiency at a given time. It provides not only an indication of ability in a particular module but also an indication of overall ability. This would not be possible if modules were not taken at the same time. Stakeholders require an indication of proficiency at a given time. Stakeholder have expressed a preference for full re-testing to gain an accurate assessment of a candidate's language proficiency. Therefore a candidate will have to re-take the full test and cannot re-take a specific module

4) For how long is a test result valid ?

There are a number of variables affecting the length of time over which an IELTS score remains valid. As a general rule it is recommended that a Test Report Form (TRF), that is more than two years old should only be accepted as evidence of present level of ability if accompanied by proof that a candidate has actively maintained or tried to improve their English language proficiency.

5)How soon can I repeat the test ?

From 1 May 2006 the policy on candidates re-taking IELTS has been amended. The restriction on re-taking IELTS within 90 days has been removed and candidates are able to repeat the test whenever they wish. Candidates will still be asked to indicate on their application form whether they have taken the test before. This information will appear on the Test Report Form and will only be used for monitoring purposes. NO

6) Is the IELTS test completed in one day?

The Listening, Reading and Writing components of the test are always completed immediately after each other and in this same order. The Speaking test can be taken up to 7 days either before or after the test date.

7) Can I complete the Listening and Reading answer sheet in pen?

No. The answer sheet is scanned by a computer which cannot read pen.

8) Can I make some notes on the Listening and Reading question paper?

Yes. The examiner will not see your question paper.

9) Is there a similar period of ten minutes at the end of the Reading test for the transfer of answers?

No. The Reading test is one hour, and you must write all your answers on the answer sheet in this time.

10) What is the Speaking test?

The Speaking test is conducted with a one-to-one interview with a certified examiner, which is recorded on an audiocassette.

11) What should the candidate bring for the Speaking test?

The candidate needs to bring the same identification documents they supplied on registration, as these must be checked again against the information on the application form. These documents will be checked by the administrator and the Speaking examiner prior to the candidate entering the interview room.

12) When will the candidate receive their results?

Under usual test circumstances, the candidates will receive their Test Report Forms approximately two weeks after they complete their test.

13) What happens if a candidate wants to postpone or cancel their application?

Candidates who request a postponement or cancellation of their test within 5 weeks of the test date will normally be charged the full fee unless they are able to provide appropriate medical evidence to support their request within 5 days of the test date.