IELTS is designed to assess the language ability of candidates who need to study or work where English is used as the language of communication. IELTS is required for entry to university in the UK and other countries.
IELTS is recognized by universities and employers in many countries, including Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, the UK and the USA. It is also recognized by professional bodies, immigration authorities and other government agencies. More than 1.4 million people a year take the test
You can choose between the Academic or General Training versions of the test. All candidates do the same Listening and Speaking sections. The test has four sections:
Qualification Title
Duration
Assessment Methods
Language of Assessment
IELTS
38 Hours
Coursework
English
MANDATORY UNIT
Listening – 4 sections, 40 questions, 30 minutes
Speaking – interview, 15 minutes
Reading – different for Academic or General Training – 3 sections, 40 questions, 60 minutes
Writing – different for Academic or General Training – 2 pieces of writing, 60 minutes
Multi-level. You get a score between 1 and 9. Half scores such as 6.5 are possible. Universities often demand an IELTS score of 6 or 7. They may also demand a minimum score in each of the 4 sections.