What is IELTS?
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, Ireland, Europe 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 recognised by more than 11,000 employers, universities, schools and immigration bodies including 3,400 institutions in the USA.
IELTS Academic
The IELTS Academic test is suitable for those wanting to study in an English-speaking environment or university (higher education). You can also take IELTS Academic for professional registration purposes.
The test measures if you are ready to begin studying in English. It features vocabulary that is familiar within an academic setting.
Students can request to send their IELTS results to up to five organisations free of charge. There is a fee for sending results to additional organisations. You can request your centre to send your results as long as your IELTS scores are valid, which is 2 years from the date of the test.
IELTS on paper
This test requires test takers to sit at a desk with the question papers and answer sheets for the Reading, Listening and Writing tests in an official IELTS test centre. Test takers will write their answers in either pen or HB-pencils. The Speaking test is carried out face-to-face with a trained IELTS examiner.
IELTS on computer
This test requires test takers to sit the Reading, Listening and Writing tests in front of a computer with the questions presented on the screen in an official IELTS test centre. The test takers then submit their answers through the use of a keyboard and a mouse. The Speaking test is not on computer and is carried out face-to-face with a trained IELTS examiner.
Step one - Find your nearest IELTS test location
With more than 1,600 IELTS test locations in over 140 countries, there is bound to be one near you. Click on Find my nearest centre. Select IELTS under book a test and then for your country of residence to find a test location.
Step two - Register for your IELTS test
You can register and pay online or download an application form to print, complete and submit to your local test centre. Kindly create your login account.
Don’t forget to provide a copy of your valid identity document. You will also need to present the same identity document on the day of the test.
Step three - Your IELTS test is booked
Once your application has been processed, your test centre will send you a written confirmation of the date and time of your test. The Speaking test, however, can be completed up to a week before or after the other tests. Your test centre will advise accordingly.
Step four – The Test
Ensure that you have double checked the date and time of your test. Plan your travel to the test center and be there at least 30 minutes before. The original document used for registration (the passport) should be taken for identification. You will not be allowed to take the test if you do not carry the document.
The Listening, Reading and Writing tests take 2 hours 40 minutes. There are no breaks between each section of the test. The Speaking test takes about 11-14 minutes and assesses your spoken English. This session is recorded.
Step four – The Scores
Results for IELTS on paper will be released 13 days after your test
Results for IELTS on computer will be available 3–5 days after your test.
