IELTS Purpose and Administration

Summary

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is an international standardised English proficiency test for non-native English speakers. Its purpose is to assess listening, reading, writing, and speaking skills for uses such as university admission, professional registration, employment, training, and immigration. IELTS is available in Academic and General Training modules, while IELTS Life Skills separately assesses speaking and listening for certain UK visa and citizenship requirements. IELTS is jointly administered by the British Council, IDP Education, and Cambridge Assessment English. It can be taken in paper-based or computer-delivered formats at more than 4,000 test centres in over 140 countries, with tests offered up to 48 times per year. Results are reported on a nine-band scale from Band 0 to Band 9, with no universal pass mark because each institution or immigration authority sets its own requirements. Test Report Forms are generally considered valid for two years.

Key Points

• 1

  IELTS measures four English language skills: listening, reading, writing, and speaking.

• 2

  The two main modules are Academic, intended primarily for higher education and professional registration, and General Training, intended for work, non-academic training, and migration.

• 3

  The test is administered jointly by the British Council, IDP Education, and Cambridge Assessment English.

• 4

  IELTS is offered in paper-based and computer-delivered formats worldwide, with up to 48 test dates annually.

• 5

  Scores range from Band 0 to Band 9 in half-band increments, and there is no single pass or fail score.

• 6

  IELTS results are normally valid for two years and are accepted by thousands of educational, professional, and immigration organisations.