The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) was first introduced in 1980 under the name “ELTS.” In 1989, IELTS grew rapidly with the establishment of the international IELTS partnership, enabling people around the world to take the test. Over the years, IELTS has become a benchmark for English language testing, helping individuals achieve their academic, personal, and professional goals.

IELTS is co-owned by the British Council, IDP IELTS, and Cambridge University Press & Assessment. With a strong global presence and dedication to research, we are ideally positioned as a leader in international English language testing.

Which organizations recognize IELTS?

IELTS is accepted by more than 12,000 organizations in over 140 countries.

These organizations include:

  • Government departments and immigration authorities
  • Universities, schools, colleges, and training institutions
  • Multinational companies and employers
  • Professional and industry associations

To ensure that the organization you are applying to accepts IELTS and to confirm the type of test you need (IELTS Academic or IELTS General Training), it is important to contact them directly.

Some organizations may also specify how you must take the test, whether at an official test center or online. For example, if you are taking IELTS for migration purposes, you will need to take the test at an official test center.

What is the IELTS test format?

Understanding the IELTS test format provides a clear advantage for test-takers. It is important to familiarize yourself with how the IELTS testing process works.

There are two versions of the test: IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training. Both are assessed using the same scoring criteria.

The first three sections—Listening, Reading, and Writing—are conducted consecutively on the same day without a break. The final section is Speaking, which will take place on the same day or up to seven days before or after, depending on the schedule in your area.

Reading

Maximize Your IELTS Reading Test Score: Strategies for Success

In the IELTS Reading Test, you need to read quickly and efficiently while managing your time effectively. You’ll be asked to read three different texts and answer related questions. The content of the Reading test varies between IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training.

The IELTS Reading Test is designed to evaluate various reading skills, including your ability to:

  • Understand the overall meaning of a text
  • Identify main ideas
  • Scan for specific information
  • Interpret conclusions and implied meanings
  • Recognize opinions, attitudes, and purposes of the writer
  • Follow the development of an argument

IELTS Academic Reading Format

You will read three long texts, ranging from descriptive and factual to discursive and analytical. These texts are sourced from books, journals, magazines, and newspapers, chosen for a general audience but suitable for those entering university or seeking professional registration.

  • Duration: The IELTS Reading test lasts about 60 minutes, including the time to transfer answers to the answer sheet.
  • Number of Questions: 40 questions.
  • Types of Tasks: You may be asked to fill gaps in a text or table, match headings with texts, diagrams, or charts, complete sentences, give short answers to open-ended questions, or answer multiple-choice questions.
  • Scoring: Each correct answer earns one point. The score out of 40 is converted to the IELTS 9-band scale and reported as whole or half bands.

IELTS General Training Reading Format

You will encounter extracts from books, magazines, newspapers, notices, advertisements, company handbooks, and guides—materials typically found in everyday English-speaking environments.

  • Duration: The test lasts about 60 minutes, including the time to transfer answers to the answer sheet.
  • Number of Questions: 40 questions.
  • Types of Tasks: Like the Academic test, tasks may include filling gaps in a text or table, matching headings, completing sentences, answering open-ended questions, and multiple-choice questions.
  • Scoring: Each correct answer earns one point, and the score out of 40 is converted to the IELTS 9-band scale, reported as whole or half bands.
Speaking

IELTS Speaking Test: What to Expect and How to Prepare

In the IELTS Speaking Test, you will engage in a conversation with a certified examiner. This interactive test is designed to simulate real-life situations as closely as possible. You may hear various accents, and the session will be recorded for accuracy.

The Speaking Test is the same for both IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training.

What Skills Does the IELTS Speaking Test Evaluate?

The IELTS Speaking Test assesses a range of speaking skills. The examiner will evaluate how well you can:

  • Share opinions and information about everyday topics and general experiences, by answering various questions.
  • Speak at length on a given topic using appropriate language.
  • Organize your ideas clearly and logically.
  • Express and justify your opinions.
  • Analyze, discuss, and speculate on different issues.

To succeed, it’s important to stay relaxed and speak fluently, aiming for a natural flow of speech.

IELTS Speaking Test Format

The Speaking Test is divided into three parts:

  • Part 1: The examiner will introduce themselves, ask you to introduce yourself, and confirm your identity. You’ll be asked general questions about familiar topics such as your home, family, work, studies, and hobbies. This part helps you feel more comfortable and speak naturally.
  • Part 2: You’ll receive a task card with a topic and points to cover. After one minute of preparation, you will speak on the topic for 1-2 minutes without interruption. The examiner will then ask some follow-up questions on the same topic.
  • Part 3: The examiner will ask more in-depth questions related to the topic from Part 2, allowing you to explore more abstract ideas and issues.

Duration of the IELTS Speaking Test

The test lasts 11-14 minutes.

How is the IELTS Speaking Test Scored?

Your performance will be evaluated by a certified IELTS examiner based on four key criteria:

  • Fluency and coherence
  • Lexical resource (vocabulary range)
  • Grammatical accuracy
  • Pronunciation

Your score will be reported as a whole band or a half band.