General Introduction

What is IELTS?

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is the most widely utilized English language proficiency assessment in the world for higher education and international migration. IELTS is trusted by more than 11,000 organizations worldwide, allowing candidates to take the test knowing that it will be accepted by universities, employers, governments, and professional organizations all across the world.

IELTS, which helped establish the four-skill English language testing format 30 years ago, is still the gold standard for English language exams today. It is used by the governments of Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom to process immigration requests.

How does IELTS work?

IELTS was designed by some of the top language testing professionals in the world to evaluate the entirety a candidate’s English-language proficiency in order to ensure that they succeed in their new position or study abroad. Candidates are evaluated on the following factors:

• Listening
• Reading
• Writing
• Speaking

The two types of IELTS test

IELTS tests are offered in two distinct varieties: Academic and General Training. Based on what it is that they want to do, candidates should decide which test to take.

• IELTS Academic: IELTS Academic evaluates the candidate’s level of English language competence and determines if it is appropriate for an academic setting. It reflects features of academic language and assesses your readiness to begin training or studying.
• IELTS General Training: IELTS General Training tests a candidate's ability to use the English language in a real-world setting. The assessments and tasks replicate social and professional settings.

You may need to take the IELTS for UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) Academic or General Training or the IELTS for Life Skills if you are taking the test to support an application for a UK visa to work, live, or study in the UK.

Which ILETS Test is Right for Me?

General Training:

Take this exam if you want to:

• Study, train, or engage in work-related training in a country that speaks English
• Immigrate to a country that speaks English
• Seek a new job in your own country

Academic Training:

Take this exam if you want to:

• Study at an undergraduate level or postgraduate level anywhere in the world
• Apply for Student Route visa (Tier 4) at a university that is a Student route (Tier 4) Sponsor in the UK
• Work in an English-speaking country for a professional organization

IELTS Academic Test Preparation

IELTS General Training Preparation