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 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 score scale
|Band score||Skill level||Description|
|9||Expert user||The test taker has fully operational command of the language. Their use of English is appropriate, accurate and fluent, and shows complete understanding.|
|8||Very good user||The test taker has fully operational command of the language with only occasional unsystematic inaccuracies and inappropriate usage. They may misunderstand some things in unfamiliar situations. They handle complex and detailed argumentation well.|
|7||Good user||The test taker has operational command of the language, though with occasional inaccuracies, inappropriate usage and misunderstandings in some situations. They generally handle complex language well and understand detailed reasoning.|
|6||Competent user||The test taker has an effective command of the language despite some inaccuracies, inappropriate usage and misunderstandings. They can use and understand fairly complex language, particularly in familiar situations.|
|5||Modest user||The test taker has a partial command of the language and copes with overall meaning in most situations, although they are likely to make many mistakes. They should be able to handle basic communication in their own field.|
|4||Limited user||The test taker’s basic competence is limited to familiar situations. They frequently show problems in understanding and expression. They are not able to use complex language.|
|3||Extremely limited user||The test taker conveys and understands only general meaning in very familiar situations. There are frequent breakdowns in communication.|
|2||Intermittent user||The test taker has great difficulty understanding spoken and written English.|
|1||Non-user||The test taker has no ability to use the language except a few isolated words.|
|0||Did not attempt the test||The test taker did not answer the questions.|
What IELTS score do I need?
The higher you can score in your IELTS, reflects a better understanding and ability to communicate in English. Each immigration body, university, workplace or institution will have specific IELTS score requirements. The score you need will depend on what you are looking to do in the country, i.e work or study.
How IELTS is developed
IELTS is developed to provide a fair and accurate assessment of English language proficiency.
Test questions are developed by language specialists from Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the UK and the USA. The test covers four sections: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking.
IELTS test content reflects everyday situations. It is unbiased and fair to all test takers from all backgrounds.
Preparing IELTS to study in Germany? Watch this step to step guide.
16 Helpful IELTS Exam Resources
The International English Language Testing System is a standardized test to evaluate the English listening, speaking, reading and writing skills of a person who does not speak English natively. Clearing the test with a high score requires a lot of preparation for the various sections of the test. We have made your job easy by collecting a set of resources which will help you to learn the concepts and practice for the test.
- Prepare for your IELTS test by practicing with free sample questions
- This site is here to provide you with everything you need to know about the test and everything you need to help you achieve the score you need!
- A detailed preparation guide which lets you know everything about the IELTS exam.
- Professional IELTS feedback for fast improvement
- AdmissionTestPortal lists more than 500 IELTS test locations in more than 100 countries worldwide. Besides test fees and upcoming test dates, our city pages also list more than 7,000 universities that accept the IELTS language certificate as proof of English language proficiency.
- IELTS Liz: This website contains practice material to learn and solve each section of the IELTS test.
- Careers 360 offers a set of sample papers for each section of the IELTS test to help you polish your skills.
- This site provides all the essential resources to familiarize you with the IELTS format and prepare for it.
- Magoosh offers In-depth video lessons that cover concepts, pitfalls, and shortcuts, over 200 practice questions to help you prepare for your exam.
- Canadavisa has 8 free IELTS practice tests available – 2 Listening, 2 Reading, 2 Writing, and 2 Speaking. These tests were prepared by IELTS professionals and will give you a good sense of what the IELTS test will be like.
- Free online IELTS lessons and practice tests
- The Official IELTS Practice Materials are recommended for anyone who wants to improve their IELTS band score or test if their English is at the required level to take IELTS
- Hand-picked Reading and Listening tasks for you to get that real test experience.
- 3 IELTS Tricks to Instantly Improve Your Listening, Reading and Overall Exam Performance
- Top Ten Tips for IELTS Reading
- IELTS Listening: Tips and Tricks for Success