The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is intended to assist you in working, studying, or relocating to a country where English is the primary language. This includes Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
During the test, your ability to listen, read, write, and speak in English will be evaluated.
IELTS is owned by the British Council, IDP: IELTS Australia, and Cambridge English.
IELTS is the world's most popular English language proficiency test for higher education and global migration.
You must be able to demonstrate a high level of English language ability if you want to work, live, or study in an English-speaking country. With 379 million speakers worldwide, English is the world's most spoken language. The ability to communicate in the native language of the country in which you wish to work or study has numerous advantages. It is also necessary for job opportunities and community integration.
IELTS is the most popular test for people who want to move to Australia, Canada, New Zealand, or the United Kingdom. Over 11,000 employers, universities, schools, and immigration bodies worldwide, including 3,400 institutions in the United States, recognize it. Therefore, you can be confident that when you take the test, educational institutions, employers, governments, and professional bodies all over the world will recognize it.
IELTS set the standard for English language testing 30 years ago as one of the pioneers of four skills English language testing.
The IELTS exam is graded on a scale of 0-9.
| Band score | Skill level | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | Did not attempt the test | The test taker did not respond to any of the questions. |
| 1 | Non-user | The test taker has no ability to use the language except a few isolated words. |
| 2 | Intermittent user | The test taker struggles to understand spoken and written English. |
| 3 | Extremely limited user | In very familiar situations, the test taker only conveys and understands general meaning. Communication breakdowns occur frequently. |
| 4 | Limited user | The basic competence of the test taker is limited to familiar situations. They frequently exhibit difficulties with comprehension and expression. They are unable to communicate in complex language. |
| 5 | Modest user | The test taker has a limited command of the language and can cope with overall meaning in most situations, but they are likely to make numerous errors. They should be capable of basic communication in their field. |
| 6 | Competent user | Despite some inaccuracies, inappropriate usage, and misunderstandings, the test taker has a strong command of the language. They can use and understand fairly complex language, especially in familiar situations. |
| 7 | Excellent user | The test taker has operational command of the language, albeit with some inaccuracies, inappropriate usage, and misunderstandings in certain situations. They can generally handle complex language and comprehend detailed reasoning. |
| 8 | Very good user | The test taker has complete operational command of the language, with only minor inaccuracies and inappropriate usage. In unfamiliar situations, they may make mistakes. They are adept at handling complex and detailed argumentation. |
| 9 | Expert user | The test taker has complete command of the language. Their use of English is appropriate, accurate, and fluent, demonstrating complete comprehension. |
The higher your IELTS score, the better your understanding and ability to communicate in English. Each immigration authority, university, workplace, or institution will have different IELTS requirements. The score you need will be determined by what you want to do in the country, such as work or study.
IELTS was created by some of the world's foremost language assessment experts and will assess the full range of English skills required for success in your new job or study placement abroad.
IELTS consists of four papers: listening, reading, writing, and speaking. IELTS is divided into two modules: Academic and General Training. Both modules have the same Speaking and Listening tests, but the Reading and Writing tests are different.