What is IELTS?

The world’s leading test of English for international higher education and migration.

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is the world’s most popular high-stakes English language proficiency test.

IELTS is applicable for study, work and migration, with more than three million tests taken in the past year.

IELTS results are recognised by more than 10,000 organisations, including educational institutions, employers, professional associations and governments, in more than 140 countries around the world.

IELTS test content is developed by an international team of experts and undergoes extensive research to ensure the test remains fair and unbiased.

This promises every candidate a fair chance, regardless of factors like nationality, background, gender, lifestyle or location.

You can take IELTS Academic or IELTS General Training, depending on the organisation you are applying to and your plans for the future.

IELTS test format

IELTS is a test of all four language skills: Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking. You will take the Listening, Reading and Writing tests all on the same day one after the other, with no breaks in between.

Depending on your test centre, your Speaking test may also be on the same day as the other three tests, or up to seven days before or after that.

The total test time is under three hours.

Why is the IELTS format fairer for you?

You deserve a fair chance to do your best.

That is why, unlike other tests, IELTS gives you a quiet room for an individual Speaking test with no distractions or interruptions.

IELTS also recognises that people have different approaches to answering questions.

For example, with IELTS you can answer questions within the Reading test or within the Writing test in the order that suits you.

You can also make changes to your Reading answers during the hour of the Reading test and adjust your Writing responses during the Writing test.

IELTS on computer is now available

The world’s most popular English language test for work, study and migration can now be taken on computer in many countries around the world.

When you choose to take your test on computer, you will receive your results faster (five to seven days) and there are more test dates available.

Computer-delivered IELTS also takes place in dedicated computer labs which provide a quieter test day experience.

The Test Report Form, content, timing and structure of the test is the same whether you take the test on paper or on computer. The Speaking test is always face-to-face with a certified IELTS Examiner.

You can book your computer-delivered IELTS test here.

Find out more about computer-delivered IELTS here.