IELTS - International English Language Testing System

IELTS is an English Language Proficiency test required by those who wish to study or work in countries where English is the primary medium of communication. The British Council, IDP Education Australia, and Cambridge English Language Assessment manage the IELTS. Its purpose is to test the English proficiency of a candidate. The IELTS score is accepted and often mandatory by universities worldwide, depending on the country. IELTS is widely accepted in the US, New Zealand, Australia, the UK, and Canada. IELTS is more popular than TOEFL since IELTS has more test-takers.

Almost all major US Universities accept IELTS, and more than 9,000 organizations worldwide recognize the validity of IELTS scores. There are over 4,000 test centers in 140 countries worldwide to assist international candidates in taking the test.

The IELTS evaluates English language skills (reading, writing, and listening). A good, safe score is 7.0; however, many universities in Canada and the US require a score of 6.0 or above.

Why take the IELTS?

Over a billion people worldwide are fluent in English, and over 350 million speakers claim English as their first language. Proving English proficiency through a globally recognized test allows candidates to have a higher standing than others in both academic and professional fields. Candidates who wish to apply for immigration or academic/job positions in any English-speaking country will be required to prove English proficiency. Especially candidates who come from non-English-speaking countries.

Around 11,000 employers worldwide, along with universities, schools, and immigration bodies, accept IELTS scores as proof of English language proficiency.

Types of IELTS

The IELTS offers multiple types of tests. The kind of test a candidate applies for depends on whether they are an immigrant moving for professional reasons or a student looking to pursue higher education or secondary education. There are four types of IELTS.

• IELTS Academic: This is one of the most popular tests IELTS offers. Most educational and professional organizations recognize it. The IELTS Academic test is the best option for students pursuing a higher education degree (Bachelor's or Master's) or immigrants looking for professional registration (to be recognized as a doctor or engineer).
• IELTS General Training: This test has the same listening and speaking section as the IELTS Academic test. However, the reading and writing sections of the IELTS General Training test is different as it aims to focus on basic survival skills. This test proves that candidates have the necessary English communication skills in the new environment. Countries like Australia and Canada may require the IELTS General Test as a visa requirement.
• IELTS Life Skills: This test is more specific for European countries such as the UK. It is ideal for candidates looking to immigrate with family, extend existing family, spouse or partner visa, or obtain citizenship. This test aims to ascertain that the candidate has everyday English communication skills. It focuses on listening and speaking skills and has two levels - IELTS Life Skills A1 and IELTS Life Skills B2. A pass result is required to use this test for a visa application. The IELTS Life Skills A1 is needed to obtain a UK visa, and the IELTS Life Skills B1 is required to obtain UK citizenship.
• IELTS Indicator: This was a new indicative test started by IELTS during the Covid-19 pandemic lockdown because many test centers were unable to operate. The IELTS Indicator test only provided an "indication" of English proficiency and was not meant as a substitute for an IELTS score. This particular type of test is no longer open for registrations. However, the IELTS Indicator score still has a two-year validity period. Candidates must check with universities or organizations before entering these scores in their application.

The choice of which type of IELTS to attempt depends on the reason for moving to a different country and the organization to which the candidate is applying.

What is the Format of the IELTS?

Regardless of which type of IELTS test a candidate takes, the test is divided into four sections, testing the four English language skills. The test is usually about 2 hours and 45 mins. The listening, reading, and writing sections must be completed in a single day with no breaks in between; however, the speaking section may be conducted within a week before or after the test date.

Section	Format	Duration
Listening	4 Parts, 40 Questions	30 minutes + 10 minutes
Reading	3 Sections, 40 Items	60 minutes
Writing	2 Tasks (150-250 words)	60 minutes
Speaking	3 Parts	11 to 14 minutes

IELTS Scoring

All four sections of the test have equal weightage. IELTS uses a 9-band scale to show the score. Each question is checked for accuracy, and the raw score from each section is then converted to an individual component band score, which is rounded off to the nearest half band (0.5) or full band (.0). These component band scores are then added and divided by 4 to get an average which is the overall band score. The final band score is rounded to the nearest half or full band.

Score	Indication
9	Expert user
8	Very good user
7	Good user
6	Competent user
5	Modest user
4	Limited user
3	Extremely limited user
2	Intermittent user
1	Non user
0	Did not attempt the test

• While the IELTS score has no definite validity period, a two-year validity is recommended to account for the 'second language attrition.' While it can be up to the organization's discretion to decide the validity of the IELTS, based on the purpose of the requirement, most countries and organizations accept the recommended two-year period.
• On average, most test takers score better in the Listening section and score less in the Writing section.
• 55% of the test takers score more than 6.0 (academic test taken for higher education courses with a duration of more than three months).

What is the Cost of Taking IELTS?

The fees for the IELTS vary based on the type of test a candidate attempts and the location of the test center. For instance, in Canada, the IELTS test centers in Ontario differ from the test center fees in Vancouver. Taxes in a region also influence the overall costs. The Academic and General test fees can be anywhere from $200 to $350. The IELTS Life Skills test can often be less than $200.
If candidates wish to cancel their registration for the IELTS, they must do so five weeks before the test date. This will ensure they receive a refund, excluding 25% administrative fees. If candidates cancel their IELTS registration within five weeks of the test day or do not appear for the test, they can submit a request for a refund, which can be granted for the following reasons.

• Serious illness or injury
• Serious illness or loss of a family member
• Tragedy or trauma inflicted on the candidate. Situations where a candidate was a victim of a crime or accident.
• Military Service

If the request is approved, candidates can receive a refund, excluding 25% administrative charges. To postpone the test date, candidates must submit a request at least five weeks before the test date.

Is IELTS Paper-based or Computer-based?

The IELTS Academic and General Training tests can be taken as paper-based or computer-based tests. The format and content of both types of tests are the same, and both methods require candidates to visit the IELTS test center to complete the test.
The IELTS paper-based test uses question booklets and answer sheets. Candidates are expected to write down their answers for the reading, listening and writing sections with no breaks between each section. Candidates who wish to attempt the IELTS computer-based test must type out the answers on the computers available at the test centers. Candidates must remember that the speaking section of the test is always one-on-one with an examiner, regardless of the test method chosen.

Does it matter if I choose paper-based or computer-based method for IELTS?
The short answer is NO. Most organizations are not particular about which method a candidate chooses. The main restriction with computer-based tests is that fewer centers are available than paper-based tests. The IELTS computer-based test results arrive within 5-7 days, while the paper-based test results can take up to 13 days. Which method depends on whether a candidate is comfortable typing or writing down answers.

IELTS Online is a new method for attempting the test from home with a webcam and a stable internet connection. With IELTS Online, the speaking section of the test is conducted via live video call a day before the written part of the test, which covers the reading, writing, and listening sections. For now, IELTS Online is only available in 60 countries worldwide. This option is not available for candidates who wish to attempt the IELTS for visa or immigration purposes.

How to Apply for IELTS?

To apply for IELTS, candidates must fill out the online application form and send it to the chosen test center. The steps to apply for IELTS are -

• Step 1-Choose Between Offline or Online IELTS- Candidates must visit the official IELTS website and go to the 'Register' page. This is where candidates choose the type of test they would like to attempt and the method they choose to attempt the test.
• Step 2- Register for the test - Candidates must complete the online registration form that includes details such as the chosen test center and preferred date and time of the test. Candidates must also provide proof of identity and use the online payment link to complete the payment. Candidates may also be able to mail the application form, along with the necessary documents and payments, to the IELTS centers directly.
  
• Step 3- Receive Confirmation and Take the test - Once the test date is set, candidates will receive a confirmation email with the test date, time, and location specified.

Who can Take the Test?

The IELTS exam is open to individuals from all age groups, genders, religions, races, and nationalities, regardless of their background or origins. However, it is advisable that those under 16 refrain from taking the test, as the results are only deemed valid for two years. The intended purpose of this examination is to qualify for university admissions or secure a student or skill-based visa. Additionally, it is worth considering that younger individuals may not possess the necessary preparation to tackle the intricacies present in the test's demanding reading and writing components.

Canceling IELTS Registration

If a candidate wishes to cancel their IELTS registration, they can do so by notifying the test center any time before the test date. The refund that one receives will be based on when they cancel the test. The amount refunded will be higher when the exam is canceled well before the scheduled date.

Retaking IELTS

There are no restrictions on re-taking IELTS. If the desired result is not achieved in the first attempt, a candidate can register for another attempt when they are ready.

**Please note: Some Universities accept TOEFL instead of IELTS and vice versa.