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IELTS assesses English language ability through four skills: Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking. It is used for study, work, migration and professional registration, with the appropriate test depending on the applicant’s purpose.
IELTS currently offers Academic, General Training and UKVI-related testing pathways. The exact test required depends on the university, organisation, visa or professional body.
ENGLISH SKILLS
Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking.
BAND SCALE
Whole and half bands are reported.
ORGANISATIONS
IELTS says more than 13,500 organisations trust IELTS.
COUNTRIES
IELTS supports candidates across a global network.
01
IELTS ACADEMIC
Designed for higher education and professional registration. Suitable for undergraduate or postgraduate study in an English-speaking environment.
02
IELTS GENERAL TRAINING
Designed for migration to English-speaking countries, work experience, training and study below degree level.
03
IELTS FOR UKVI
UK Visas and Immigration-approved testing for eligible UK visa and immigration routes.
04
IELTS LIFE SKILLS
A UK government-approved SELT assessing Speaking and Listening for specific UK routes.
IELTS has four sections. Listening and Speaking are the same in Academic and General Training, while Reading and Writing differ.
ACADEMIC TEST TIME
SECTIONS
LISTENING QUESTIONS
BAND SCALE
|
Component
|
Time
|
Parts / Structure
|
Core Purpose
|
|---|---|---|---|
Four parts, with everyday, social, educational and academic situations. Recordings are heard once.
LISTEN • IDENTIFY • CONNECT • RESPOND
Three sections. Academic Reading uses academic texts; General Training Reading progresses from everyday to work-related and general-interest texts.
READ • LOCATE • INTERPRET • ANALYSE
Two tasks. Academic Task 1 uses visual information; General Training Task 1 is a letter. Task 2 is an essay.
PLAN • ORGANISE • DEVELOP • EXPRESS
A face-to-face interview with a trained examiner, consisting of three parts.
FLUENCY • VOCABULARY • GRAMMAR • PRONUNCIATION
ACADEMIC
Best suited for: undergraduate and postgraduate study and professional registration.
GENERAL TRAINING
Best suited for: migration, work experience, training and study below degree level.
IELTS reports scores for each skill and an overall band score. Scores are reported in whole and half bands.
Listening and Reading each contain 40 questions. Writing and Speaking are assessed against published criteria.
Fluency & Coherence • Lexical Resource • Grammatical Range & Accuracy • Pronunciation
NON-USER
INTERMITTENT
EXTREMELY LIMITED
LIMITED USER
MODEST USER
COMPETENT USER
GOOD USER
VERY GOOD USER
EXPERT USER
Task Achievement / Response • Coherence & Cohesion • Lexical Resource • Grammatical Range & Accuracy
Fluency & Coherence • Lexical Resource • Grammatical Range & Accuracy • Pronunciation
Take Listening, Reading and Writing on computer at an official test centre. Speaking is conducted with a trained examiner.
RESULTS: 1–5 DAYS
In selected markets, IELTS on computer can offer a Writing on Paper option. The task types, scoring and time allocation remain the same.
SELECTED MARKETS
IELTS Academic may be available online in eligible locations. Speaking is conducted with a human examiner by video call.
RESULTS: 6–8 DAYS
IELTS One Skill Retake allows eligible test takers to retake one of Listening, Reading, Writing or Speaking after a full IELTS on computer test at a participating centre.
The retake must be completed within 60 days of the original test. Availability and acceptance can vary by location and organisation, so verify before booking.
Academic, General Training or the relevant UKVI pathway.
Confirm the exact test and score requirement with your institution or authority.
Select an authorised test centre or eligible online option.
Provide accurate personal details and identification information.
Use official preparation resources and plan around your deadline.
AR-MAC’S GUIDANCE: We help students identify the appropriate IELTS pathway, understand institutional requirements, plan the test date and align preparation with the broader international admissions timeline.
Test requirements and availability can change by country, institution and purpose. Verify current details before booking.
IELTS — Official Website
IELTS — Test Types
IELTS — Scoring
IELTS — Ways to Take IELTS
IELTS — One Skill Retake
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