The IELTS (International English Language Testing System) is the world's most popular high-stakes English language proficiency test, taken by over 4 million people annually. It is designed to measure the language ability of people who want to study, work, or migrate to countries where English is the primary language of communication.

IELTS is jointly owned and run by the British Council, IDP Education, and Cambridge Assessment English, ensuring its global reliability, fairness, and accuracy.

IELTS is trusted by over 12,500 organizations in more than 140 countries, including educational institutions, professional bodies, and immigration authorities worldwide. Key advantages include:

• Global Acceptance: It grants access to educational institutions across the UK, Australia, Canada, the USA, New Zealand, and beyond, supporting both academic and career advancement.
• Real-World English: The test focuses on evaluating practical English skills for real-life settings. Notably, the Listening section includes a range of accents (including British, Australian, and North American) to reflect the diversity of English spoken globally.
• Immigration Requirement: It is the preferred or required test for demonstrating English language proficiency to immigration authorities in countries like the UK (IELTS for UKVI), Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
• Flexibility: Candidates can choose to take the test On Paper, On Computer, or, in some locations, through IELTS Online from home.

IELTS offers two distinct tests to suit your specific goals:

Purpose: Required for those applying for higher education at undergraduate and postgraduate levels, and for those seeking professional registration (e.g., medical, engineering, or legal professions) in an English-speaking country.

Focus: Assesses whether your English proficiency is appropriate for a high-level academic environment.

Purpose: Required for those seeking migration to English-speaking countries (e.g., Australia, Canada, UK) and for those applying for vocational training or secondary education.

Focus: Measures your English proficiency in a practical, everyday social and workplace context.

Your performance is graded using a Band Score system, ranging from Band 1 (Non-user) to Band 9 (Expert User). You receive an overall band score, plus individual scores for each of the four modules.

Validity: Your official Test Report Form (TRF) is valid for two years and must be submitted to organizations as proof of your English proficiency.

One Skill Retake: If you take IELTS on a computer, some locations offer the One Skill Retake option, allowing you to retake just one specific section (Listening, Reading, Writing, or Speaking) to improve your score without repeating the entire test.

Both the Academic and General Training tests assess four core language skills. The total test length is 2 hours and 45 minutes.