IELTS is an English language assessment test primarily used by those seeking international education, professional recognition, bench-marking to international standards and global mobility. IELTS is owned, developed and delivered through the partnership of the British Council, IDP: IELTS Australia and the University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations.

IELTS tests the complete range of English language skills which will commonly be encountered by students when studying or training in the medium of English. All candidates take the same Listening and Speaking Modules. There is an option of either Academic or General Training Reading and Writing Modules. Academic is suitable for candidates planning to undertake higher education study. General Training is suitable for candidates planning to undertake non-academic training or work experience, or for immigration purposes.

IELTS is accepted by most Australian, British, Canadian and New Zealand academic institutions. American academic institutions are increasingly accepting IELTS for admissions purposes.

IELTS is accepted by many professional organisations including the New Zealand Immigration Service, the Australian Department of Immigration and Multicultural Affairs, the Australian Medical Council, the UK General Medical Council and the UK Ministry of Defence.

The Test comprises of four modules - Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking. All candidates take the same Listening and Speaking Modules. There is a choice between Academic and General Training in the Reading and Writing Modules.

Test Duration: 2 hours 45 minutes

The first three modules - Listening, Reading and Writing - must be completed in one day. The Speaking Module may be taken, at the discretion of the test centre, in the period seven days before or after the other Modules.

The tests are designed to cover the full range of ability from non-user to expert user.

Note: The Academic Reading and Writing Modules assess whether a candidate is ready to study or work in the medium of English at an undergraduate, postgraduate or professional level.

The General Training Reading and Writing Modules are not designed to test the full range of formal language skills required for academic purposes, but emphasise basic survival skills in a broad social and educational context. General Training is suitable for candidates who are going to English speaking countries to complete their secondary education, to undertake work experience or training programmes not at degree level, or for immigration purposes to Australia, Canada and New Zealand.

It is the responsibility of the candidate to inform the test centre whether they wish to take the Academic or General Training Modules. Centres are not responsible for providing this information.

To take the IELTS test you must apply at your chosen test centre and submit an IELTS Application Form.

Fill in the Application Form and send it or take it to the test centre with the test fee and two passport sized photographs. You need some evidence of identity. This must be a passport number, or in some circumstances a national identity card number. Please confirm with your test centre which form of identification is acceptable. Candidates taking the test outside their own country must present a passport. Candidates must enter the number of their passport or identity card on the Application Form.

The test centre will confirm your IELTS test date and time. If the Speaking Module is to be on a different day, the candidate will be advised at this time.

On the test day, make sure you bring the same evidence of identity as the number entered on the application form.

Please contact your chosen test centre for information on terms and conditions for test fee payment and cancellation.

The IELTS test is available to candidates all over the world through an international network of over 300 test centres in more than 120 countries. Your local test centre can assist you with test dates, test place availability, local test fees and additional support services.

IELTS is offered to candidates on a fixed date basis. There are up to 48 test dates a year available and individual test centres offer IELTS tests 1 to 4 times per month depending on local demand. Not all test centres offer tests on all dates. Check directly with your selected test centre for upcoming IELTS test dates.

All IELTS results are released 13 calendar days after the test. Candidates will receive only one copy of their Test Report Form (TRF). The IELTS TRF includes:

• the candidate's scores, on a Band Scale from 1 to 9, for each module of the test

• the candidate's overall Band Score, on a scale from 1 to 9

• whether the candidate has completed the Academic or General Training test

• the candidate's photo, and details of his/her nationality, first language and date of birth

The TRF, in giving a Band Score for each of the four modules of the test as well as an overall Band Score, allows receiving institutions to clearly identify the candidates’ strengths and weaknesses.

For further information please log on to: www.ielts.org