IELTS is an English language test that assesses your English language proficiency of Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking. The University of Cambridge Local Syndicates, the British Council and IDP Education Australia jointly manage this test. There are more than 250 test centers in over 106 countries. This test is not only for education purposes but is also made compulsory for migration to Australia, New Zealand, Canada and other countries. IELTS tests a complete range of skills commonly encountered by people when studying or when having training in English. The test is divided into two modules Academic and General Training. Both the modules consist of four parts that are listening, reading, writing and speaking. The modules of listening and speaking are same for both Academic and General Training candidates. If you are planning to undertake an education course, you should sit in for the Academic reading and writing modules. If you are planning to undertake non-academic training or require it for immigration purposes, it is recommended that you sit for General Training reading and writing.
 

TEST FORMAT

ielts process The IELTS test has four parts – Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking. Candidates must do all four parts to receive an IELTS result. The total test time is 2 hours and 45 minutes. IELTS is available in two test formats: Academic or General Training. All candidates take the same Listening and Speaking modules but different Reading and Writing modules. Listening, Reading and Writing must be completed in one day. The Speaking test may be offered on the same day or up to a week before or after the other parts.

Academic – for Tertiary Study Purposes:-

The Academic format is for those who want to study or train in an English-speaking university or tertiary institution. Admission to undergraduate and postgraduate courses is based on the results of the Academic test.

General training – for school, work or migration:-

The General Training format focuses on basic survival skills in a broad social and educational context. It is for those who are going to English-speaking countries to do secondary education, work experience or training programs. People migrating to Australia, Canada and New Zealand must sit the General Training test.

IELTS Band Score:-

There is no pass or fail in IELTS. Candidates are graded on their performance, using scores from 1 to 9 for each part of the test – Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking. The results from the four parts then produce an Overall Band Score. This unique 9-band system measures scores in a consistent manner – wherever and whenever the test is taken. It is internationally recognised and understood, giving you a reliable international currency. IELTS scores are valid for two years. The IELTS 9-band scale Each band corresponds to a level of English competence. All parts of the test and the Overall Band Score can be reported in whole and half bands, eg 6.5, 7.0, 7.5, 8.0.

• Band 9: Expert user: has fully operational command of the language: appropriate, accurate and fluent with complete understanding.
   
• Band 8: Very good user: has fully operational command of the language with only occasional unsystematic inaccuracies and inappropriacies. Misunderstandings may occur in unfamiliar situations. Handles complex detailed argumentation well.
   
• Band 7: Good user: has operational command of the language, though with occasional inaccuracies, inappropriacies and misunderstandings in some situations. Generally handles complex language well and understands detailed reasoning.
   
• Band 6: Competent user: has generally effective command of the language despite some inaccuracies, inappropriacies and misunderstandings. Can use and understand fairly complex language, particularly in familiar situations.
   
• Band 5: Modest user: has partial command of the language, coping with overall meaning in most situations, though is likely to make many mistakes. Should be able to handle basic communication in own field.
   
• Band 4: Limited user: basic competence is limited to familiar situations. Has frequent problems in understanding and expression. Is not able to use complex language.
   
• Band 3: Extremely limited user: conveys and understands only general meaning in very familiar situations. Frequent breakdowns in communication occur.
   
• Band 2: Intermittent user: no real communication is possible except for the most basic information using isolated words or short formulae in familiar situations and to meet immediate needs. Has great difficulty understanding spoken and written English.
   
• Band 1: Non-user: essentially has no ability to use the language beyond possibly a few isolated words.
   
• Band 0: Did not attempt the test: No assessable information provided.