What does IELTS stand for?

IELTS is the International English Language Testing System.  It is an internationally recognized English language evaluation of the greatest quality and integrity.  The system is extremely reliable and is a precise assessment of one’s English language capability, specifically taken by those who are looking to study internationally, looking for professional recognition or to bench-mark their standards at the international level.

The partnership of the British Council, IDP: IELTS Australia and the University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations created and own the IETLS exam and they are in control of distributing it internationally.  

Taking the test helps determine whether students have the ability to take courses in English.  This is especially important for universities in the UK, Canada, Australia, and the United States because they base their admissions from this test reports to find if the student will be a good fit.  Each university requires its own scores for the student to be eligible to study there.  Contact your adviser for questions regarding IELTS requirements.

The IELTS test format

There are four sections that must be completed by all applicants to receive an IELTS Test Report Form:

1.    Listening
2.    Reading
3.    Writing
4.    Speaking

Applicants take tests in Listening, Writing and Speaking.  The same Listening and Speaking tests are taken by all applicants.  There is an option to choose between Academic or General Training in the Writing Section.

Test Duration:  2 hours 45 minutes

Listening, Writing, and Reading have to be taken on the same day.  Based on the requirements of test centre, the Speaking section can be taken seven days before or after the other sections.  The exams are intended to test one’s English skill level from beginners to native speakers.