What is IELTS?

International English Language Testing System (IELTS)

The IELTS is an international test of English proficiency which is available in almost 300 centres for IELTS worldwide (opens an external site).

The IELTS test is co-owned and was co-created by a global partnership of education and language experts: IDP: IELTS Australia, the British Council and the University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations (Cambridge ESOL).

The IELTS test gives an accurate indication of a students ability in the four fundamental english skills which are listening, reading, speaking and writing.

Why take IELTS test?

• IELTS is a preferred test for entry into Australian universities.
• The IELTS test is also accepted as an English language proficiency test for immigration and membership of some professional bodies.

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Test structure

There are four sections to the test. They are given in the following order:

• Listening
• Reading
• Writing, and
• Speaking.

The first three sections are normally held in the morning and take approximately three hours, with no break. In most cases, the Speaking section (interview) is completed during the afternoon. Candidates are assigned an interview time during test registration, and interviews last approximately 15 minutes. Interview times are not obtainable before the test day.

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IELTS Modules

There are two different modules for the Reading and Writing sections of the test:

• Academic Module
• General Training Module

Confirm which module you are required to take with the University, Institution, TAFE or Department of Immigration and Citizenship.

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