IELTS, the International English Language Testing System,
is designed to assess the language ability of candidates who want to study or work where English is the language of communication. IELTS is recognised by universities and employers in many countries, including Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the UK and the USA. It is also recognised by professional bodies, immigration authorities and other government agencies.
Test Administration
IELTS tests are administered at centers throughout the world –there are currently over 300 centers operating in more than 100 countries.
Test Format
Candidates are tested in listening, reading, writing and speaking. All candidates take the same Listening and speaking tests. There is a choice between Academic and General Training in the Reading and Writing tests. The tests are designed to cover the full range of ability from non-user to expert user. The first three tests – Listening, Reading and Writing – must be completed in one day. There is no break between the tests. The Speaking test may be taken, at the discretion of the test centre, in the period seven days before or after the other tests. A computerized version of IELTS Listening, Reading and Writing tests (CB IELTS) is available at selected centers, but all centers will continue to offer paper-based IELTS and candidates will be given the choice of the medium in which they wish to take the test.
Each candidate takes four tests, one in each of the four skills –
Listening
Duration and format
The Listening test takes around 30 minutes. There are 40 questions and four sections. The Listening test is recorded on a CD and is played ONCE only. During the test, time is given for candidates to read the questions and write down and then check their answers. Answers are written on the question paper as candidates listen. When the recording ends, ten minutes are allowed for candidates to transfer their answers to an answer sheet.
Marking and assessment
One mark is awarded for each correct answer in the 40-item test. A confidential Band Score conversion table is produced for each version of the Listening test, which translates scores out of 40 into the IELTS 9-band scale. Scores are reported in whole and half bands. Care should be taken when writing answers on the answer sheet as poor spelling and grammar are penalized.
Reading
Duration and format
The Reading test takes 60 minutes. There are 40 questions, based on three reading passages with a total of 2,000 to 2,750 words. Texts and questions appear on a question paper which
Candidates can write on but not remove from the examination room. All answers must be entered on an answer sheet during the 60-minute test. No extra time is allowed for transferring answers.
Writing
Duration and format
The Writing test takes 60 minutes. There are two tasks to complete. It is suggested that about 20 minutes is spent on Task 1 which requires candidates to write at least 150 words. Task 2 requires at least 250 words and should take about 40 minutes. Candidates may write on the question paper but this cannot be taken from the examination room and will not be seen by the examiner. Answers must be given on the answer sheet and must be written in full. Notes or bullet points in whole or in part are not acceptable as answers.
Speaking
Duration and format
The Speaking test takes between 11 and 14 minutes and consists of an oral interview between the candidate and an examiner. All Speaking tests are recorded.
Test Centres
A full list of IELTS test centres and contact details is available at www.ielts.org
Test Registration procedure
IELTS management is centrally controlled but the administration of the test takes place in local test centres. This guarantees flexibility and adaptability, and ensures a very rapid turnaround from registration to results. Information on the availability of test sessions at centres can be found on the IELTS website www.ielts.org the details below show the test procedure for candidates.
ENQUIRY
Contact the nearest test centre to find out about available test dates and to obtain an application form. Contact details for all IELTS centres worldwide can be found at www.ielts.org. The test centre has Official IELTS Practice Materials for sale and these can also be bought directly from Cambridge ESOL or IDP: IELTS Australia.
APPLICATION
Fill in the application form and send it or take it to the test centre with the test fee and two recent identical passport-sized photographs (not more than six months old). You need some evidence of identity. This must be a passport or a National Identity Card with a number, photograph, date of birth and signature. The document must be valid, not expired at registration or on the test day.
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. A copy of the identity document is to be attached to the application form. Only when all registration procedures are fully completed will the application be processed. You must bring the ID document indicated on the application form to the test. This is the only form of identity that will be accepted on the test day.
CONFIRMATION
Test centre informs candidate of date and time of test in writing. If the Speaking test is to be on a different day, candidate is informed about this now.
DAY OF THE TEST
The identity of all candidates will be checked on test day. Photographs of candidates may be taken on the test day. Candidates are met by an IELTS Administrator who checks identification and makes sure candidates know where and when to go for the test. Candidates are assigned a place which they must keep for the Listening, Reading and Writing tests.
RESULTS
Results will be produced 13 days after the test. At some centres candidates may collect their results on the 13th day; at others results are mailed to candidates on the 13th day. Test centres are not permitted to give results over the phone or by fax or email.
is designed to assess the language ability of candidates who want to study or work where English is the language of communication. IELTS is recognised by universities and employers in many countries, including Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the UK and the USA. It is also recognised by professional bodies, immigration authorities and other government agencies.
Test Administration
IELTS tests are administered at centers throughout the world –there are currently over 300 centers operating in more than 100 countries.
Test Format
Candidates are tested in listening, reading, writing and speaking. All candidates take the same Listening and speaking tests. There is a choice between Academic and General Training in the Reading and Writing tests. The tests are designed to cover the full range of ability from non-user to expert user. The first three tests – Listening, Reading and Writing – must be completed in one day. There is no break between the tests. The Speaking test may be taken, at the discretion of the test centre, in the period seven days before or after the other tests. A computerized version of IELTS Listening, Reading and Writing tests (CB IELTS) is available at selected centers, but all centers will continue to offer paper-based IELTS and candidates will be given the choice of the medium in which they wish to take the test.
Each candidate takes four tests, one in each of the four skills –
Listening
Duration and format
The Listening test takes around 30 minutes. There are 40 questions and four sections. The Listening test is recorded on a CD and is played ONCE only. During the test, time is given for candidates to read the questions and write down and then check their answers. Answers are written on the question paper as candidates listen. When the recording ends, ten minutes are allowed for candidates to transfer their answers to an answer sheet.
Marking and assessment
One mark is awarded for each correct answer in the 40-item test. A confidential Band Score conversion table is produced for each version of the Listening test, which translates scores out of 40 into the IELTS 9-band scale. Scores are reported in whole and half bands. Care should be taken when writing answers on the answer sheet as poor spelling and grammar are penalized.
Reading
Duration and format
The Reading test takes 60 minutes. There are 40 questions, based on three reading passages with a total of 2,000 to 2,750 words. Texts and questions appear on a question paper which
Candidates can write on but not remove from the examination room. All answers must be entered on an answer sheet during the 60-minute test. No extra time is allowed for transferring answers.
Writing
Duration and format
The Writing test takes 60 minutes. There are two tasks to complete. It is suggested that about 20 minutes is spent on Task 1 which requires candidates to write at least 150 words. Task 2 requires at least 250 words and should take about 40 minutes. Candidates may write on the question paper but this cannot be taken from the examination room and will not be seen by the examiner. Answers must be given on the answer sheet and must be written in full. Notes or bullet points in whole or in part are not acceptable as answers.
Speaking
Duration and format
The Speaking test takes between 11 and 14 minutes and consists of an oral interview between the candidate and an examiner. All Speaking tests are recorded.
Test Centres
A full list of IELTS test centres and contact details is available at www.ielts.org
Test Registration procedure
IELTS management is centrally controlled but the administration of the test takes place in local test centres. This guarantees flexibility and adaptability, and ensures a very rapid turnaround from registration to results. Information on the availability of test sessions at centres can be found on the IELTS website www.ielts.org the details below show the test procedure for candidates.
ENQUIRY
Contact the nearest test centre to find out about available test dates and to obtain an application form. Contact details for all IELTS centres worldwide can be found at www.ielts.org. The test centre has Official IELTS Practice Materials for sale and these can also be bought directly from Cambridge ESOL or IDP: IELTS Australia.
APPLICATION
Fill in the application form and send it or take it to the test centre with the test fee and two recent identical passport-sized photographs (not more than six months old). You need some evidence of identity. This must be a passport or a National Identity Card with a number, photograph, date of birth and signature. The document must be valid, not expired at registration or on the test day.
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. A copy of the identity document is to be attached to the application form. Only when all registration procedures are fully completed will the application be processed. You must bring the ID document indicated on the application form to the test. This is the only form of identity that will be accepted on the test day.
CONFIRMATION
Test centre informs candidate of date and time of test in writing. If the Speaking test is to be on a different day, candidate is informed about this now.
DAY OF THE TEST
The identity of all candidates will be checked on test day. Photographs of candidates may be taken on the test day. Candidates are met by an IELTS Administrator who checks identification and makes sure candidates know where and when to go for the test. Candidates are assigned a place which they must keep for the Listening, Reading and Writing tests.
RESULTS
Results will be produced 13 days after the test. At some centres candidates may collect their results on the 13th day; at others results are mailed to candidates on the 13th day. Test centres are not permitted to give results over the phone or by fax or email.
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