Your IELTS journey
Open the door to new opportunities.
IELTS is an internationally recognised English-language test used by universities, employers, professional organisations and immigration authorities around the world.
People take IELTS for many different reasons. You may need an IELTS result for a university application, student visa, work visa, professional registration or employment opportunity.
You may also choose to take IELTS simply because you are curious about your current English level or want a clear goal to guide your language learning.
Your reason matters
Why are you taking IELTS?
Your reason for taking the test will help determine which version of IELTS you need and what band score you should target.
University Applications
Universities and colleges may require IELTS as evidence that you can study successfully in an English-language academic environment.
Student Visas
Some countries and educational programmes require proof of English proficiency as part of the student-visa application process.
Employment and Visas
Employers, professional organisations and immigration authorities may request an IELTS result for work, registration or migration purposes.
Curiosity and Challenge
You do not need an official requirement to take IELTS. The test can provide a personal goal and a recognised measure of your current English ability.
Choose the correct test
Academic or General Training?
IELTS is available in two principal versions. The correct choice depends on why you need the result and which version your receiving organisation accepts.
IELTS Academic
IELTS Academic is generally used for undergraduate or postgraduate university study and some forms of professional registration.
Its Reading and Writing tasks focus more closely on the language and skills needed in academic and professional environments.
IELTS General Training
IELTS General Training is commonly used for migration, employment, workplace training and study below degree level.
Its Reading and Writing tasks focus more closely on everyday, workplace and general social situations.
An important difference
Reading and Writing are not identical.
The Listening and Speaking sections are the same in Academic and General Training IELTS. The Reading and Writing sections are different and reflect the purpose of each test.
Always confirm which version you need before booking. Choosing the wrong test could mean that your result is not accepted for your application.
Understanding your result
IELTS does not have a simple pass or fail.
IELTS measures your English ability using band scores. The score you need depends on the organisation receiving your result.
No Universal Pass Mark
IELTS itself does not declare that every candidate above one particular score has passed or that everyone below it has failed.
Requirements Differ
Each university, programme, employer, professional body or immigration authority can establish its own minimum overall and individual skill scores.
Check Your Target
Contact the organisation directly and confirm the test type, required overall band and any minimum Reading, Writing, Listening or Speaking scores.
Before you begin preparing
Know the score you are working towards.
Do not assume that a commonly discussed score such as 6.0, 6.5 or 7.0 will automatically meet your needs. Requirements can differ between institutions and even between programmes at the same university.
Plan your timeline
IELTS results are generally accepted for two years.
IELTS recommends that results be considered valid for two years from the date of the test because language ability can change over time.
The Two-Year Recommendation
Most receiving organisations follow the recommended two-year period, although individual policies can vary.
Check that your result will remain acceptable throughout the complete application, admission, visa or registration process.
Do Not Test Too Early
Taking IELTS long before you need the result may mean that it becomes too old before your application is completed.
Leave enough time to prepare properly and, when possible, enough time to retake the test if your first result does not meet your target.
Choose your test format
Paper, computer or an available online option?
The formats available to you depend on your country, test type and local test centre. Check the current options before making your booking.
IELTS on Computer
The Listening, Reading and Writing sections are normally completed on a computer at an authorised test location.
The Speaking section remains an assessment with a trained IELTS examiner.
IELTS on Paper
Where the paper format remains available, the Listening, Reading and Writing sections are completed using printed question papers and answer sheets.
You cannot independently switch Reading or Listening between paper and computer after booking this format.
Other Available Formats
IELTS Academic Online is available in selected countries. Some locations also offer a computer-delivered test with the Writing responses completed by hand.
These options are not available everywhere, so confirm the exact format shown during booking.
Check before you book
Availability can change by location.
Test delivery may vary because of local conditions, accessibility arrangements or serious disruptions, including circumstances connected to the war in Ukraine.
Use the official booking system or contact an authorised test centre to confirm where, how and when your test will be delivered.
Your next step
Learn how the IELTS test works.
Once you know which IELTS test you need and what score you are aiming for, you can begin exploring the four sections of the examination.
Visit IELTS Home for an introduction to Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking, along with practical information about preparing for the complete test.