IELTS Course Overview
IELTS stands for International English Language Testing System. It is a test of English language proficiency jointly managed by the University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations, the British Council, and IDP Education Australia.
Types of IELTS
- Academic Version: For those enrolling in universities or professionals like medical practitioners.
- General Training Version: For non-academic training, employment, or immigration purposes.
IELTS is accepted by academic institutions and for immigration purposes in countries like Australia, the UK, Canada, and more.
IELTS Test Structure
The IELTS test consists of four modules:
- Listening: 30 Minutes
- Reading: 60 Minutes
- Writing: 60 Minutes
- Speaking: 11-14 Minutes
Total test duration: 2 hours 45 minutes. The first three modules are completed in one session, while the Speaking module may be taken on the same or following day.
IELTS Band Scale
| Band Score | Description |
|---|---|
| 9 | Expert User – Full command of the language, fluent and accurate. |
| 8 | Very Good User – Fully operational command, occasional inaccuracies. |
| 7 | Good User – Handles complex language well. |
| 6 | Competent User – Generally effective with some misunderstandings. |
| 5 | Modest User – Partial command, frequent mistakes. |
| 4 | Limited User – Basic competence in familiar situations. |
| 3 | Extremely Limited User – Conveys general meaning only. |
| 2 | Intermittent User – Minimal communication ability. |
| 1 | Non-User – Can use only isolated words. |
| 0 | Did not attempt the test. |
Note: An IELTS Test Report Form (TRF) is valid for two years.