What is the IELTS Exam?
Discover everything you need to know about the world’s most popular English language test
What is the IELTS Test?
Whether it’s for higher education, career advancement, or migration, IELTS is your key to a world of opportunities. Are you ready to take the test and learn more? Start exploring your IELTS journey today!
The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) was developed by leading experts and evaluates candidates on four crucial language skills: listening, reading, writing, and speaking.
Types of IELTS Exam
in some cases both versions of IELTS may be accepted!
IELTS Academic
IELTS Academic is focused on people who want to study at a university, either at the undergraduate or postgraduate level, or join a professional association where English is a prerequisite.
IELTS General Training
IELTS General Training is focused on people who are looking to apply to an immigration program, such as Express Entry, to establish themselves in Canada. With your IELTS test, you can apply for Permanent Residency anywhere in Canada.
Accepted and Trusted in Canada
IELTS is Canada’s preferred high-stakes English language test. Trusted by over 890 Canadian organizations.
It was the first test to be recognized by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and Immigration Québec as proof of English language proficiency for government programs such as Express Entry and other Canadian initiatives.
Choose your preferred
test-taking method
test-taking method
Choose the format that best aligns with your comfort and preference.
IELTS on Paper
Take the paper-based IELTS test at a certified centre if you prefer writing by hand. Enjoy a personalized speaking test evaluated by a human examiner who recognizes diverse accents and communication styles, ensuring a fair and nuanced assessment.
IELTS on computer
Prefer typing your answers? With IELTS on Computer, you can take the test digitally while still benefiting from the same high standards and human examiner interaction during the speaking test.
Scores of the IELTS exam
IELTS is designed to assess English language skills at all levels. You will receive an IELTS score based on each of the four skills on a scale of 1 – 9, and you will also be awarded an overall band score.
Explore IELTS preparation resources
Explore IELTS preparation resources
Frequently Asked Questions
IELTS is the world’s most popular high stakes English language test. It is designed to assess the English language ability of people wanting to study and work in Canada, allowing them to immigrate to and integrate into an English-speaking environment. It is desired by most workplaces and universities when looking to employ or enrol people from other countries.
British Council has been evaluating languaage proficiency through IELTS in Canada for over 10 years.
IELTS stands for International English Language Testing System.
The IELTS exam is used to assess the English language abilities of people who would like to live, work and study in English-speaking countries such as Canada, when their first language is not English. Employers and universities will typically like to see proof of IELTS with your application.