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What is IELTS?

IELTS is an English assessment test, which is taken at a test centre. It assesses your English abilities by testing the four basic language skills: Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening. Once you have completed the test, you will be provided with an IELTS score, which you can use as part of your application for jobs or universities.

Proof of IELTS is desired by most employers and places of study when applying for jobs, or when you are looking to enrol at a university or college.

Why should I take IELTS over other tests?

IELTS is used by over 11,000 organisations across the globe and is the world’s most popular English Language proficiency test.

When you take IELTS with British Council, you will get access to lots of free resources to help you succeed in your test, over 80 conveniently located test centres so you’re able to find one near you and plenty of support with your IELTS journey.

Find out more about taking IELTS here.

Are there different IELTS tests you can take?

There are two different IELTS tests you can take, IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training:

You should book IELTS General Training if you want to work in Canada.
You should book IELTS Academic if you are looking to study at university or higher-level education, or work in an Academic setting.

What kind of questions does the IELTS test include?

There are four sections in the test: Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening.

The Reading section takes 60 minutes, and you are given a set of 40 questions to answer during this time. Read more about the Reading section here.
The Writing section takes 60 minutes, and you are given two tasks to complete. Read more about the Writing section here.
The Listening section takes around 30 minutes to complete. There are four parts, each with 10 questions each (so, 40 questions in total). Read more about the Listening section here.
The Speaking section takes less than 15 minutes to complete. This is a practical part of the exam (not written) and is taken face-to-face with an examiner. Read more about the Speaking section here.

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What score do I need to pass?

You cannot fail the IELTS test. You are simply provided a score based on each section of your test, which indicates what level of English you are at.

You can find out more about the IELTS band scores here.

What happens after I’ve taken the test?

After you have taken the test, you will be sent your results. Depending on whether you took your IELTS test on computer or on paper, your results will either be available online or as a paper copy, also known as a Test Report Form (TRF).

Once you have received your results, you can either use them yourself to apply for jobs or universities, or you can ask your test centre for assistance with sending your results directly to an institution.

Book your IELTS test today

Are you ready to start your life in Canada? Book your IELTS test online with British Council today.

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