Services

Academic and General Training

IELTS is available in two formats – Academic and General Training.

The Academic Reading and Writing tests assess whether a candidate is ready to study or train in the medium of English at an undergraduate or postgraduate level. Admission to undergraduate and postgraduate courses is based on the results of these tests.

The General Training Reading and Writing tests are not designed to test the full range of formal language skills required for academic purposes, but emphasize basic survival skills in a broad social and educational context. General Training is suitable for candidates who are going to English-speaking countries to complete their secondary education, to undertake work experience or training programmers not at degree level, or for  purposes to Australia, Canada and New Zealand.

It is the responsibility of the candidate to inform the test center whether they wish to take the Academic or General Training Modules. Centers are not responsible for providing this information. The General Training Module is not offered at all test administrations.

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 center, in the period seven days before or after the other tests.

A computerised version of IELTS Listening, Reading and Writing tests (CB IELTS) is available at selected centers, but all centres 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.

Preparing for the Test

It is not necessary to attend an IELTS preparation course though it is, of course, a good idea to prepare thoroughly for the test. An order form is given at the end of this Handbook for an Official IELTS Practice Materials pack. This includes a full practice test with an answer key and a CD of the Listening test and sample Speaking tests, so that candidates can get some idea of their level and familiarise themselves with the format of the test. There is also a wide range of published preparation materials.