View source for International English Language Testing System

{{Short description|Test for learners of English as a second language}}
{{EngvarB|date=November 2015}} 
{{Use dmy dates|date=November 2015}}
{{Citation style|date=May 2022}}
{{Infobox examination
| name                = International English Language Testing System
| image_name          = IELTS logo.svg
| acronym             = IELTS 
| type                = Standardised test (either computer-delivered or paper-based). Available in 2 modules: "Academic" and "General Training". The IELTS test partners also offer [[IELTS Life Skills]], a speaking and listening test used for [[UK Visas and Immigration]].
| test_admin          = [[British Council]], [[IDP Education]], [[Cambridge Assessment English]].
| skills_tested       = Listening, reading, writing, and speaking of the [[English language]].
| purpose             = To assess the English language proficiency of non-native English speakers.
| year_started        = {{Start date and age|1980}} 
| year_terminated     = <!-- {{End date|YYYY}} -->
| duration            = Listening: 40 minutes (including 10-minute transfer time in paper-based test), <br /> Reading: 60 minutes, <br /> Writing: 60 minutes, <br /> Speaking: 10-15 minutes. <br /> Total: 2 hours 45 minutes
| score_range         = 0 to 9, in 0.5 band increments
| score_validity      = 24 Months
| offered             = Up to 4 times a month. Up to 48 times a year.<ref name="How to register">{{cite web |url=https://ielts.org/test-centres |title=How to register |website=www.ielts.org |access-date=8 July 2015}}</ref>
| regions             = More than 4,000 test centres in over 140 countries<ref name="ReferenceD">{{cite web |url=https://ielts.org/test-centres |title=Book a test |website=www.ielts.org |access-date=11 April 2021}}</ref>
| language            = [[English language|English]]
| test_takers         = {{Increase}} Over 3.5 million in 2018<ref name="ielts.org">{{cite web |url=https://www.ielts.org/news/2019/ielts-grows-to-three-and-a-half-million-a-year |title=IELTS grows to 3.5 million a year |website=www.ielts.org |access-date=11 April 2021}}</ref> 
| prerequisite        = No official prerequisite. Intended for non-native English speakers.
| fee                 = Around 250 [[USD]]<ref>Depends on region and test centre, a full list is available [https://ielts.org/test-centres here].</ref>
| score_users         = More than 12,000 colleges, agencies and other institutions in over 140 countries<ref>{{cite web |url=https://ielts.org/organisations/ielts-for-organisations/why-accept-ielts |title=Contact us |website=www.ielts.org |access-date=8 July 2015}}</ref>
| qualification_rate  =
| free_label          =
| free                =
| website             = {{URL|ielts.org}}
| footnotes           = 
}}

'''International English Language Testing System''' ('''IELTS''' {{IPAc-en|ˈ|aɪ|.|ɛ|l|t|s}})<ref name="urlwww.ielts.org">{{cite web |url=https://ielts.org/about-ielts |title=www.ielts.org |access-date=2012-11-04}}</ref> is an international [[standardized test]] of [[English language]] proficiency for non-native English language speakers. It is jointly managed by the [[British Council]], [[IDP Education|IDP]] and [[Cambridge English]],<ref name="urlwww.ielts.org"/> and was established in 1989. IELTS is one of the major English-language tests in the world. The IELTS test has two modules: Academic and General Training. IELTS One Skill Retake was introduced for computer-delivered tests in 2023, which allows a test taker to retake any one section (Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking) of the test.<ref>[https://ielts.org/take-a-test/booking-your-test/one-skill-retake IELTS One Skill Retake]</ref>

IELTS is accepted by most [[Australia]]n, [[United Kingdom|British]], [[Canada|Canadian]], [[European Union|European]], [[Ireland|Irish]] and [[New Zealand]] academic institutions, by over 3,000 academic institutions in the [[United States]], and by various professional organisations across the world.

IELTS is approved by [[UK Visas and Immigration]] (UKVI) as a Secure English Language Test for visa applicants only inside the UK.<ref name=ukvisa>{{Cite web |title=Prove your English language abilities with a secure English language test (SELT) |url=https://www.gov.uk/guidance/prove-your-english-language-abilities-with-a-secure-english-language-test-selt |access-date=7 May 2022 |website=GOV.UK}}</ref> It also meets requirements for [[immigration to Australia]], where [[Test of English as a Foreign Language]] (TOEFL) and Pearson Test of English Academic are also accepted,<ref name=acacia>{{cite web|url=https://www.acacia-au.com/toefl-pearson-accepted-for-australian-immigration-english-testing.php|title=TOEFL and Pearson to be Accepted for English Testing from November 2014 - Acacia - Immigration Australia|work=acacia-au.com|access-date=8 July 2015|archive-date=10 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210810083229/https://www.acacia-au.com/toefl-pearson-accepted-for-australian-immigration-english-testing.php|url-status=dead}}</ref> and New Zealand. In Canada, IELTS, [[Test d'évaluation du français|TEF]], or [[Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program|CELPIP]] are accepted by the immigration authority.<ref>{{cite web|title=Language testing|url=http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/immigrate/skilled/factor-language.asp|publisher=Citizenship and Immigration Canada|access-date=27 November 2013}}</ref>

No minimum score is required to pass the test. An IELTS result or Test Report Form is issued to all test takers with a score from "Band 1" ("non-user") to "Band 9" ("expert user") and each institution sets a different threshold. There is also a "Band 0" score for those who did not attempt the test. Institutions are advised not to consider a report older than two years to be valid, unless the user proves that they have worked to maintain their level.<ref>{{cite web|title=IELTS FAQS - Institutions - Test scores|url=https://ielts.org/organisations/ielts-for-organisations/ielts-scoring-in-detail |access-date=9 December 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ielts.org/pdf/Information_for_Candidates_booklet.pdf|title=IELTS Information_for_Candidates_booklet|access-date=26 February 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110216121203/https://www.ielts.org/PDF/Information_for_Candidates_booklet.pdf|archive-date=16 February 2011|df=dmy-all}}</ref>

In 2017, over 3 million tests were taken in more than 140 countries, up from 2 million tests in 2012, 1.7 million tests in 2011 and 1.4 million tests in 2009. In 2007, IELTS administered more than one million tests in a single 12-month period for the first time ever, making it the world's most popular English language test for higher education and immigration.<ref name="ielts.org"/>

In 2019, over 508,000 international students came to study in the UK, making it the world's most popular UK ELT (English Language Test) destination. Over half (54%) of those students were under 18 years old.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Facts & figures |url=https://www.englishuk.com/facts-figures |access-date=2022-03-29 |website=englishuk.com}}</ref>

==History==

The English Language Testing Service (ELTS), as IELTS was then known, was launched in 1980 by [[Cambridge English Language Assessment]] (then known as "UCLES") and the [[British Council]]. It had an innovative format, which reflected changes in language learning and teaching, including the growth in 'communicative' language learning and 'English for specific purposes'. Test tasks were intended to reflect the use of English language in the 'real world'.

During the 1980s, test taker numbers were low (4,000 in 1981 rising to 10,000 in 1985) and there were practical difficulties administering the test. As a result, the IELTS Revision Project was set up to oversee the redesign of the test. In order to have international participation in the redesign, the International Development Program of Australian Universities and Colleges ([[IDP Education|IDP]]), now known as [[IDP Education|IDP: IELTS Australia]], joined Cambridge English Language Assessment and the British Council to form the international IELTS partnership which delivers the test to this day. This international partnership was reflected in the new name for the test: The International English Language Testing System (IELTS).

IELTS went live in 1989. Test takers took two non-specialised modules, Listening and Speaking, and two specialised modules, Reading and Writing. Test taker numbers rose by approximately 15% per year and by 1995 there were 43,000 test takers in 210 test centres around the world.

IELTS was revised again in 1995, with three main changes:
* There was one Academic Reading Module and one Academic Writing Module (previously there had been a choice of three field-specific Reading and Writing modules)
* The thematic link between the Reading and Writing tasks was removed to avoid confusing the assessment of reading and writing ability
* The General Training Reading and Writing modules were brought into line with the Academic Reading and Writing modules (same timing, length of responses, reporting of scores).

Further revisions went live in 2001 (revised Speaking Test) and 2005 (new assessment criteria for the Writing test).<ref name="ReferenceA">{{cite web |url=http://www.ielts.org/researchers/history_of_ielts.aspx |title=IELTS &#124; Researchers - History of IELTS |access-date=2015-07-08 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150711024542/https://ielts.org/about-ielts |archive-date=11 July 2015 |df=dmy-all}} Accessed 8 July 2015</ref>

==IELTS characteristics==

IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training are designed to cover the full range of abilities from non-user or middle user to expert user. The Academic version is for test takers who want to study at the tertiary level in an English-speaking country or seek professional registration. The General Training version is for test takers who want to work, train, study at a secondary school or migrate to an English-speaking country.<ref name="ReferenceB">{{cite web |url=https://ielts.org/take-a-test/test-types |title=What is IELTS? |website=www.ielts.org |access-date=8 July 2015}}</ref>

The difference between the Academic and General Training versions is the content, context, and purpose of the tasks. All other features, such as timing allocation, length of written responses, and reporting of scores, are the same.<ref name="urlWhich IELTS test">{{cite web |url=https://ielts.org/take-a-test/test-types |title=Which IELTS test should I take? |date=17 July 2019 |access-date=2019-08-18}}</ref>

IELTS Academic and General Training both incorporate the following features:
* IELTS tests the ability to [[Wiktionary:listen|listen]], [[reading (process)|read]], [[writing|write]] and [[speech|speak]] in English.
* The speaking module is a key component of IELTS. It is conducted in the form of a one-to-one interview with an examiner which can occur face to face or even through a video conference. The examiner assesses the test taker as they are speaking. The speaking session is also recorded for monitoring and for re-marking in case of an appeal against the score given.
* A variety of [[Accent (dialect)|accents]] and writing styles have been presented in test materials in order to minimize linguistic bias. The accents in the listening section are generally 80% [[British English|British]], [[Australian English|Australian]], [[New Zealand English|New Zealander]] and 20% others (mostly [[American English|American]]).
* IELTS is developed by experts at [[Cambridge English Language Assessment]] with input from item writers from around the world. Teams are located in the US, UK, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and other English-speaking nations.
* Band scores are used for each language sub-skill (Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking). They are averaged out to derive the overall band score for each test taker.

==IELTS test structure==

=== Modules ===
There are two modules of the IELTS:
* Academic Module
* General Training Module
There is also a separate test offered by the IELTS test partners, called [[IELTS Life Skills]]:

* IELTS Academic is intended for those who want to enroll in [[universities]] and other institutions of [[higher education]] and for professionals such as medical doctors, engineers and nurses who want to study or practice in an English-speaking country. Mainly for those who is trying for non-immigrant student visa.
* IELTS General Training is intended for those planning to undertake non-academic training or to gain [[work experience]], or for [[immigration]] purposes.
* [[IELTS Life Skills]] is intended for those who need to prove their English speaking and listening skills at [[Common European Framework of Reference for Languages|Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFRR)]] levels A1 or B1 and can be used to apply for a 'family of a settled person' visa, indefinite leave to remain or citizenship in the UK.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.cambridgeenglish.org/why-cambridge-english/visas-and-immigration/uk/ |title=Cambridge English exams for UK visas and immigration &#124; Cambridge English |website=www.cambridgeenglish.org |access-date=8 July 2015}}</ref>

=== The four parts of the IELTS test ===
{| class="wikitable"
!Part
!Duration
!Notes
|-
|Listening
|30 minutes
|including 10 minutes transfer time<ref>{{Cite web |title=IELTS (International English Language Testing System) test format {{!}} Cambridge English |url=https://www.cambridgeenglish.org/exams-and-tests/ielts/test-format/ |access-date=2024-05-08 |website=www.cambridgeenglish.org}}</ref>
|-
|Reading
|60 minutes
|
|-
|Writing
|60 minutes
|
|-
|Speaking
|10–15 minutes
|divided in Part 1, Part 2 (CUE Card) and Part 3.
|-
|Total Test Time
|2 hours and 45 minutes<ref>{{Cite web |title=Test Types |url=https://ielts.org/take-a-test/test-types |access-date=2024-05-08 |website=IELTS |language=en-GB}}</ref>
|
|}
Note 1: Listening, Reading and Writing are completed in one sitting. The Speaking test may be taken on the same day or up to seven days before or after the other tests.

Note 2: All test takers take the same Listening and Speaking tests, while the Reading and Writing tests differ depending on whether the test taker is taking the Academic or General Training versions of the test.

Note 3: The 10 minutes transfer time is for the paper-based option of the test. For the computer-delivered option, candidates will be given 2 minutes (at the end of the test) to re-check their answers. <ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=IELTS Asia {{!}} IELTS Facts {{!}} EN {{!}} British Council |url=https://www.ieltsasia.org/hk/en/cdielts-fast-facts |access-date=2024-07-25 |website=www.ieltsasia.org}}</ref>

==== Listening ====
The module comprises four sections, with ten questions in each section. It takes around 40 (paper-based) or 32 (computer-delivered) minutes: 30 for testing, plus 10 for transferring the answers to an answer sheet (paper-based) or 2 for re-checking the answers (computer-delivered).<ref name="Testformat">{{cite web |url=https://ielts.org/take-a-test/test-types |title=Test format|access-date=2021-10-29}}</ref><ref name=":0" />

Sections 1 and 2 are about everyday, social situations.
* Section 1 has a conversation between two speakers (for example, a conversation about travel arrangements)
* Section 2 has one person speaking (for example, a speech about local facilities).

Sections 3 and 4 are about educational and training situations
* Section 3 is a conversation between two main speakers (for example, a discussion between two university students, perhaps guided by a tutor)
* Section 4 has one person speaking about an academic subject.<ref name="cambridgeenglish.org">{{cite web |title=IELTS (International English Language Testing System) test format &#124; Cambridge English |url=http://www.cambridgeenglish.org/exams/ielts/whats-in-the-test/ |access-date=8 July 2015 |website=www.cambridgeenglish.org}}</ref>

Each section begins with a short introduction telling the test taker about the situation and the speakers. Then they have some time to look through the questions. The questions are in the same order as the information in the recording, so the answer to the first question will be before the answer to the second question, and so on.<ref name="cambridgeenglish.org"/> The first three sections have a break in the middle allowing test takers to look at the remaining questions. Each section is heard only once.

At the end of the test, candidates are given 10 minutes to transfer their answers to an answer sheet (if they take their test paper-based) or 2 minutes (at the end of the test of course) to re-check the answers (if they do so computer-delivered).<ref>IELTS Practice Tests Plus 2, Morgan Terry and Judith Wilson, Pearson and Longman, {{ISBN|1-4058-3312-2}}</ref><ref name=":0" /> Test takers will lose marks for incorrect spelling and grammar.<ref>{{cite web  |url=https://ielts.org/take-a-test/preparation-resources/understanding-your-score  |title=Listening test: What is the IELTS Listening test? | access-date=16 February 2023}}{{title missing|date=May 2022}}</ref>

==== Reading ====
The Reading paper has three sections and texts totalling approximately 2,150–3,250 words. There will be a variety of question types, such as multiple-choice, short-answer questions, identifying information, identifying writer's views, labelling diagrams, completing a summary using words taken from the text and matching information/headings/features in the text/sentence endings. Test takers should be careful when writing down their answers as they will lose marks for incorrect spelling and grammar.

Texts in IELTS Academic
* Three reading texts, which come from books, journals, magazines, newspapers and online resources written for non-specialist audiences. All the topics are of general interest to students at undergraduate or postgraduate level.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ielts.org/test_takers_information/question_types/question_types_-_ac_reading.aspx |title=Question types - Academic Reading |access-date=2015-07-08 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150711010933/https://ielts.org/take-a-test/preparation-resources/sample-test-questions/academic-test |archive-date=11 July 2015 |df=dmy-all}} Accessed 8 July 2015</ref>

Texts in IELTS General Training
* Section 1 contains two or three short texts or several shorter texts, which deal with everyday topics. For example, timetables or notices – things a person would need to understand when living in an English-speaking country. 
* Section 2 contains two texts, which deal with work. For example, job descriptions, contracts, training materials.
* Section 3 contains one long text about a topic of general interest. The text is generally descriptive, longer and more complex than the texts in Sections 1 and 2. The text will be taken from a newspaper, magazine, book or online resource.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://ielts.org/take-a-test/preparation-resources/sample-test-questions/general-training-test |title=Question types - General Training Reading |access-date=2015-07-08 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150711010631/https://ielts.org/take-a-test/preparation-resources/sample-test-questions/general-training-test |archive-date=11 July 2015 |df=dmy-all }} Accessed 8 July 2015</ref>

==== Writing ====
IELTS Academic
* Task 1: test takers describe a graph, table, chart, map, process, pie chart or diagram in their own words.
* Task 2: test takers discuss a point of view, argument, or problem. Depending on the task, test takers may be required to present a solution to a problem, present and justify an opinion, compare and contrast evidence, opinions and implications, and evaluate and challenge ideas, evidence or an argument.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://ielts.org/take-a-test/preparation-resources/sample-test-questions/academic-test |title=Question types - AC Writing |access-date=2015-07-08 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150711034108/https://ielts.org/take-a-test/preparation-resources/sample-test-questions/academic-test |archive-date=11 July 2015 |df=dmy-all}} Accessed 8 July 2015</ref>

IELTS General Training
* Task 1: test takers write a letter in response to a given everyday situation. For example, writing to an accommodation officer about problems with your accommodation, writing to a new employer about problems managing your time, or writing to a local newspaper about a plan to develop a local airport.
* Task 2: test takers write an essay about a topic of general interest. For example, whether smoking should be banned in public places, whether children's leisure activities should be educational, or how environmental problems can be solved.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://ielts.org/take-a-test/preparation-resources/sample-test-questions/general-training-test |title=Question types - GT Writing |access-date=2015-07-08 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150711033816/https://ielts.org/take-a-test/preparation-resources/sample-test-questions/general-training-test |archive-date=11 July 2015 |df=dmy-all}} Accessed 8 July 2015</ref>

==== Speaking ====
The speaking test is a face-to-face interview between the test taker and an examiner.

The speaking test contains three sections. 
* Section 1: introduction and interview (4–5 minutes). Test takers may be asked about their home, family, work, studies, hobbies, interests, reasons for taking IELTS exam, and other general topics such as clothing, free time, computers, and the Internet. 
* Section 2: long turn (3–4 minutes). Test takers are given a task card about a particular topic. Test takers have one minute to prepare to talk about this topic. The task card states the points that should be included in the talk and one aspect of the topic which must be explained during the talk. Test takers are then expected to talk about the topic for one to two minutes, after which the examiner may ask one or two questions.
* Section 3: discussions (4–5 minutes). The third section involves a discussion between the examiner and the test taker, generally on questions relating to the theme which they have already spoken about in Section 2.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://ielts.org/take-a-test/preparation-resources/sample-test-questions/general-training-test |title=Question types - Speaking |access-date=2015-07-08 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150711011042/https://ielts.org/take-a-test/preparation-resources/sample-test-questions/general-training-test |archive-date=11 July 2015 |df=dmy-all}} Accessed 8 July 2015</ref> These questions usually consist of two sets of four or five questions.

==Band scale and scoring==

Test takers receive a score for each test component – Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. The individual scores are then averaged and rounded to produce an Overall Band Score.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://ielts.org/organisations/ielts-for-organisations/ielts-scoring-in-detail |title=IELTS &#124; Institutions - IELTS scores explained |access-date=2015-07-08 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150711013955/https://ielts.org/organisations/ielts-for-organisations/ielts-scoring-in-detail |archive-date=11 July 2015 |df=dmy-all}} Accessed 8 July 2015</ref>

There is no pass or fail.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.cambridgeenglish.org/exams/ielts/results/ |title=IELTS (International English Language Testing System) results &#124; Cambridge English |website=www.cambridgeenglish.org |access-date=8 July 2015}}</ref> IELTS is scored on a nine-band scale, with each band corresponding to a specified competence in English. Overall Band Scores are reported to the nearest half band.

The following rounding convention applies: if the average across the four skills ends in .25, it is rounded up to the next half band, and if it ends in .75, it is rounded up to the next whole band.

The nine bands are described as follows:

{| class="wikitable"
! Band
! Competency
! Description
|-
| 9 || Expert || Has full operational command of the language: appropriate, accurate, and fluent with complete understanding. The individual has a full operational command of the English language. Their use of English is appropriate, accurate, fluent, and shows complete understanding.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Visa |first=Job Student |date=2024-01-12 |title=What are the IELTS Scores, Levels, and Test Types ? - JobStudentVisa.com |url=https://jobstudentvisa.com/ielts/ielts-scores-levels-and-test-types/ |access-date=2024-01-20 |language=en-US}}</ref>
|-
| 8 || Very good || Has fully operational command of the language with only occasional unsystematic inaccuracies. Misunderstandings may occur in unfamiliar situations. Handles complex detailed argumentation well.
|-
| 7 || Good || Has operational command of the language, though with occasional inaccuracies, inappropriateness and misunderstandings in some situations. Generally handles complex language well and understands detailed reasoning.
|-
| 6 || Competent || Has generally effective command of the language despite some inaccuracies or misunderstandings. Can use and understand fairly complex language, particularly in familiar situations.
|-
| 5 || Modest || Has partial command of the language, coping with overall meaning in most situations, though is likely to make many mistakes. Should be able to handle basic communication in own field.
|-
| 4 || Limited || Basic competence is limited to familiar situations. Has frequent problems in understanding and expression. Is not able to use complex language.
|-
| 3 || Extremely limited || Conveys and understands only general meaning in very familiar situations. Frequent breakdowns in communication occur.
|-
| 2 || Intermittent || No real communication is possible except for the most basic information using isolated words or short formulae in familiar situations and to meet immediate needs. Has great difficulty understanding spoken and written English.
|-
| 1 || Non-user || Essentially has no ability to use the language beyond possibly a few isolated words.
|-
| 0 || Did not attempt || No assessable information provided at all.
|}

===IELTS and the CEFR===

{| class="wikitable"
! IELTS band score !! CEFR level<ref>{{cite web |url=https://ielts.org/organisations/ielts-for-organisations/compare-ielts/ielts-and-the-cefr |title=IELTS in CEFR scale |website=www.ielts.org |access-date=26 August 2019}}</ref>
|-
| 9.0 || rowspan="2" | C2
|-
| 8.5
|-
| 8.0 || rowspan="3" | C1
|-
| 7.5
|-
| 7.0
|-
| 6.5 || rowspan="3" | B2
|-
| 6.0
|-
| 5.5
|-
| 5.0 || rowspan="3" | B1
|-
| 4.5
|-
| 4.0
|-
| 3.5 || rowspan="4" | Below B1
|-
| 3.0
|-
| 2.5
|-
| 2.0
|-
| 1.5 || rowspan="3" | Non-user
|-
| 1.0
|-
| 0.5
|-
| 0.0 || Did not attempt the test
|}

==Results==

For a computer-delivered test, results are released between 3–5 days.<ref name="urlComputer-delivered IELTS results">{{cite web |url=https://ielts.co.nz/computer-delivered-ielts/ |title=Computer-delivered IELTS |access-date=2020-09-04}}</ref> For a paper-based test, a Test Report Form will be sent to test takers 13 days after their test.<ref name="urlWhen will I receive my IELTS test results?">{{cite web |url=https://ielts.com.au/about-us/ielts-faq/#5baf065866ba4 |title=IELTS FAQ |access-date=2019-08-18}}</ref>

It shows:
* An Overall Band Score (from 1–9)
* A band score (from 1–9) for each section of the test (Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking)
* The test taker's estimated CEFR level in the English language
* Whether IELTS Academic or General Training was completed
* Test date and the date that the certificate was signed
* Test report form number (15–18 characters as a mixture of numbers and capital letters)
* The test taker's photo, sex (male/female), nationality, candidate ID, first and last name, first language and date of birth

Test takers receive one copy of their Test Report Form, apart from test takers who are applying to the [[Department of Citizenship and Immigration Canada|Department of Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC)]] or [[UK Visas and Immigration|UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI)]] who receive two copies.

Test Report Forms are valid for two years.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://ielts.org/take-a-test/your-results/getting-and-sharing-your-results |title=Results |website=www.ielts.org |access-date=8 July 2015}}</ref>

==Locations and test dates==

Test takers can take IELTS in more than 140 countries and in over 4,000 locations.<ref name="ReferenceD"/>

There are up to 48 test dates available per year. Each test centre offers tests up to four times a month depending on local demand. The Academic version is available on all 48 dates per year and the General Training version is available on 24 dates.<ref name="How to register">{{cite web |url=https://ielts.org/test-centres |title=How to register |website=www.ielts.org |access-date=8 July 2015}}</ref>

There used to be a minimum time limit of 90 days before a person was allowed to retake the test. However this restriction has been withdrawn and currently there is no limit for applicants to retake the test.<ref>{{Cite web|title=IELTS Home of the IELTS English Language Test|url=https://ielts.org/|access-date=2020-09-03|website=ielts.org}}</ref>

==Level required by academic institutions for admission==
Just over half (51%) of test takers take IELTS to enter higher education in a foreign country.<ref name=Stats>{{cite web|url=http://www.unitec.ac.nz/app_templates/toolbox/act_toolbox_stats.cfm?LINK=%2Ftoolbox%5Fitems%2FIELTS%2Epdf&STAT=IELTS%20reaches%201%20million|title=Unitec|access-date=2 May 2015}}</ref> The IELTS minimum scores required by academic institutions and by course vary. As a general rule, the top ranked universities in the United States tend to require a higher IELTS band (typically 7.0). Most universities accept scores between 6–7 as being suitable for undergraduate study in English.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.cambridgeenglish.org/exams/ielts/why-take-the-test/ |title=IELTS (International English Language Testing System) &#124; Cambridge English |website=www.cambridgeenglish.org |access-date=8 July 2015}}</ref> Full details about the organizations which accept IELTS and the scores they require can be found on the IELTS Global Recognition System website.

==IELTS use for immigration purposes==

A number of [[Commonwealth of Nations|Commonwealth]] countries use IELTS scores as a proof of prospective immigrants' competence in English.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://bandscore.ielts.org/government.aspx|title=Institutions|access-date=2 May 2015|archive-date=20 July 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110720073802/http://bandscore.ielts.org/government.aspx|url-status=dead}}</ref>

===Australia===
Australia's immigration authorities have used IELTS to assess English proficiency of prospective migrants since May 1998, when this test replaced the 'access:' test that had been previously used.<ref>{{citation
|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=_KdbrTu6J-EC&pg=PR9
|title=The Equivalence of Direct and Semi-direct Speaking Tests
|first=Kieran J.|last=O'Loughlin|publisher=Cambridge University Press|year=2001 |page=ix|isbn=9780521667937}}</ref>

There are different IELTS score requirements for different types of visa.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://ielts.com.au/ielts-in-australia/moving-to-australia/|title=Moving To Australia|publisher=IELTS Australia|access-date=3 July 2019}}</ref>

{| class="wikitable"
| '''Department of Immigration Level of English'''|| '''Minimum IELTS score (Mar 2019)''' || Visas
|-
| Functional English || 4.5 every subscore || Permanent and provisional skilled visas (to avoid paying the English Language Charge)
|-
| Vocational English || 5.0 every subscore || 457 visa, ENS and RSMS visas through the Temporary Residence Transitional stream for people who have held a 457 visa for 2 years with the employer
|-
| Competent English || 6.0 every subscore || ENS and RSMS visas through the Direct Entry Stream, Skilled migration (6.0 is the minimum threshold, but receives 0 points)
|-
| Proficient English || 7.0 every subscore || Points Tested Skilled visas (to obtain 10 points)
|-
| Superior English || 8.0 every subscore || Points Tested Skilled visas (to obtain 20 points)
|}

===New Zealand===
New Zealand has used the '''IELTS''' test since 1995. There are different IELTS score requirements for different types of visa and type of applicant.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.new-zealand-immigration.com/visas-for-new-zealand/resident-visas-for-new-zealand/skilled-migrant-category/are-you-eligible-quick-self-check-guide/english-language/ |title=English Language Requirements &#124; New Zealand Immigration Concepts |access-date=2015-07-08 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150709183026/http://www.new-zealand-immigration.com/visas-for-new-zealand/resident-visas-for-new-zealand/skilled-migrant-category/are-you-eligible-quick-self-check-guide/english-language/ |archive-date=9 July 2015 |df=dmy-all }} Accessed 8 July 2015</ref>

{| class="wikitable"
| '''Visa category'''|| '''Minimum IELTS score required if the applicant is not demonstrating the minimum standard in another way (May 2015)''' 
|-
| Skilled Migrant || Principal applicant: 6.5. Partners and children aged 16 and over: 5.0
|-
| Business categories (Investor, Entrepreneur, Long Term Business Visa, Employees of Relocating Business) || Principal applicants: 5.0. Partners and children aged 16 and over: In some cases partners and children are not required to meet the minimum level of English at the time the application is lodged, but can provide evidence at a later stage.
|}

Originally, applicants who could not achieve the required score could pay a NZ$20,000 fee instead, which would be fully or partially refunded later if the migrant were able to successfully take the test within a certain period (3 to 12 months) after his or her arrival to the country. A few years later, the policy was changed: the fee was reduced, and, instead of being potentially refundable, it became treated as a "pre-purchase" of post-arrival ESL tuition.<ref>{{citation
|first=Eli |last=Hinkel|editor-first=Eli |editor-last=Hinkel
|publisher=Routledge |year=2005 |isbn=0-8058-4180-6
|title=Handbook of Research in Second Language Teaching and Learning |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=h9vsX4E2rJoC
|page=784}}</ref>

===Canada===
[[Citizenship and Immigration Canada|Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC)]] uses IELTS and/or [[Test d'évaluation du français|TEF]] as evidence of one's ability to communicate in English and/or French. The [[CELPIP]] (Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program) test scores are an alternative to IELTS.<ref>{{cite web|title=Canadian Immigration Channel - IELTS|date=15 March 2021 |url=https://cictalks.com/category/about-ielts/}}</ref>

The [[Canadian Language Benchmarks|Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB)]] are the national standards used in Canada for describing, measuring and recognizing the English language proficiency of prospective immigrants.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ieltsessentials.com/results/ielts_for_canada.aspx |title= IELTS – Achieve your work, study and migration goals &#124; IDP IELTS|website=www.ieltsessentials.com |access-date=8 July 2015}}{{title missing|date=May 2022}}</ref> The following table shows the IELTS scores needed for each [[Canadian Language Benchmarks|CLB]] level.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/resources/tools/language/charts.asp |title= Language test equivalency charts|website=www.cic.gc.ca |date= 15 March 2013|access-date=8 July 2015}}{{title missing|date=May 2022}}</ref>

{| class="wikitable"
| '''Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB)'''|| '''Reading''' || '''Writing''' || '''Listening''' || '''Speaking'''
|-
| 10 || 8.0 || 7.5 || 8.5 || 7.5
|-
| 9 || 7.0 || 7.0 || 8.0 || 7.0
|-
| 8 || 6.5 || 6.5 || 7.5 || 6.5
|-
| 7 || 6.0 || 6.0 || 6.0 || 6.0
|-
| 6 || 5.0 || 5.5 || 5.5 || 5.5
|-
| 5 || 4.0 || 5.0 || 5.0 || 5.0
|-
| 4 || 3.5 || 4.0 || 4.5 || 4.0
|}

There are different language requirements for different types of immigration program as shown below:

{| class="wikitable"
| '''Visa category'''|| '''Minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) required (May 2015)''' 
|-
| The Federal Skilled Worker Program || CLB 7<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/immigrate/skilled/apply-who.asp|title=Determine your eligibility – Federal skilled workers|first=Government of Canada, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, Communications|last=Branch|work=cic.gc.ca|date=21 November 2008}}</ref>
|-
| The Federal Skilled Trades Program || CLB 5 for speaking and listening, CLB 4 for reading and writing<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/immigrate/trades/apply-who.asp|title=Determine your eligibility — Skilled trades|first=Government of Canada, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, Communications|last=Branch|work=cic.gc.ca|date=2 January 2013}}</ref>
|-
| The Canadian Experience Class || CLB 7 for NOC 0 or A jobs, CLB 5 for NOC B jobs<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/immigrate/cec/apply-who.asp|title=Who can apply – Canadian Experience Class|first=Government of Canada, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, Communications|last=Branch|work=cic.gc.ca|date=17 September 2008}}</ref>
|-
| Business start-up visa || CLB 5<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/helpcentre/answer.asp?q=645&t=6|title=How can I qualify to get a Start-up Visa?|first=Government of Canada, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, Communications|last=Branch|work=cic.gc.ca|date=7 November 2012 }}</ref>
|-
| Provincial Nominee Programs || CLB 4 for NOC C and D jobs<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/department/media/backgrounders/2012/2012-04-11.asp|title=Backgrounder — New minimum language requirements for immigrants under the Provincial Nominee Program|first=Government of Canada, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, Communications|last=Branch|work=cic.gc.ca|date=11 April 2012}}</ref>
|}

Submitting one's IELTS scores is also one of the several ways to prove one's proficiency in an official language when applying for Canadian citizenship (minimum of [[Canadian Language Benchmarks|CLB]] level 4 required).<ref>{{cite web |url=http://settlement.org/ontario/immigration-citizenship/citizenship/apply-for-canadian-citizenship/what-are-the-language-requirements-for-canadian-citizenship/ |title= What are the language requirements for Canadian citizenship?|website=settlement.org |access-date=8 July 2015}}{{title missing|date=May 2022}}</ref>

===United Kingdom===
On 6 April 2015, [[UK Visas and Immigration|UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI)]] changed its English language requirements for UK visa and immigration applications.

IELTS assesses all four language skills and is accepted by [[UK Visas and Immigration|UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI)]] at levels B1 to C2 of the [[Common European Framework of Reference for Languages|Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR)]].

A new test, [[IELTS Life Skills]], assesses Speaking and Listening at [[Common European Framework of Reference for Languages|CEFR]] level A1 and at [[Common European Framework of Reference for Languages|CEFR]]  Level B1. IELTS Life Skills can be used to meet the English language requirements for some classes of visa application, including 'family of a settled person' visas and indefinite leave and citizenship.

To be used for visa and immigration purposes, IELTS and IELTS Life Skills must be taken in test centres approved by the [[UK Visas and Immigration|UKVI]].<ref name=ukvisa />

{| class="wikitable"
| '''Visa'''|| '''Minimum CEFR level required (May 2015)''' || Minimum IELTS score required overall and in each skill (May 2015)<ref name="ReferenceC">{{cite web|url=http://www.ielts.org/test_takers_information/ielts_in_the_uk/for_uk_visas_and_immigration.aspx|title=IELTS - IELTS tests for UK Visas and Immigration|work=ielts.org|access-date=8 July 2015|archive-date=3 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160203134019/http://www.ielts.org/test_takers_information/ielts_in_the_uk/for_uk_visas_and_immigration.aspx|url-status=dead}}</ref>
|-
| Tier 1 (General) visa || C1 || 7.0 overall, and in each of the four skills
|-
| Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) visa || B1 || 4.0 overall, and in each of the four skills
|-
| Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) visa || B1 || 4.0 overall, and in each of the four skills
|-
| Tier 1 (Graduate Entrepreneur) visa || B1 || 4.0 overall, and in each of the four skills
|-
| Tier 2 (General) visa || B1 || 4.0 overall, and in each of the four skills
|-
| Tier 2 (Sportsperson) visa || A1 || 4.0 overall, and in each of the four skills
|-
| Tier 2 (Minister of Religion) visa || B2 || 5.5 overall, and in each of the four skills
|-
| Tier 4 (General) student visa - below degree level || B1 || 4.0 overall, and in each of the four skills
|-
| Tier 4 (General) student visa - degree level and above and including some pre-sessional courses || B2 || 5.5 overall, and in each of the four skills
|-
| 'Family of a settled person' visa || A1 || IELTS Life Skills at A1 – Pass, IELTS – 4.0 in Speaking and Listening

|-
| Indefinite leave to remain (to settle) or citizenship || B1 || IELTS Life Skills at B1 – Pass, IELTS – 4.0 in Speaking and Listening
|}

For UK visa purposes the test is designed to meet certain administrative requirements specified by [[UK Visas and Immigration|UKVI]]. These Test Report Forms are slightly different, to show that the test taker has taken the test at an IELTS [[UK Visas and Immigration|UKVI]] session. The actual test taken is the same – same content, examiners, format, level of difficulty, scoring and so on.<ref name="ReferenceC"/>

== Criticism ==
One criticism revolves around the accessibility and affordability of the IELTS test. The cost of taking the test, which varies by region but is generally considered expensive, can be a major barrier for test-takers from developing countries.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Coleman |first=H. |url=https://www.teachingenglish.org.uk/sites/teacheng/files/UK011-English-Language-Development.pdf |title=The English Language in Development |publisher=British Council Report |year=2010}}</ref> For many, the test is prohibitively expensive, particularly if they need to retake it multiple times to achieve their desired score.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Green |first=Anthony |date=2006 |title=Washback to the learner: Learner and teacher perspectives on IELTS preparation course expectations and outcomes |url=http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.asw.2006.07.002 |journal=Cambridge University Press |volume=11 |issue=2 |pages=113–134 |doi=10.1016/j.asw.2006.07.002 |issn=1075-2935|url-access=subscription }}</ref>

In addition to cost, accessibility issues arise from the limited availability of IELTS test centers. These centers are concentrated in [[Urban area|urban areas]], making it difficult for candidates in [[Rural area|rural]] or remote locations to access testing facilities. This uneven distribution of test centers disproportionately affects individuals from less economically developed regions.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Shohamy |first=Elana |title=The Power of Tests: A Critical Perspective on the Uses of Language Tests |url=https://www.routledge.com/The-Power-of-Tests-A-Critical-Perspective-on-the-Uses-of-Language-Tests/Shohamy/p/book/9780582423350?srsltid=AfmBOorYZaODX6ix7sT6lW1kBF6aDrcLINbROi1wf84eRu7GAoknphag |access-date=2024-09-10 |website=Routledge & CRC Press |language=en}}</ref>

==Other English proficiency tests==
* [[ACTFL Assessment of Progress toward Proficiency in Languages (AAPPL)|AAPPL, ACTFL Assessment of Progress toward Proficiency in Languages]]
* [[Cambridge English Language Assessment]]
* [[Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE)|CAE, Cambridge English: Advanced]] 
* [[Cambridge English: First]]
* [[Cambridge English: Proficiency (CPE)|CPE, Cambridge English: Proficiency]]
* [[Canadian Academic English Language Assessment|CAEL]], Canadian Academic English Language Assessment
* [[Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program|CELPIP]], Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program
* [[Chulalongkorn University Test of English Proficiency (CU-TEP)|CU-TEP, Chulalongkorn University Test of English Proficiency]]
* [[EF Standard English Test]], an open-access standardized English test
* [[Duolingo English Test]]
* [[International Test of English Proficiency|ITEP]], International Test of English Proficiency.
* [[Malaysian University English Test|MUET]], Malaysian University English Test
* [[Occupational English Test|OET]], English language testing for Healthcare professionals
* [[Oral Proficiency Interview|OPI]], OPIc
* [[Oxford Test of English]]
* [[Pearson Language Tests|PTE]] Academic, The Pearson Test of English
* [[Saudi Standardized Test for English Proficiency|STEP]], Saudi Standardized Test for English Proficiency<ref>[http://qiyas.sa/Sites/English/Tests/LanguageTests/Pages/Standardized-Test-for-English-Proficiency-(STEP).aspx STEP] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220407130733/http://qiyas.sa/Sites/English/Tests/LanguageTests/Pages/Standardized-Test-for-English-Proficiency-(STEP).aspx |date=7 April 2022 }}, Saudi Standardized Test for English Proficiency</ref>
* [[STEP Eiken]], Test of English
* [[The European Language Certificates|TELC]], The European Language Certificates
* [[TOEFL]], Test of English as a Foreign Language
* [[TOEIC]], Test of English for International Communication
* [[TrackTest]], English Proficiency Test Online (CEFR-based)
* [[Trinity College London ESOL]]
* [[TSE (examination)|TSE]], Test of Spoken English
* [[University of Bath|UBELT, University of Bath]] English Language Test

==See also==
* [[English as a Foreign or Second Language]] (EFSL)
* [[International Student Admissions Test]] (ISAT)
* [[National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters]] (NAATI)
* [[Teaching English as a foreign language]] (TEFL)
* [[List of admissions tests]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
* [http://www.ielts.org/ Official website]
* [https://www.cambridge.org/gb/cambridgeenglish/catalog/cambridge-english-exams-ielts/product/official-cambridge-guide-ielts Official Guide to IELTS]

{{Language tests}}

<!--| DO NOT ADD MORE LINKS TO THIS ARTICLE. WIKIPEDIA IS NOT A COLLECTION OF |-->
<!--| LINKS. If you think that your link might be useful, do not add it here, |-->
<!--| but put it on this article's discussion page first or submit your link  |-->
<!--| to the appropriate category at the Open Directory Project (www.dmoz.org)|-->
<!--| and link back to that category using the {{dmoz}} template.  |-->
<!--|  Links that have not been verified WILL BE DELETED.            |-->
<!--|  See [[Wikipedia:External links]] and [[Wikipedia:Spam]] for details    |-->

{{DEFAULTSORT:Ielts}}
[[Category:1980 introductions]]
[[Category:Standardized tests for English language]]
[[Category:English-language education]]
[[Category:British Council]]
[[Category:University of Cambridge examinations]]