About IELTS
General Information:
Below you'll find some general information about the test, where it is accepted and how it compares to other English tests. For more specific information about the different parts of the test, and exactly what they involve, go to the following sections:
What is the IELTS test?
The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is a standardised test designed to assess the English language proficiency of non-native English speakers. The test measures four language skills: listening, reading, writing, and speaking. It is used for various purposes such as immigration, study abroad, and employment opportunities.
Where is it used?
The IELTS test was developed by the British Council, Cambridge English Language Assessment, and IDP Education Australia. Originally designed as a test for international students, today the IELTS test is used by over 10,000 organisations, with universities, employers, and professional bodies using it in more than 140 countries and used for immigration purposes in Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and Australia. Each organisation or county sets its own IELTS score requirements depending on where you plan to study or work, or the type of visa you are applying for.
How do IELTS scores compare to other tests?
IELTS scores can be compared to other English proficiency grading systems for example, the scores align with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) in the following way:
Common European Framework (CEFR)
IELTS score of 4.0 - 4.5: CEFR level A2
IELTS score of 5.0 - 5.5: CEFR level B1
IELTS score of 6.0 - 6.5: CEFR level B2
IELTS score of 7.0 - 7.5: CEFR level C1
IELTS score of 8.0 - 9.0: CEFR level C2
And with TOEFL:
IELTS score of 6.0: TOEFL score 60 - 78
IELTS score of 7.0: TOEFL score 94 - 101
IELTS score of 8.0: TOEFL score 110 - 114
IELTS score of 9.0: TOEFL score 118 - 120
Where can I take the IELTS on computer test?
If you’re taking the IELTS Academic test for higher education you can now take it online in the following countries: Argentina, Austria, Australia, Belgium, Bolivia, Brazil, Cameroon, Cambodia, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, Ethiopia, Finland, France, Germany, Ghana, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Laos, Macao, Malaysia, Morocco, Myanmar, Netherlands, New Zealand, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Portugal, Qatar, Singapore, South Africa, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, Trinidad and Tobago, Turkey, Uganda, Ukraine, Uruguay, Venezuela, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
In other countries or if you’re taking the test for visa or immigration purposes you should take the test in an authorised IELTS test centre. There are thousands of test centres in cities around the world. To check where the nearest test centre is in your country and to book a test you can go to: Book a test (ielts.org)