The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is jointly assessed and run by Cambridge ESOL and the British Council. It tests the complete range of English language skills which will commonly be encountered by students when studying or training in English.

IELTS is recognised as an entrance requirement by British, Australian, New Zealand and Canadian universities and for secondary, vocational and training programmes.

All candidates are tested in Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking. All candidates take the same Listening and Speaking modules. The choice of Reading and Writing modules is determined by the purpose for taking IELTS. The Academic Reading and Writing modules are suitable for those seeking admission to undergraduate and postgraduate courses. General Training Reading and Writing modules are suitable for candidates who are going to English-speaking countries to complete their secondary education or to undertake work experience or training programmes not at degree level. The General Training modules are also used for immigration purposes.

All four modules are equally weighted.

Your Results

IELTS provides a Test Report Form giving a profile of ability to use English as assessed by the Test. A score in each of the four modules, and an overall score, are recorded as levels of ability, called Bands. These Band Scores are recorded on the candidate’s Test Report Form. Each Band corresponds to a generalised descriptive statement of a candidate’s English at that level. The profile provided on an IELTS Test Report Form is normally valid for a period of two years.

A score of 6.5 is frequently required for degree/MBA courses at UK and USA Universities.

Who recognises IELTS exam

Along with countless Universities and Further Education Colleges, there are many national bodies that accept the results of this exam including General Dental Council, General Medical Council and the UK Central Council for Nursing, Midwifery and Health Visiting.

If you are taking this exam to improve your profile within your present organisation, we recommend that you contact your Line Manager or Human Resource Department to discuss the validity of this exam within your company.

How to Enter

There are 37 IELTS centres in the UK. We can contact your nearest centre and administer the application process for you.

* Common European Framework of Reference for Languages: Learning, teaching, assessment

Assessment of the Cambridge examinations is linked to a Common European Framework established by the Association of Language Testers in Europe (ALTE) and used for a wide range of European languages.

* B1 ALTE Level 2 Lower intermediate level: Limited but effective command of the language in familiar situations, e.g. can take part in a routine meeting on familiar topics, particularly in an exchange of simple factual information

* B2 ALTE Level 3 Upper intermediate level: Generally effective command of the language in a range of situations, e.g. can make a contribution to discussions on practical matters.

* C1 ALTE Level 4 Lower advanced level: Good operational command of the language in a wide range of real world situations, e.g. can participate effectively in discussions and meetings.

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