IELTS is internationally available, internationally accessible, internationally recognised and internationally focused. Candidates can sit the test at one of over 800 centres and locations in over 135 countries. Tests are held on fixed dates throughout the year in the same examination conditions across the world. The test has four parts – Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking. It assesses the candidate’s ability to use English in real-life situations. There are two formats – Academic (for university and tertiary education) and General Training. Tests are marked rigorously and consistently. Results are scored on a unique 9-band system from 1 (Non User) to 9 (Expert). IELTS scores have a recommended validity period of two years. For more details on the test, download the Guide for Institutions and Organisations (PDF, 598KB). IELTS provides an analysis of test data for each year. It also has information on how IELTS compares to other tests in the Common European Framework. For detailed explanations of the separate parts of the test, see the Teachers section. For more information on research undertaken or commissioned by IELTS, see the Researchers section.
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organisations accepting IELTS results.
Guide for organisations
IELTS Scores Explained
Analysis of 2011 results
Quality and Fairness Guide
