How to prepare

To have the best chance at doing well on IELTS, it’s important that you prepare for the test. We have put together the following materials to help you get ready and know what to expect on your test.

Understand the test format

Familiarize yourself with the format of the test by reviewing the test content, as well as the question and task types for each section. It’s also important to read through the IELTS rules and regulations. These are laid out in the Notice to Candidates and Declaration which are included in the application form.

Review the test format

IELTS sample questions

Practicing with sample questions can help you familiarize yourself with the format of the test. We have provided sample questions to help you prepare for your IELTS test. This will give you an idea of what to expect in the Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking tests.

Sample test questions

IELTS Progress Check - official practice test

Know where you stand before your IELTS test. IELTS Progress Check is IELTS official online practice test, marked by IELTS trained and qualified markers. Take a timed or untimed test, receive feedback including an indicative overall band score and individual band scores for each section: Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking. Helping you prepare and understand the areas you need to improve or focus on.

Find out more

Official IELTS practice materials

We have developed a series of practice materials. These are designed to help you understand the IELTS test format and the types of test questions you may be asked.

Both volumes of the practice materials offer samples of the Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking tests with sample answers and examiner comments. The CD in Vol. 1 offers samples of the Listening test and the DVD in Vol. 2 shows test takers taking the Speaking test. These are the only IELTS practice materials endorsed by the IELTS Partners. You can purchase official IELTS sample materials from Cambridge University Press (click on the links above), or from an IELTS test center.

Purchase from your test center

Consider a preparation course

If you would like assistance with test preparation, IELTS centers and language schools around the world offer IELTS preparation courses. You don’t have to attend a preparation course, but many test takers find that doing so helps them improve their performance. Talk to your local IELTS test center to find out more.

Find your local test center