Speaking test: Examiner knowledge and skill

IELTS examiners must meet minimum professional requirements to become an examiner and undergo a comprehensive and systematic recruitment process which includes the following stages: interview, induction, training, standardisation and certification.

All IELTS examiner applicants must:

• be native speakers of English or a non-native speaker with an IELTS band score of 9 in the Speaking and Writing components
• hold tertiary qualifications or equivalent
• hold relevant qualifications in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages or equivalent
• have substantial relevant teaching experience.

Examiners attend regular training sessions and are required to formally demonstrate their marking proficiency through a recertification process.

The marking performance of the 7,000-plus IELTS examiners is monitored and maintained through the IELTS Professional Support Network, a quality assurance system designed and managed by British Council and IDP: IELTS Australia.