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The IELTS Test	Page 1
Test Modules	Page 2
Listening	Page 3
Reading	Page 4
Writing	Page 5
Speaking	Page 6
Marking and Bands	Page 7

THE IELTS TEST                                     Page 1

IELTS, ( International English Language Testing System ), is a main recognised entrance examination standard for entrance to higher education in Universities (Academic Training), to assess if a candidate can be considered for studies at undergraduate or postgraduate level in an English study environment and can also be used to assess English proficiency levels (General Training), for immigration purposes to certain countries.  It was first introduced in 1989 and is jointly administered by the University of Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate (formerly UCLES), The British Council and IDP Education Australia.

The General Training Reading and Writing tests are based upon basic survival skills in a broad and social context.  Academic Training Reading and Writing skills are used to assess a range of more formal and academic based skills required for further study in University.  The Listening and Speaking tests are the same for both the General Training and Academic Training test modules.

The IELTS examination is used to gauge a candidates ability of English in the four modules of Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking.  The examination does not seek to pass or fail a candidate, but rather to assess their ability by grading their score on a band from 0 – 9.  Band 0, being a non-user, and Band 9 a person who is fluent and expert in all aspects of English language. 

There are in excess of 300 test centres in over 120 different countries and the test centres arrange the dates of the test to suit the local demand.  The IELTS test can be taken on any available date, and now candidates can retake the test at any time.  It is widely believed however that a candidate will require a minimum of three months further study to improve their ability by one Band.  There is no limit to the number of times a candidate can take the test. The Reading, Writing and Listening modules are all taken on the same day.  The Speaking module may be taken on the same day or arranged at the discretion of the test centre to be taken seven days prior or after the other modules.

IELTS candidates who complete the test are provided with a test report within 2 weeks, this gives the results of each individual module.  Each module is weighted the same and all four are added together and divided by four to give the overall Band.  The report is valid for two years.