Assess English proficiency for study, work, migration

IELTS Academic

IELTS General Training

IELTS UKVI / Life Skills (where applicable)

Paper-based IELTS

Computer-delivered IELTS

IELTS Online (availability depends on location/institution)

IELTS on Paper / Computer: same content, different delivery

Speaking: usually in-person (may be video call in some locations)

Academic vs General Training

UKVI requirement check (if needed)

Location and available dates

Paper vs computer availability

Speaking test scheduling options

Provide personal details exactly as in ID

Select test date and module (Academic/General)

Passport or national ID (country-dependent)

Ensure ID validity on test day

Name matching rules (must match registration)

ID scan/photo

Candidate photo (per center requirements)

Special requirements documentation (medical/learning needs)

Accepted payment methods vary

Confirm currency, taxes, and receipt

Email confirmation and candidate details

Test venue address / login info (computer-delivered)

Speaking date/time (may be same day or within a window)

Date change policy

Cancellation/refund

Exceptional circumstances

Examples

Request timeline

Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking (four skills)

Official IELTS practice tests and band descriptors

Timed practice and error review

Same ID used in registration

Permitted stationery (paper-based)

Water in transparent bottle (if allowed)

Phones, smartwatches, notes, calculators (unless permitted)

Bags usually stored in a designated area

Allow time for check-in, security, seating

ID check against registration

Candidate photo taken (commonly)

Bag storage

Metal detector / frisking (varies)

Fingerprint scan may be used (varies)

Timing, prohibited behavior, misconduct consequences

Listening → Reading → Writing (often same sitting)

Speaking may be same day or different day

About 2 hours 45 minutes for Listening/Reading/Writing

Assess comprehension of spoken English in different contexts

~30 minutes audio + transfer/check time

Part 1: social conversation (everyday context)

Part 2: monologue (e.g., local facilities, instructions)

Part 3: educational/training discussion (multiple speakers)

Part 4: academic lecture (one speaker)

Multiple choice

Matching

Form/note/table/flow-chart completion

Sentence completion

Map/plan/diagram labeling

Audio played once only

Spelling and grammar accuracy matter

Word limits must be followed (e.g., “NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS”)

Assess reading comprehension, skimming/scanning, inference, detail

60 minutes (no extra transfer time)

Academic Reading

General Training Reading

Multiple choice

True/False/Not Given (Academic often uses this heavily)

Yes/No/Not Given

Matching headings

Matching information/features

Sentence completion

Summary/note/table completion

Diagram labeling

Short-answer questions

Manage time across passages/sections

Answers must match required format (singular/plural, word limits)

Assess task achievement, coherence, vocabulary, grammar accuracy/range

60 minutes (2 tasks)

Task 1 (recommended ~20 min; minimum 150 words)

Task 2 (recommended ~40 min; minimum 250 words)

Task 1 (recommended ~20 min; minimum 150 words)

Task 2 (recommended ~40 min; minimum 250 words)

Task Achievement / Task Response

Coherence and Cohesion

Lexical Resource

Grammatical Range and Accuracy

Minimum word counts (under-length may reduce score)

Handwriting legibility (paper-based)

Clear paragraphing and structure

Assess spoken fluency, pronunciation, grammar, vocabulary, interaction

Face-to-face interview with an examiner (most common)

May be video-call in some centers

11–14 minutes

Part 1: Introduction & interview

Part 2: Long turn

Part 3: Discussion

Fluency and Coherence

Lexical Resource

Grammatical Range and Accuracy

Pronunciation

Natural conversation; ask for clarification if needed

Stay on topic; develop answers beyond yes/no

0 to 9 in half-band increments (e.g., 6.5)

Listening band

Reading band

Writing band

Speaking band

Average of four section bands

Rounding rules

Based on number of correct answers (40 questions)

Academic vs General Training Reading have different conversion tables

Based on examiner criteria (descriptors)

Holistic judgment across criteria to produce band score

9: Expert user

8: Very good user

7: Good user

6: Competent user

5: Modest user

4: Limited user

Lower bands indicate increasing difficulty using English

Computer-delivered: usually faster (often within days)

Paper-based: commonly around 13 days

Timelines vary by center and procedures

Online candidate portal

Official TRF issued (paper or electronic depending on policy)

Personal details and test date

Scores for each skill + overall band

Test type (Academic/General)

Request electronic delivery (where available)

Institutions may verify results via official systems

Request a re-mark (commonly Writing and/or Speaking targeted)

Fee and deadline apply

Score may increase, decrease, or remain unchanged (usually unchanged)

Retake all four sections (standard approach)

One Skill Retake (availability depends on country/center/policy)

Identify weakest skill and targeted prep

Set band goals aligned to institution requirements

Cheating, impersonation, prohibited materials → cancellation and bans

May be refused entry; policy varies

Inform staff immediately; seek medical documentation if needed

Invigilator support and incident reporting

Time/attempt handling depends on center protocol

Choose test type/date; register; begin timed practice

Confirm venue/time; practice full-length tests; finalize strategy

Prepare ID; check travel; sleep schedule; light review

Arrive early; complete sections; follow rules

Receive results; send to institutions; decide on EOR/retake if needed