What is IELTS? Test Formats & Importance (2024)

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is the world’s most popular high-stakes English language proficiency test for study, work and migration. Over three million tests were taken in the past year. IELTS results are recognized by more than 12,000 organizations, including educational institutions, employers, professional associations and governments, in over 140 countries around the world.

What makes IELTS different?

IELTS is distinguished by its comprehensive assessment approach. It is developed by an international team of experts and undergoes extensive research to ensure the test remains fair and unbiased for any candidate regardless of nationality, background, gender, lifestyle or location. With both Academic and General Training options, IELTS caters to a wide range of purposes, from study to work to migration.

What are the different IELTS types?

IELTS offers two distinct types of tests: IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training, each serving different purposes and catering to diverse language proficiency needs. You can take either IELTS Academic or IELTS General Training, depending on the organization you are applying to and your plans for the future. Both tests consist of four sections: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking, with content tailored to their respective contexts.

IELTS Academic

IELTS Academic is specifically designed for individuals aspiring to pursue higher education or professional registration in an English-speaking country. It assesses academic language skills and is a prerequisite for university admissions, ensuring that non-native English speakers have the necessary proficiency to excel in academic environments.

IELTS General Training

In contrast, IELTS General Training is intended for individuals planning to work, immigrate, or participate in non-academic training in English-speaking countries. It evaluates everyday communication skills vital for social and workplace interactions. Many countries, including Australia, Canada, the UK, and New Zealand, require IELTS General Training scores as part of their visa and immigration application process.

What is the exam format for the IELTS?

The IELTS exam is an evaluation designed to measure a candidate's proficiency in English across essential communication skills. It is structured in two main segments:

Part (a) – Writing test:

• Listening:

  This module evaluates your ability to understand spoken English in various contexts. 30 minutes, four recordings of native English speakers, and a series of questions.

• Reading:

  You'll be tested on your reading comprehension skills, analyzing texts from different sources. 60 minutes, different for Academic and General Training, includes long texts and a variety of question types.

• Writing:

  In this module, you'll complete writing tasks to demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively in writing. 60 minutes, includes Writing Task 1 (report or letter) and Writing Task 2 (essay).

Part (b) – Speaking Test:

• Speaking:

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  The speaking module assesses your ability to communicate verbally in English through a face-to-face or virtual speaking interview. 11-14 minutes, face-to-face interview with an examiner, structured as a conversation.

Find out more about how IDP’s IELTS preparation course and IELTS free online mock test can help you become more proficient with the requirements of each component of the test.

Is IELTS the right English test for me?

IELTS is a versatile English language proficiency test that serves various purposes. Many individuals opt for the IELTS exam for reasons such as immigration requirements, where numerous countries mandate IELTS scores as part of their immigration process.

Additionally, universities often utilize IELTS scores as a key criterion for admission to both undergraduate and postgraduate programs. Furthermore, IELTS is also valuable for job applications, with some employers requiring IELTS scores to evaluate a candidate's English language proficiency, making it an essential tool for those seeking to enhance their career opportunities.

Which IELTS test is needed for visa application?

When it comes to visa applications, choosing the right IELTS test is crucial. It's important to check the specific visa requirements of the country to which you are applying to determine which IELTS test you need to take.

What is the IELTS UKVI?

In the United Kingdom (UK), only a specific set of English language proficiency tests are accepted for visa and immigration applications. One such test is the IELTS UKVI, a Secure English Language Test (SELT) that's officially recognized by the UK Home Office.

Tailored to adhere to the UK's strict immigration requirements, the IELTS UKVI assesses the same language skills as the standard IELTS – listening, reading, writing, and speaking. However, it incorporates additional security measures as mandated by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) guidelines.

For those needing to prove their English proficiency as part of their UK visa and immigration process, only the tests and test levels specified on the Home Office's list of approved SELTs, including the IELTS UKVI, are deemed acceptable.

What is IELTS equivalent to?

When it comes to English language proficiency tests, IELTS is not the only option. It's essential to understand how IELTS compares to other well-known tests. While each of these tests assesses English language skills, they have some distinct differences. Two other major international English language tests include:

• TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language):

  TOEFL is widely favored by universities in the United States for assessing English proficiency. It primarily focuses on American English and offers computer-based and internet-based test options, providing flexibility for test-takers to complete the exam digitally.

• PTE (Pearson Test of English):

  PTE stands out for its rapid score delivery, often providing results within days. It's versatile in assessing various English accents, making it suitable for diverse English-speaking regions. PTE is entirely computer-based, utilizing artificial intelligence to evaluate speaking and writing proficiency.

Comparing English language proficiency tests

IELTS, PTE, and TOEFL are prominent English language proficiency exams, each offering distinct advantages:

• Test format:

  IELTS provides test-takers with the flexibility to choose between paper-based and computer-based testing, catering to those who prefer using a pen over a keyboard. In contrast, both PTE and TOEFL are exclusively computer-based tests.

• Assessment of speaking skills:

  IELTS assesses speaking skills through face-to-face interactions with real examiners in private rooms. This setup allows candidates to seek clarification and ensures that accents from various backgrounds are well understood. On the other hand, PTE and TOEFL use automated systems, where test-takers speak into a microphone in a room with others, interacting with pre-recorded questions and instructions. If you value a more personalized and human interaction during the speaking test, IELTS may be the preferred choice.

• Question types:

  TOEFL primarily consists of Multiple-Choice questions. In contrast, both IELTS and PTE include a combination of short-answer and multiple-choice questions in their test formats.

Choosing between IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE depends on your specific goals, such as university admissions, visa applications, or job requirements. It's essential to check the specific requirements of the institutions or organizations you are applying to, as they may have preferences for one of these tests based on their own criteria.

Booking your IELTS test is a straightforward process that can be completed online. Once you've decided on the format and the specific IELTS test you need, the next step is to understand the associated fees.

IDP-IELTS partnerships worldwide

IDP is a leading IELTS test provider of. With a global presence, IDP collaborates with test centers and institutions worldwide to offer English language assessment solutions.

IDP-IELTS test centers are strategically located across the Philippines to serve the needs of test-takers. Today, IDP has a total of 15 IELTS on Computer test laboratories situated in key cities and regions in the Philippines namely, Pasig City, Makati City, Quezon City, Manila City, Cebu City, Laoag, Baguio, Pampanga, Laguna, Naga, Iloilo, Bacolod, Boracay, Cagayan de Oro, Davao, Zamboanga. Meanwhile, IDP continues to deliver IELTS on Paper in various areas nationwide to ensure accessibility and convenience for individuals seeking to take the IELTS exam in various parts of the country.

Registration procedure

Registering for the IELTS exam in the Philippines is a straightforward process. The registration procedure typically includes selecting your preferred test date, completing the registration form, and paying the appropriate test fee. To register, follow these steps:

• Determine required IELTS test and score:

  Contact the institutions or organizations requiring your IELTS score to know the specific test type, module, and band score you need. Different entities may require different IELTS tests and band scores, so confirm these details first. Use the CEFR IELTS comparison chart to understand the required band score.

• Select test date and location:

  Choose your preferred test date and location from our list of upcoming test dates. Ensure you have a valid government ID and are ready to pay the test fee. Complete the required details and upload a scanned copy of your valid ID. Note that the online registration process should be completed within 30 minutes.

• Payment options:

  You can pay offline via Metrobank or Dragonpay or online through Paypal. Payments should be completed within 48 hours after registration to avoid cancellation of the booking.

• Payment confirmation:

  Once payment is confirmed, you’ll receive an email acknowledgement. A week before the test, you will receive another email with the test venue and schedule details. If you don’t receive this information one week prior to your test, contact the office at (+632) 8535 3320 loc 102.

Terms and conditions:

• Arrive on time for the test, as there are no special sessions for latecomers.

• Present the same ID on the test day as the one registered online.

• If you need to defer your test date, refer to the Refunds and Transfers Policy.

Remember, registration is on a first-come, first-served basis, and it's advised to register early since slots can fill up quickly. The deadline for application submission is three weeks before the chosen test date.

Test-takers can also get the best value out of their IELTS test registration with IDP’s IELTS Promos and Limited Offers! Gain access to exclusive freebies and helpful resources when you register for your IELTS test with us today. Promotions and offers may be limited-time only, so sign up quickly to enjoy exclusive perks.