The English Language Testing Service (IELTS), as IELTS was then known, was launched in 1980 by Cambridge English Language Assessment (then known as UCLES) and the British Council. It had an innovative format, which reflected changes in language learning and teaching, including the growth in ‘communicative’ language learning and ‘English for specific purposes’. Test tasks were intended to reflect the use of English language in the ‘real world’. During the 1980s, test taker numbers were low (4,000 in 1981 rising to 10,000 in 1985) and there were practical difficulties administering the test. As a result, the IELTS Revision Project was set up to oversee the redesign of the test. In order to have international participation in the redesign, the International Development Program of Australian Universities and Colleges (IDP), now known as IDP: IELTS Australia, joined Cambridge English Language Assessment trusted by over 12,000 organizations in over 150 countries for more than 30 years. IELTS is globally accepted by all immigration departments that require an English Language test, including Australia, Canada, the UK, the USA, Ireland and New Zealand. It assesses an individual’s ability to Listen, Read, Write, and Speak in English and is graded on a band scale of 0-9. The test is conducted in either a computer or paper-based format.

IELTS is the tried and trusted test for English language proficiency across the globe. IELTS test is best suited for those who want to use English language as a proof to pursue an academic or professional career internationally. Anyone who wants to study, work or migrate to the UK must take the IELTS test approved for UK Visas and Immigration purposes also known as IELTS for UKVI.IELTS Life Skills is for those who need to prove English speaking and listening skills at Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) Levels A1, A2 or B1. IELTS for UKVI Academic and General Training and IELTS Life Skills tests are approved Secure English language tests (SELT) by the UK Home Office for visa applications to the UK. IELTS assesses your ability to understand English; the IELTS test comprises of four components Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. The total duration of the test is 2 hours and 45 minutes and your Listening, Reading, and Writing tests will be conducted on the same day, without any breaks. The sequence of the four sections for paper-based IELTS will be Writing, Listening, Reading, whilst for the computer-based IELTS will be Listening, Reading, Writing. However, the speaking test section can be scheduled up to a week before or after other tests. Your IELTS test centre will inform you of the date and time of your Speaking test.IELTS has two test types - IELTS General Training and IELTS Academic. IELTS Academic is suitable for candidates who require IELTS for academic purposes, mostly to study at undergraduate or postgraduate levels or for professional registration in an English speaking environment. IELTS General Training is suited for those who need English language proficiency to show qualifications to study below a degree level, employment and migration to English speaking countries such as Australia, the UK, the USA, Canada, New Zealand, Ireland, etc.

IELTS might be a quick way to add crucial points to your application for several permanent residency (PR) possibilities. For example, to receive 20 points for work experience, Subclass190 (Skilled Nominated category) requires at least 8 years of skilled employment in Australia. A Doctorate (PHD) from a recognised university, which can cost tens of thousands of dollars and take up to four years to finish, would be required to earn the same number of points for education. If you score Band 8 on all IELTS test components, you might gain 20 points for English language proficiency in the same PR category (Reading, Writing, Listening, Speaking). With a respectable amount of practice and the correct resources, you should be able to do it in no time.

How long will it take to get my IELTS result?

No matter how you choose to take your test, you’ll never wait more than two weeks to receive your IELTS result.

* In Europe and the UK, your results will be available between 1 - 5 days if you have taken IELTS or IELTS for UKVI on a computer. For more details Here https://takeielts.britishcouncil.org/take-ielts/ielts-results-scores